Episode Details

In this episode, we explore the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a type of head and neck cancer that is especially common in Malaysia, Southern China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Learn how a virus carried by most adults worldwide can contribute to cancer development in certain high-risk individuals.

You’ll learn:

• What the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is and how it remains in the body for life
• Why nearly all undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases contain EBV genetic material
• How EBV proteins activate pathways that promote cancer growth and progression
• The key risk factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma include family history, genetics, and dietary habits
• Common symptoms such as neck lumps, nasal blockage, nosebleeds, and hearing changes
• How doctors diagnose NPC using nasal endoscopy, biopsy, imaging, and EBV DNA blood testing
• Why radiotherapy remains the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• When chemotherapy and immunotherapy are used for advanced or recurrent disease
• How early detection can dramatically improve survival rates and long-term outcomes

Whether you have a family history of NPC, live in a high-risk region, or want to better understand the role of EBV in cancer development, this episode provides a clear overview of the latest knowledge on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Blog Link: The Link Between the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

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Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE

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