Cancer and the Epstein Barr Virus

In October 2015, the Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge was launched to tackle seven of the toughest challenges in understanding and managing cancer. The second challenge in the series posed the question: is it possible to wipe out the cancers caused by an infection due to Epstein Barr Virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus is a very common viral infection affecting humans. Approximately 19 adults in every 20 carry this virus. However, in most cases, it does not cause any harm to the human body. But, in some people, it can cause cancer.

In fact, it was the first virus that was found to …read more