Prevalence and prognostic significance of Epstein-Barr virus infection in classical hodgkin's lymphoma: A meta-analysis

Ju Han Lee, Younghye Kim, Jung Woo Choi, Young Sik Kim

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    61 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background and Aims: The prevalence and prognostic significance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in classical Hodgkin's lymphomas (cHLs) remain elusive. To examine the epidemiological and prognostic differences between EBV-positive and -negative cHLs, we conducted a meta-analysis of 119 published studies including 13,045 cases. Methods: We pooled the results of relevant published studies identified using the PubMed and Embase. The effect sizes of outcome parameters were calculated by prevalence, odds ratio (OR), or hazard ratio using a random-effects model. Results: The pooled prevalence of EBV infection in cHL was 47.9%, which was significantly higher in Africa and Central and South America than other regions. EBV-positive cHL showed higher incidence in children than in adults (69.7 vs. 41.1%). EBV-positive cHL was significantly related to male (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.510-2.038; p <0.001), mixed cellularity subtype (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 3.243-4.451; p <0.001), and advanced clinical stages (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.072-1.369; p = 0.002). However, the presence of EBV in cHL was not associated with overall or event-free survival. Conclusions: The prevalence of EBV differs according to age, sex, region, histologic subtype, and clinical stage of cHL. However, the presence of EBV has little effects on cHL patient's survival.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)417-431
    Number of pages15
    JournalArchives of Medical Research
    Volume45
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014 Jul

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    The study was supported by a Korea University grant ( K1325291 ).

    Keywords

    • Epstein-Barr virus
    • Hodgkin's lymphoma
    • Meta-analysis

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Medicine

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