In SITU HYBRIDIZATION and immunohistochemical technique for Epstein- Barr Virus (EBV) detection in Misan province breast cancer women

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be the most common malignancy and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality
among women globally. Although conventional risk factors inadequately account for a considerable number
of cases, recent findings associate viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), with the onset and
advancement of breast cancer. This research examines the existence and function of EBV in breast cancer
among women in Misan Province, Iraq. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and chromogenic in situ hybridization
(CISH) were employed to analyze 70 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tissue blocks, comprising 45
malignant and 25 non-malignant samples. The results indicated a prevalent incidence of invasive ductal
carcinoma (IDC) (93.3%) among malignant cases, with EBV EBER RNA signals identified in 62% of breast
cancer samples against 10% in controls, demonstrating statistically significant differences (p < 0.04). Nuclear
brown staining indicative of EBV was identified in 68% of cancer tissues using IHC. The data indicate a
possible correlation between EBV infection and breast cancer, underscoring the necessity for additional
research into its oncogenic mechanisms and implications for preventative and treatment approaches.