Infectious Diseases and Cancer: The Role of Vaccination

Abstract

The etiology of cancer is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, disruption of apoptosis, environmental exposures (e.g., radiation), toxic substances (e.g., tobacco), hormonal influences (e.g., estrogens and ovarian cancer), among others. More recently, several pathogens—particularly viruses—have been identified as direct oncogenic agents, with the potential to drive global cancer epidemics. Well-established examples include hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, and Epstein–Barr virus, among others.

In addition, emerging experimental evidence suggests that even non-oncogenic acute respiratory viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus) may trigger neoplastic cell activation and facilitate tumor dissemination, particularly in breast cancer models.

Vaccination has already demonstrated a major impact on cancer prevention, with hepatitis B and human papillomavirus vaccines significantly reducing liver and cervical cancers, respectively. Expanding immunization strategies to target not only directly oncogenic pathogens but also respiratory viruses with tumor-promoting potential could lead to an even greater global reduction in cancer burden—representing a novel and transformative role for vaccines in cancer prevention.