Work

The impact of type 2 diabetes on selected clinical parameters and serological markers in patients with EBV-related oropharyngeal cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes can lead to many complications and may also increase the risk of malignant tumours. Numerous studies have shown that diabetes not only increases the incidence, but also affects the prognosis of many cancers, including those of the head and neck. The aim of the study was to assess the possible impact of diabetes on the clinical course of EBV-related oropharyngeal cancer. For this purpose, the frequency of G and TN features was analyzed among diabetic EBV-related oropharyngeal cancer patients compared with those without diabetes. The study also took into account the duration of diabetes (in years) and the level of anti-EBV antibodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 115 patients diagnosed and histologically confirmed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The research used tumour tissue samples taken during surgery and sera. EBV DNA was detected by PCR in the tissue and anti-EBV antibodies were detected in the serum (ELISA test). RESULTS: Poorly differentiated tumours (G3) and more advanced clinical stages (T3 - T4) as well as more involved lymph nodes (N) were observed in diabetic patients. The frequency of the mentioned clinical parameters depended on the duration of diabetes. The level of anti-EBNA and anti-EBVCA antibodies was significantly lower in the group of patients with diabetes (both in IgA and IgG classes). Patients suffering from diabetes for over 6 years had significantly lower levels of tested antibodies. The obtained results encourage further, in-depth research in this area. CONCLUSIONS: More advanced stages of EBV-related OPSCC and lower levels of anti-EBV antibodies are observed in diabetic patients.

Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.26444/aaem/203027

Authors: Karol Paradowski, Marcin Koleśnik, Mirosław Jerzy Jarosz, Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz

Institutions: Medical University of Lublin, University of Economics and Innovation

Language: English

Topic: Viral-associated cancers and disorders

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $690