Epstein-Barr virus and breast cancer: Serological study in a high-incidence area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We investigated IgA and IgG levels against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) and nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) in serum of 223 women with breast cancer (BC) and 309 controls in Guangzhou, China. VCA IgA levels were significantly associated with an elevated risk of BC, with adjusted ORs (95%CIs) of 1.70 (1.05-2.76) (seropositivity) and 2.21 (1.11-4.40) (unit increases in OD value). This association was stronger among young, lean, and HER2+ women. The EBNA-1 IgA levels in OD value, but not seropositivity, were associated with an increased risk of BC among ER+, PR+, and HER2+ patients. None of the IgG variables was related to BC. These results suggest the EBV association with BC in an endemic area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.