Overview
Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma (also called EBV-associated carcinoma) is a group of cancers that develop in connection with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a very common virus — most people are infected at some point in their lives — but in rare cases, the virus can contribute to the development of certain cancers. The most well-known types of EBV-associated carcinomas include nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer of the area behind the nose and above the throat) and certain types of stomach (gastric) cancer. In these cancers, the virus inserts its genetic material into the cells and produces proteins that help the cancer cells grow and avoid the immune system. Symptoms depend on where the cancer develops. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma may cause a lump in the neck, hearing loss, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or headaches. EBV-associated gastric cancer may cause stomach pain, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves biopsy of the tumor along with testing for the presence of EBV within the cancer cells. Treatment usually includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the cancer type and stage. Immunotherapy has become an increasingly important treatment option, particularly checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Because EBV-positive cancers often have distinct biological features, researchers are actively studying targeted therapies and virus-specific treatments. Prognosis varies widely depending on the specific cancer type, stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Lump or swelling in the neckPersistent nasal congestion or stuffinessNosebleedsHearing loss or ringing in the earsHeadachesDifficulty swallowingUnexplained weight lossStomach pain or discomfortNausea or vomitingLoss of appetiteFatigue and tirednessBlood in the stool (for gastric type)Feeling of fullness after eating small amountsDouble vision or facial numbness
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
4 eventsUnion Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology — PHASE2
University of California, San Francisco — NA
Kousai Bio Co., Ltd. — EARLY_PHASE1
Stanford University — PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma.
2 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Screening Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma With EBV Associated Biomarkers in Zhongshan City
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
New recruiting trial: Induction Chemotherapy Response-Guided Radiation for EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
New recruiting trial: Gemcitabine + Docetaxel + Toripalimab Induction in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma(NPC)
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
New recruiting trial: Testing the Addition of BMS-986016 (Relatlimab) to the Usual Immunotherapy After Initial Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Cancer
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type of EBV-associated carcinoma do I have, and what stage is it?,What treatment options are available for my specific situation, and what are the expected benefits and side effects?,Am I eligible for immunotherapy or any clinical trials targeting EBV-related cancers?,How will treatment affect my ability to eat, speak, and carry out daily activities?,What follow-up schedule will I need after treatment, and how will you monitor for recurrence?,Should my family members be screened, especially if we come from a high-risk population?,What supportive care services are available to help me manage side effects and maintain quality of life?
Common questions about Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma
What is Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma?
Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma (also called EBV-associated carcinoma) is a group of cancers that develop in connection with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a very common virus — most people are infected at some point in their lives — but in rare cases, the virus can contribute to the development of certain cancers. The most well-known types of EBV-associated carcinomas include nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer of the area behind the nose and above the throat) and certain types of stomach (gastric) cancer. In these cancers, the virus inserts its genetic material into t
How is Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma inherited?
Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma?
Yes — 2 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma?
15 specialists and care centers treating Epstein-Barr Virus-associated carcinoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.