Virus-associated tumors in point of view of the medical oncologist: from epidemiology to treatment

At the present moment viruses are the main etiological factor of 15% of the tumors in worldwide and more than 25% in the developing countries. The occurrence of the malignant neoplasms after a long latent period, which can reach up to 30 years, is the main specialty. The viral epidemiology and transmission are used to distinguish the groups of risk, resulting in the development of the diagnostic and the screening programs. The viruses as a prognostic factor are attended in terms of the choice of the optimal treatment strategies. Our growing knowledge of the role of viruses as a cause of the tumor has led to the development of vaccines to help prevent certain human cancers.