Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma located on gastric high body: two case reports

Molecular Properties and Therapeutic Targeting of the EBV-Encoded Receptor BILF1

The γ-herpesvirus Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) establishes lifelong infections in approximately 90% of adults worldwide. Up to 1,000,000 people yearly are estimated to suffer from health conditions attributed to the infection with this virus, such as nasopharyngeal and gastric carcinomas as well as several forms of B, T and NK cell lymphoma. To date, no EBV-specific therapeutic option has reached the market, greatly reducing the survival prognoses of affected patients. Similar to other herpesviruses, EBV encodes for a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), BILF1, affecting a multitude of cellular signaling pathways. BILF1 has been identified to promote immune evasion and tumorigenesis, effectively ensuring a life-long persistence of EBV in, and driving detrimental health conditions to its host. This review summarizes the epidemiology of EBV-associated malignancies, their current standard-of-care, EBV-specific therapeutics in development, GPCRs and their druggability, and most importantly consolidates the findings of over 15 years of research on BILF1 in the context of EBV-specific drug development. Taken together, BILF1 constitutes a promising target for the development of novel EBV-specific therapeutics.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the large intestine: A case report and literature review

Lymphoepithelioma like carcinoma (LELC) is a well-known neoplastic lesion that mainly involves the stomach and which has been linked to Epstein Barr virus infection. There are exceptional cases of intestinal involvement by LELC, with 7 reported cases to date. We report a new case of LELC affecting the right colon and review the literature on this rare disorder, with special emphasis on pathogenesis, molecular features and differential diagnosis.

Lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma located in the lesser curvature of the gastric body: A case report and review of the literature

Lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma (LELC) is a type of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer, characterized by the presence of a lymphoid stroma with cells arranged primarily in microalveolar, thin trabecular and primitive tubular patterns, or isolated cells. In situ hybridization is usually used to confirm the presence of EBV. LELC is a rare type of cancer, with an incidence of 1-4% among all gastric cancers. Despite its rarity, this tumor has attracted attention due to its distinct clinicopathological characteristics and its association with the immune system. This is the report of a rare case of gastric LELC located in the lesser curvature of the gastric body.

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma initially diagnosed as squamous metaplasia: A case report and literature review

A mass was detected in the middle lobe of the right lung of a 58-year-old female. The patient did not present any symptoms and was a nonsmoker. Diagnostic evaluation revealed squamous metaplasia in the middle lobe of the right lung. During surgery, a tumor was identified, which was diagnosed as a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC). LELCs have been mainly reported in the Asian population and are associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBVs), while they are not associated with smoking. Squamous metaplasia, which is the basis of squamous cell carcinoma, differs from LELC in the therapeutic methods used and the prognostic evaluation. Squamous metaplasia requires regular follow-up in out-patient clinics, while pulmonary LELC is treated by surgery and chemotherapy. Therefore, distinguishing between LELCs and other nonmalignant or premalignant conditions is essential.