HHV8 and Multiple Myeloma Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Tedeschi R, Luostarinen T, De Paoli P, Gislefoss R E, Tenkanen L, Virtamo J, Koskela P, Hallmans G, Lehtinen M, Dillner J
Primary Institution: Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, Italy
Hypothesis
Is there an association between human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and the risk of multiple myeloma (MM)?
Conclusion
The data indicate that HHV8 infection is not associated with multiple myeloma.
Supporting Evidence
- HHV8 seroprevalences among cases and controls were similar (12% and 15%, respectively).
- HHV8 seropositivity did not associate with the risk of MM.
- Similar risks were seen when analysis was restricted to case–control sets with at least 2 years lag before diagnosis.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a virus called HHV8 causes a type of cancer called multiple myeloma, and it found that it does not.
Methodology
The study linked five large serum banks in the Nordic countries with cancer registries to identify cases of MM and matched controls.
Potential Biases
The study design minimizes epidemiological sources of bias, but there may still be risks related to the measurement of serological responses.
Limitations
The study may have limitations related to the potential for measurement biases in serological assays due to high levels of myeloma proteins in patients.
Participant Demographics
The study included 329 cases of MM and 1631 matched controls based on age and gender.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
0.5–1.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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