PowerPoint Presentation

Polyomavirus

• One of seven currently known human oncoviruses • DNA virus • Linked to MCC (80% of cases)

• A common infection of older children and adults, asymptomatic carers • It is found in respiratory secretions, in healthy skin, and in gastrointestinal tract tissues and elsewhere • Polyomavirus found in most MCC have at least 2 mutations and are not transmittable / infectious • Polyomavirus in MCC already has integrated into the cancer cell genome indicating infection prior to carcinogenesis • Detection of the virus is still at a research phase and is generally not available as a clinical test • Possible associations with cervical carcinoma, cSCC, Bowen's disease, BCC, extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma, and EGFR mutation-driven NSCLC