New study reveals that Epstein–Barr virus infection may increase risk of a broad spectrum of cancer types

A new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and its partners explores the link between levels of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen (VCA-IgA) antibodies, which are produced in response to EBV infection, and cancer risk.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal a significant association between the presence of these antibodies and an increased risk of multiple cancer types. Individuals who tested positive for EBV VCA-IgA antibodies were found to have a higher risk of developing cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and lymphoma; the association with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the strongest.

Ji MF, He YQ, Tang MZ, Xue WQ, Yu X, Diao H, et al.
Epstein Barr virus antibody and cancer risk in two prospective cohorts in Southern China
Nat Commun. Published online 1 July 2025;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60999-5

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