The role of some viruses in the colorectal carcinogenesis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24866/3033-5485/2025-1/45-54

Keywords:

carcinogenesis, viruses, colorectal cancer, viral carcinogenesis, human papillomavirus, Epstein – Barr virus, John Cunningham virus

Abstract

Although viruses are not the main cause of cancer, their role in the development of malignant neoplasms in humans is undeniably great and has been repeatedly confirmed by various scientific studies. Modern data indicate that viruses act as etiologic agents in approximately 15% of cases of tumor diseases. The mechanisms of their carcinogenic action are often complex and multistage and are not always easy to identify. The objective of this review is to analyze data on the carcinogenicity of some of them – Epstein – Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), John Cunningham virus (JCV), as well as co-infection of HPV and viruses of the Herpesviridae family. Despite the diversity of the studies cited, the authors conclude that there is no direct molecular evidence confirming this relationship, and the role of viruses in the development of colorectal cancer is contradictory. Despite this, a common feature of the oncogenesis process in the presence of the described viruses can be considered the ability to cause latent infections and influence pathways controlled by p53-/pRb proteins, which play a proven role in the process of carcinogenesis.

Author Biographies

  • Yulia I. Nikitina, Pacific State Medical University

    1st year Resident of the Specialty "Oncology"

  • Vladimir I. Apanasevich, Pacific State Medical University

    Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Institute of Surgery

  • Yulia Yu. Petukhova, Primorsky Regional Oncology Dispensary

    Candidate of Medical Sciences, Deputy Chief Physician for Medical Affairs

  • Yana A. Kovtun, Pacific State Medical University

    6th year Student of the Specialty "General Medicine"

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Published

2025-02-20

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Section

ONCOLOGY, RADIATION THERAPY

How to Cite

The role of some viruses in the colorectal carcinogenesis. (2025). Clinical and Fundamental Medicine, 1(1), 45-54. https://doi.org/10.24866/3033-5485/2025-1/45-54

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