Short Communication

British Journal of Cancer (2009) 101, 526–529. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605146 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 23 June 2009

Epstein–Barr virus antibody level and gastric cancer risk in Korea: a nested case–control study

Y Kim1, A Shin2, J Gwack3, K-P Ko4, C-S Kim4, S K Park3,5, Y-C Hong3, D Kang3,5 and K-Y Yoo3

  1. 1Cancer Early Detection Branch, National Cancer Control Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 111 Jungbalsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Korea
  2. 2Cancer Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Management, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 111 Jungbalsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Korea
  3. 3Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea
  4. 4Division of Epidemiology and Health Index, Center for Genome Science, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 194 Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul 122-701, Korea
  5. 5Seoul National University Cancer Research Institute, 103 Daehangno, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea

Correspondence: Dr K-Y Yoo, E-mail: kyyoo@plaza.snu.ac.kr

Received 23 April 2009; Revised 28 May 2009; Accepted 29 May 2009; Published online 23 June 2009.

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Abstract

Background:

  

Few cohort studies have investigated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection before the occurrence of gastric cancer.

Methods:

  

Among 14 440 cohort participants, 100 incident gastric cancer cases were individually matched to two controls. Epstein–Barr virus antibodies IgG and IgA against viral capsid antigen (VCA), EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibody IgG, and early antigen (EA) antibody IgG were measured using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).

Results:

  

The highest titres of VCA IgG (odds ratio (OR): 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62–3.06) or EBNA IgG (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.51–1.46) were not associated with gastric cancer risk.

Conclusion:

  

Higher levels of VCA IgG or EBNA IgG were not associated with increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma in Koreans.

Keywords:

stomach neoplasms, Epstein–Barr virus, nested case–control study, Korea

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