Medical history and lifestyle factors contributing to Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma and conventional gastric carcinoma in Korea

Abstract

Background: Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBV-GC) has been characterized as a special gastric cancer subset. Lifestyle and other major factors that may contribute to EBV-GC and non-EBV-GC were investigated here. Materials and Methods: A total of 247 patients with gastric cancer were interviewed, clinicopathological information was retrieved, and in situ hybridization was performed for EBV-encoded small RNAs. Results: There were 18 EBV-GC (male:female=17:1) and 229 non-EBV-GC patients (male:female=161:68). A history of previous gastric ulcer was associated with EBV-GC, whereas frequent and heavy alcohol drinking was related to non-EBV-GC. Additionally, skipping breakfast was correlated with EBV-GC in male patients. Other factors, such as body mass index, history of gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, ABO blood type, family history of gastric cancer, education level, marital status, occupation, family status, and dietary factors, showed no significant differences between EBV-GC and non-EBV-GC. Conclusion: A history of gastric ulcer, reflecting chemical injury to the stomach mucosa, appears to contribute to development of EBV-GC. Alcohol drinking was more related to non-EBV-GC than EBV-GC.