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 cancel; 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.