Hodgkin lymphoma pathogenesis linked to inflammation caused by Epstein-Barr virus

06-08-2006

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) pathogenesis could be linked to chronic inflammation caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

According to recent research from England, "The association between chronic inflammation and cancer has been known for well over a century. However, direct evidence detailing the role of inflammation in carcinogenesis has been slow in forthcoming."

"A number of recent studies suggest that the gaps in our understanding of the molecular pathways bridging the link between inflammation and cancer are slowly beginning to close and that this relationship is more deep-rooted than had been previously believed," explained G. Khan and colleagues, Kingston University. "This review addresses the link between inflammation and HL, a malignancy which has many features reminiscent of chronic inflammation.

"The role of EBV in the pathogenesis of HL is discussed, along with an outline of our current understanding of the cellular nature and development of Reed-Sternberg cells, the malignant cells of HL. The involvement of cytokines and chemokines as orchestrators of inflammation and vehicles for chemical cross-talk between the malignant cells and the reactive inflammatory infiltrate forms a major part of the review."

The researchers concluded, "It is suggested that chronic inflammation, triggered by factors such as EBV, is likely to contribute to tumor cell proliferation, progression, and inhibition of apoptosis. Furthermore, it is proposed that the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-kappa B plays a central role in many of these processes."

Khan and colleagues published their study in Experimental Hematology (Epstein-Barr virus, cytokines, and inflammation: A cocktail. for the pathogenesis of Hodgkin's lymphoma? Exp Hematol, 2006;34(4):399-406).

For additional information, contact G. Khan, Kingston University, School Life Science, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, Surrey, England.

Publisher contact information for the journal Experimental Hematology is: Elsevier Science Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.

Keywords: Kingston upon Thames, County: Surrey, England, Apoptosis, Carcinogenesis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, EBV, Epstein-Barr Virus, Hematology, Herpes, Herpesvirus, Lymphoma, Oncology, Pathogenesis, Virology, Chronic Inflammation.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.