Assessment of histopathological parameters and survival difference in EBV-positive and EBV-negative prostate carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have shown an association between prostate carcinoma (PCa) and certain viral infections, such as HPV, EBV, CMV, etc. Despite the evidence about the presence of the EBV in PCa tissues, it is unknown if the presence of EBV is associated with any distinct histopathological characteristics and/or survival advantages/disadvantages in patients with PCa. In this study, therefore, we analyzed the LMP-1 expression, and histopathological characteristics of EBV-positive and -negative PCa tissues, followed by the survival analysis in patients from the two groups.Material & Methods: LMP-1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry in the EBV PCR-positive FFPE PCa samples. Subsequently, two key parameters for the characterization of PCa, i.e., Gleason scores and perineural invasion (PNI), along with intratumoral lymphocytes and stromal lymphocytic infiltration was studied in the EBV-positive and -negative PCa tissues. Lastly, the survival benefit analysis of EBV-positive and EBV-negative PCa patients was performed.Results: EBV LMP1 protein expression was found in 70.96% of EBV PCR-positive PCa tissues. Histopathological analysis showed significantly higher (p<0.05) mean major and total Gleason scores, and perineural invasion (80%) in EBV-positive as compared with the EBV-negative PCa samples. We also found a higher percentage of intratumoral and tumor-stromal lymphocytic infiltration in EBV-positive PC samples as compared to EBV-negative PCa samples. Overall, the survival proportion was similar in both EBV-positive and EBV-negative groups. However, a small difference in survival benefit emerged in the 38th month, where the mean percent survival was higher in EBV-positive PCa (41.6%) patients as compared to EBV-negative PCa patients (19.96%).Conclusion: In conclusion, the presence of EBV in the PCa tissues may lead to aggressive forms of cancer. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to strengthen the link between EBV, PCa prognosis, and survival.