A Comprehensive Study of Prostate Cancer and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the potential link between Epstein-Barr virus infection and prostate cancer development, highlighting its role in the second most common malignancy in developed countries. A complete literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published between 2002 and 2024. The study incorporated publications from various countries, peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses as supplementary sources to identify additional relevant studies. The study analyzed data from 16 articles, involving 1,340 PC cases, assessing EBV detection based on geographical distribution, publication year, and EBV-positive cases. The odds ratio for EBV-associated PC was 26.79, with a global prevalence of 0.38. The study indicates regional variations in EBV positivity among PC cases, suggesting a possible link between EBV infection and PC, but further research is needed to clarify its role. © 2025, Iranian Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society. All rights reserved.