Molecular portrait of stomach cancer associated with the Epstein–Barr virus

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) associated gastric carcinoma is a special form of gastric adenocarcinoma that arises against the background of clonal growth of EBV-infected epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. This subtype of tumors has unique genetic and epigenetic features that determine its characteristic phenotype. Determination of the molecular features of EBV-associated gastric cancer made it possible to identify potential targets for drug therapy of this subtype of tumors. The review presents modern data on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of EBVassociated gastric cancer, describes its unique pathomorphological and molecular features. Particular attention is paid to the prognostic role of EBV infection and drug therapy potentially applicable to the treatment of EBV-positive gastric cancer.