The Role of Oncogenic Viruses in the Pathogenesis of Sporadic Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in the female sex; although recent therapies have significantly changed the natural history of this cancer, it remains a significant challenge. In the past decade, evidence has been put forward that some oncogenic viruses may play a role in the development of sporadic breast cancer; however, data are scattered and mostly reported as sparse case series or small case–control studies. In this review, we organize and report current evidence regarding the role of high-risk human papillomavirus, mouse mammary tumor virus, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, bovine leukemia virus, human polyomavirus 2, and Merkel cell polyomavirus in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• carcinogenesis
• viral carcinogenesis
• HPV
• MMTV
• EBV