Overview
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is a specific type of stomach cancer that is linked to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the same virus that causes mononucleosis (mono). This form of stomach cancer accounts for roughly 10% of all gastric (stomach) cancers worldwide. In EBVaGC, the virus inserts its genetic material into the cells lining the stomach, which over time can lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer. The cancer most commonly develops in the upper part of the stomach (the fundus or body) or in the remaining stomach tissue after previous stomach surgery. Symptoms of EBVaGC are similar to other forms of stomach cancer and may include persistent stomach pain, unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and feeling full after eating only small amounts. Some patients may notice blood in their stool or develop anemia. Because these symptoms overlap with many common digestive conditions, diagnosis is often delayed. Compared to other types of stomach cancer, EBVaGC tends to have a somewhat better prognosis. It is characterized by a strong immune response within the tumor, which may explain why these cancers sometimes respond better to treatment. Treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and increasingly, immunotherapy. Recent research has shown that EBVaGC tumors often have high levels of a protein called PD-L1, making them good candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. This is an active area of research with promising results.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Persistent stomach pain or discomfortUnintended weight lossLoss of appetiteFeeling full after eating small amountsNausea and vomitingDifficulty swallowingBlood in the stool or black tarry stoolsFatigue and weakness from anemiaHeartburn or indigestion that does not go awayBloating after mealsVomiting bloodAbdominal swelling in advanced cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
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
Financial Resources
1 resourcesCYRAMZA
Eli Lilly
Stomach Cancer
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma.
Community
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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 stage is my cancer, and has it spread beyond the stomach?,How does the EBV association affect my treatment options and prognosis compared to other types of stomach cancer?,Am I a candidate for immunotherapy, and has my tumor been tested for PD-L1 expression?,What type of surgery do I need, and how will it affect my ability to eat and absorb nutrients?,What clinical trials are available for EBV-associated gastric carcinoma?,What nutritional support and supplements will I need during and after treatment?,How often will I need follow-up scans and endoscopies after treatment?
Common questions about Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma
What is Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma?
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is a specific type of stomach cancer that is linked to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the same virus that causes mononucleosis (mono). This form of stomach cancer accounts for roughly 10% of all gastric (stomach) cancers worldwide. In EBVaGC, the virus inserts its genetic material into the cells lining the stomach, which over time can lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer. The cancer most commonly develops in the upper part of the stomach (the fundus or body) or in the remaining stomach tissue after previous stomach surge
How is Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma inherited?
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma?
4 specialists and care centers treating Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.