title: EBV-Related Malignancies, Outcomes and Novel Prevention Strategies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is a common gamma herpes virus with a high prevalence in adults worldwide. Infection is mostly latent in affected individuals. EBV has been linked mostly with lymphoid malignancies but its association with epithelial and other non-lymphoid malignancies has also been described.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using MEDLINE, the terms "Epstein Barr Virus AND Malignancy"; "EBV mechanisms"; EBV treatment AND outcomes"; and "EBV prevention" were combined to find articles pertinent to this review. The search was limited to more recent publications between January 1, 2000 and August 1, 2015.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this review, we describe current knowledge about the pathogenesis of EBV-related malignancies and evaluate their therapeutic options and outcomes. Current and prospective novel preventive options are also critically reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EBV infection is a very common viral infection worldwide and has been implicated in various malignancies including lymphomas, gastric cancer, and nasopharangeal cancer. Patients with EBV positive PTLD and NK/T-cell lymphoma tend to have a better prognosis than EBV negative patients. On the other hand, patients with EBV positive HL or DLBCL tend to have a poorer prognosis especially in elderly patients. Further research is needed to better understand if EBV status is a true prognostic indicator in most malignancies. Treatment approaches remain similar for EBV positive and EBV negative malignancies while the use of novel agents remain under investigation. EBV vaccination trials are underway and these remain a potentially effective strategy to prevent EBV-related malignancies and the associated sequela.
authors.forename: Oluwatobi Ohiole
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Ozoya
authors.forename: Lubomir
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sokol
authors.affiliation: Mercy Clinic Joplin- Oncology and Hematology, 100 Mercy Way, Joplin, MO 64804, USA. sdalia@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dalia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D022283:Herpesvirus Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000821:virology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000821:virology; D014611:Vaccination; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D022283:Herpesvirus Vaccines