Journal: Nature reviews. Clinical oncology
This review focuses on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), especially in regions where it is endemic and strongly linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
It highlights validated biomarkers for early NPC detection, including:
- Plasma EBV DNA
- Serum antibodies against EBV antigens
Plasma EBV DNA PCR testing can identify early asymptomatic cases, with fragmentomics enhancing detection specificity and risk prediction.
Antibody screening initially targeted IgA against EBV viral capsid and nuclear antigens, which helped reduce NPC mortality. Newer methods using anti-BNLF2b antibodies demonstrate higher sensitivity and specificity.
Cost-effectiveness analyses support implementing screening programs in endemic areas using these biomarkers.
The review also discusses ongoing efforts to develop prophylactic and therapeutic EBV vaccines as preventive strategies.
Finally, it emphasizes insights from plasma EBV DNA studies that may help optimize liquid biopsy-based cancer screening more broadly.