[Clinical and molecular features of cardial gastric cancer associated to Epstein Barr virus].

BACKGROUND Mortality caused by cardial gastric cancer in Chile, is increasing. Previously we demonstrated an association between Epstein Barr virus and this specific location of gastric cancer. AIM To perform a clinical and molecular characterization of cardial gastric cancer associated to Epstein Barr virus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Epstein Barr virus was identified in 93 cardial gastric tumors, by in situ hybridization. Clinical and pathological features, survival and expression of p53 and c-erbB2 were compared between tumors with or without the presence of the virus. RESULTS Twenty two (23.6%) tumors expressed Epstein Barr virus. No difference in sex or age of patients with tumors positive or negative for the virus was observed. Epstein Barr positive tumors had a tendency to have a higher frequency of Bormann III endoscopic appearance and a lower frequency of p53 accumulation (p=0.06). Five years survival was 67% and 42% of tumors positive and negative for the presence of the virus, respectively (p=0.57). CONCLUSIONS Our results, although not significant, show a tendency towards unique characteristics of cardial gastric tumors associated to Epstein Barr.