Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Screening in Asymptomatic People without Known Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an uncommon head and neck malignancy in most parts of the world but is endemic in Southeast Asia and North Africa.¹ Over 130,000 new cases were recorded globally and 80,000 patients succumbed to nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2020.² Owing to relatively mild symptoms during early stages, most patients are diagnosed with clinically advanced disease, and the 5-year overall survival for these patients remains approximately 50%.³ Hence, early detection when the disease is most treatable may improve clinical outcomes.