Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection increases the aggressiveness of some types of cancer. (1)
Research has shown that finding CMV in tumors increases the risk of a poor outcome in cancers, such as glioblastoma (a highly invasive brain tumor). (1)
In fact, “Numerous previous studies have confirmed that CMV nucleic acids and genes (DNA) are present in more than 90% of some GBM tumors … (and) …existing data supports the idea that long-term, low-level CMV infection may promote the survival, stemness, and proliferation of glioma stem-like cells and could significantly contribute to GBM pathogenesis (progression of the disease).” (2)
An important finding of one study showed that “CMV-infected glioma stem-like cells outlived their uninfected counterparts, and this extended survival was paralleled by an increased frequency of tumor sphere formation.” (2)
Because of the clear relationship between CMV and cancer, “researchers are continuing to study the relationship between CMV, GBM, and other types of cancer, including prostate, colon, and breast cancer.” (2)
“Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the herpes virus family, which infects 70%-100% of the world′s population. After a primary infection that is generally mild or asymptomatic in the immunocompetent host, this virus establishes latency.” (3)
Latency is a condition where the virus replicates on a small scale and only produces a subset of its proteins.
The bottom line?
The human cytomegalovirus is dangerous and can cause a wide range of diseases, and makes cancerous tumors more deadly.
(1) O Fornara, J Bartek Jr, A Rahbar, J Odeberg, Z Khan, I Peredo, P Hamerlik, J Bartek, G Stragliotto, N Landázuri and C Söderberg-Nauclér “Cytomegalovirus infection induces a stem cell phenotype in human primary glioblastoma cells: prognostic significance and biological impact” Cell Death & Differentiation , (3 July 2015) | doi:10.1038/cdd.2015.91
(2) VBIVaccines.com – “New Study Lends Support To Possible CMV-Glioblastoma Connection” – Published January 21, 2015
(3) Söderberg-Nauclér C and Johnsen JI “Cytomegalovirus in human brain tumors: Role in pathogenesis and potential treatment options.” Published in advance, World J Exp Med. 2015 February 20; 5(1): 1-10.