US scientists have found evidence of a virus in malignant human prostate cancer cells. The virus, xenotropic murine leukaemia virusrelated virus (XMRV), is already known to be capable of causing leukaemia and sarcomas in animals.
Its presence in prostate cancer cells indicates that it may also be involved in the development of some cases of prostate cancer. Dr Ila Singh, associate professor of pathology at the University of Utah, revealed: “XMRV was present in 27% of prostate cancers examined and was associated with more aggressive tumours. We still do not know whether or not this virus causes cancer, but it is an important question to investigate.”
