Synergistic Association of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Load on Distant Metastasis in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

In this cohort study, the observed synergistic association between HBsAg and plasma EBV DNA load represented a novel potential mechanism underlying the increased risk of distant metastasis in patients with NPC. Hence, attention should be paid to patients with NPC with HBsAg positivity, especially when the plasma EBV DNA level is 6 × 1000 copies/mL or greater. Consideration of this synergistic association will contribute to more accurate individualized management.