Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus-6 and Wilms Tumor: Is There a Link?

 Identifying etiologic factors contributing to Wilms tumor (WT) is necessary for its prevention and treatment. Oncogenic viruses cause nearly 20% of all human cancers. Although trials on preventing virus-caused cancers are complex and difficult, but they are not impossible to conduct. Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV6) can cause different types of cancers.

 The current study aimed to investigate whether HCMV and HHV6-DNA are present in patients with WT. This is the first study of this kind in Iran.

 This study was performed on patients with kidney disorders who were referring to Mofid Pediatrics Hospital, Tehran (Iran), during 2010-16. In total, 98 kidney samples (49 patients with WT and 49 normal kidneys (autopsy) and kidneys with benign noninfectious lesions) were investigated to identify HCMV and HHV6-DNA. Qualitative Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) method and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) technique were used to identify HCMV and HHV6, respectively.

 No significant difference was found between WT patients and controls concerning the HCMV or HHV6.

 Based on the findings, it can be concluded that there is no association between these viruses and WT.