Viruses cause white skin cancer

Human papillomaviruses promote the development of skin cancer

20/07/2011

White skin cancer is not only caused by UV light, but viruses play a major role in the development of this particular cancer often occurring in older people, said Lutz Gissmann from the German Cancer Research Center (DFZ) in Heidelberg, the results of his current research.

In the context of their study, the DKFZ researchers had investigated in mice a possible link between the so-called human beta-papillomaviruses and the development of skin cancer. Lutz Gissmann and colleagues found that the skin cells of the animals through „the beta-papillomavirus susceptible to harmful UV radiation“ were. The human papillomaviruses are thus „causally involved in carcinogenesis“, Gissmann explained.

Viruses increase the carcinogenic effect of sunlight
In their investigations, the DKFZ scientists found out that the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an essential role in the development of white skin cancer. Gissmann and colleagues implanted certain gene segments of the beta-papillomavirus into the skin cells of the mice and then irradiated the animals with UV light. The researchers were able to determine that the viruses - with simultaneous irradiation with UV light - significantly increased the risk of skin cancer. The viral genes E6 and E7 in the skin cells were already known from previous studies as a possible cause of uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancer cells. However, a connection with the occurrence of skin cancer has not yet been established, the scientists explained the reason for their investigations. Although the beta-papilloma virus on the upper skin layer of the infected experimental animals caused uncontrolled cell growth in the DKFZ study, skin cancer did not initially develop, reports Gissmann and colleagues in a recent press release. Subsequent irradiation with UV light, however, clearly showed the first signs of skin cancer.

Human papillomaviruses as causes of white skin cancer
The current investigations clearly identify human papillomavirus as a possible cause of white skin cancer, explained Lutz Gissmann. Although there have been doubts in the scientific community for some time that UV light is the only cause of white skin cancer in question, since, for example, people are subject to an organ transplant to a hundredfold increased risk of white skin cancer. But so far no further causes could be named, explained Lutz Gissmann. However, the assumption was close, „that even an infectious agent is involved in carcinogenesis“ could be, stressed the expert. With the beta-papillomaviruses, the DKFZ researchers have now unequivocally determined another influencing factor in the development of white skin cancer.

Carcinogenic effect of the viruses has been known for some time
Human papillomaviruses were already known as possible causes of various cancers before the current DKFZ investigations, with the viruses being regarded as a major risk factor, especially with regard to the development of cervical cancer. These so-called DNA viruses are so diverse that already more than 100 different types can be distinguished. Many of them infect only the skin or the mucous membranes. According to the experts, the human papillomaviruses are not only considered as a possible cause of cervical cancer, but are also more frequently involved in cancers of the penis, vulva, anus and mouth. Many of the HPV would be transmitted during sexual intercourse, with the infection rate of women under the age of 30 should be up to 25 percent. According to the experts, after the outbreak of the infection, it often heals without any further symptoms over a longer period of time (up to one and a half years). In men, no more detailed information on the infection rates are available.

Vaccination against skin cancer possible?
Because of the carcinogenic effects of papillomaviruses, the DKFZ researchers have been working for years to develop appropriate vaccines. For example, Lutz Gissmann has been involved in the development of a cervical cancer vaccine since 2006. The now discovered connections with the development of white skin cancer also suggest in the opinion of Gissmann that „a vaccine against the beta-papillomaviruses prevent white skin cancer“ could. Before a vaccine against skin cancer can be developed, according to the experts, however, some research work still has to be done. (Fp)

Also read about skin cancer:
New drugs against skin cancer presented
White skin cancer is rapidly increasing
Dangerous black skin cancer
Sunscreen does not protect against skin cancer

Picture credits: Dieter Schütz