Epstein–Barr Virus MicroRNAs and Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Koshiol J, Gulley M L, Zhao Y, Rubagotti M, Marincola F M, Rotunno M, Tang W, Bergen A W, Bertazzi P A, Roy D, Pesatori A C, Linnoila I, Dittmer D, Goldstein A M, Caporaso N E, McShane L M, Wang E, Landi M T
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Are viral microRNAs present in tumor tissue of lung cancer patients?
Conclusion
The study found little evidence of Epstein–Barr virus in lung tumor tissue, suggesting it may not play a role in lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- EBV miRNAs differentiated between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Microarray and qPCR results showed low correlation for EBV miRNA expression.
- Only one case had detectable EBV DNA in tumor tissue.
Takeaway
The researchers looked for a virus in lung cancer but found very little evidence that it was there.
Methodology
The study used a two-channel oligo-array and qPCR to evaluate viral microRNA expression in lung cancer cases.
Potential Biases
Potential cross-reactivity in miRNA assays could lead to false positives.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size for follow-up analyses and may not represent all lung cancer cases.
Participant Demographics
The study included 2100 lung cancer cases and 2120 matched controls, primarily Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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