Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, aplastic anemia, and various malignancies in a family: Possible role of Epstein‐Barr virus

Abstract

We report on a family ascertained because of sibs affected with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Other relatives had aplastic anemia or other malignancies and most were born of consanguineous parents. Epstein‐Barr virus has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It has also been suggested as a cause of aplastic anemia and other neoplasms. We postulate that this extensive German‐Mennonite family has a heritable defect in the immune response to Epstein‐Barr virus making its members at excessive risk for a number of different malignancies. This immunologic predisposition may be HLA associated and appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.