Mouse Virus Linked to Breast Cancer

VaMoonRise · 01-01-2007, 03:32 PM

This is very Strange & Scary!!!!! More than 1 in 3 cases is pretty unbelievable!!! I am going to discuss this with my Onc on my next visit. Has anyone else ever heard of this before?

Original article:
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/Article/130/117812.htm

Dec. 14, 2006 (San Antonio) -- A virus that infects the common house mouse may cause more than one in three cases of breast cancer in the U.S., researchers report.

In Asia, however, the virus plays a very small role in causing the disease, says James F. Holland, MD, distinguished professor of neoplastic diseases at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

"The human breast cancer virus may explain why breast cancer rates differ throughout the world," he tells WebMD.

Holland reviewed recent research on the breast cancer virus at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

How Breast Cancer Virus Spreads

Holland says the virus does not appear to be inherited from one's parents. Rather it is spread from person to person, like the common cold.

That conclusion came from a study of more than 200 women with breast cancer. Researchers detected the virus in about 30% of tissue samples from their affected breast, but in only one sample of normal tissue from the unaffected breast.

"If it was genetically transmitted, the virus would be present in both tissue samples," Holland explains.

Michael Dosik, MD, a breast cancer specialist at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, says that "while interesting, there's still a long way to go."

"While the virus seems to be spread from person to person -- not genetically -- we need to figure out exactly how it is transmitted," he tells WebMD.

Holland agrees. "It could be spread by sneezing or perhaps eating infected food, for example. We're testing many theories."

Viruses and Breast Cancer

Viruses are known to be involved in the development of several cancers, including cervical cancer; previous studies suggested that a virus similar to the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is associated with breast cancer in humans.

Holland says that other new research suggests that the human breast cancer virus is "a kissing cousin" of MMTV, "most likely caused by a mutation that occurred thousands of years ago."

Other new work suggests that variations in breast cancer prevalence worldwide can be explained by the fact that the species of house mouse that carries that virus is more common in certain regions, he says.

In North America, Europe, and Australia, where the species is common, the virus was detected in 30% to 40% of breast cancer tissue samples, he says.

In Asia, where the species in rare, the picture is quite different. In Japan, only 12% of samples were infected. In Vietnam, less than 1% of samples tested positive.

In that study, researchers tested 524 tissue samples from women treated for breast cancer in the U.S. and compared the results with breast cancer tumor samples from women treated for breast cancer in other countries.

Becky · 01-01-2007, 04:18 PM

This was presented at San Antonio this year and the presentation was very compelling. The actual statistic is 38%!!! I talked to Joe about it after I saw the presentation because it made me think of Gina (Popp) who was convinced a bacteria or virus was involved with some bc. This presentation shows actual PROOF. In a couple of weeks, these presentations will be available on the SABCS site and I will look for it to post the link.

Thanks for bringing this up Nicola. I hope you are doing well.

VaMoonRise · 01-01-2007, 09:21 PM

Hi Becky,

Thank you so much for responding and for the info. I remember Gina saying that, seems she was really on to something Do you know if it can be tested for through a simple blood test or is it only through breast tissue? What a horrible way to get BC and it is scary as heck to think it is contagious and so easily spread. I am really eager to talk to my Onc about it as we used to have a terrible mouse problem on our back porch because we stored chicken feed on the porch. I would hate to think that is where I got BC from and that I could possibly pass it on to loved ones and friends simply by sneezing. Just what we need another thing to worry about....sigh

I am doing well except for being extremely tired all the time. My liver mets are still responding to treatment, slowly but surely. My latest MRI came back showing no sign of bone cancer in my spine which was a great relief as they truly thought I had bone mets from my CT results. My Onc says the chances of me ever going NED are next to nil so that is disappointing but as long as I stay stable I will consider myself blessed.

How are you doing, it has been a long time since I last posted on the site and I haven't kept up with everyone unfortunately.

Hugs,
Nicola

MJo · 01-02-2007, 08:41 AM

Mouse protein is used in the manufacture of Herceptin. How bizarre that a virus in mice possibly causes BC.

Lolly · 01-02-2007, 12:43 PM

This is truly strange, especially to me, given a long-ago part of my health history which I've never shared here as it didn't seem pertinent, but now it does!

I was diagnosed with Bubonic Plague in 1972, the cause of which was traced back to a MOUSE BITE I received earlier that year (I was working in a restaurant and saw a mouse under a chair and stupidly picked it up; it bit my finger, I dropped it and it ran off never to be seen again). I am really wondering now, since I'm the first and fortunately only person in my family so far to have ever been diagnosed with BC, and with 2 sisters and numerous female cousins, aunts, etc. that's unusual I think....
Will definitely be tracking this new research.

THANKS for posting this, Nicola.

<3 Lolly

VaMoonRise · 01-02-2007, 01:25 PM

As I read the story, they have not established causality, only presence. Since, with one exception, they found the virus in cancerous breasts, but not in healthy breasts even of the same woman, isn't it possible that the cancer creates the conditions that support the virus? Even likely because were the virus causing the cancer, it would have to be present before the cancer?

Before jumping to any conclusions, I'd like to see a tracking study of several hundred women who have the virus, but not the cancer.

I am eager to discuss this with my Oncologist. I hope more comes out about the subject soon.

StephN · 01-02-2007, 01:32 PM

Who has been around mice, had a pet mouse, had their cat bring mice into the house???

I am wondering now if the mouse to cat theory of passing on such a virus would have any merit. We used to have a mouse family living under our back patio for a few years, until our Nelly cat managed to catch all the babies and the mom. Then I plugged the little hole with more rocks.

Nelly used to bring the little mice in to try to cheer up our aging Abbysinian. And we had to chase the little critters all over the house to get them out. Was pretty comical at times as they would even go down to the lower level of our house with my hubby chasing broom in hand. And me bringing up the rear with cat in hand to flush the mouse from under furniture.

Now this may not be so funny! The last such episode was about 4 years prior to diagnosis.
P.S. I have NO evidence of family background for BC. I am the first (other than 2 "married-ons") and there are a LOT of women.

Karen W · 01-02-2007, 01:48 PM

I have had mice in my home and I have had to catch and release them on several occasions. Having said that... I am the 12th person on my mom's side to have bc.

Who knows, maybe we all have ad encounters with mice.

Karen

VaMoonRise · 01-02-2007, 02:11 PM

Everyone and I do mean Everyone has had encounters with mice whether they know it or not, they are everywhere whether you actually see them or not doesn't matter. You may not have them in or around your own home but they are in every public establishment that we visit, from restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, dept. stores, etc., which really makes this whole connection between mice and BC so scary. There is no way to truly escape exposure.

julierene · 01-02-2007, 08:06 PM

I think this is just the link that we have all been waiting for. It helps to explain why regions are different - and why if a woman moves to another region, her risks become congrugent with that region. Many people wanted to jump to the conclusion of diet, but now we have a more realistic explaination. I think it's wonderful - and horrifying. I don't know if it's genetic factors or dietary factors that might aid in all of this or not. For those of you who feel "left behind" in all the supplements and dietary changes many of the women make here on these boards, this is just the kind of thing that could possibly put your mind at rest. I know I have labored over "WHY!" for a long time to where I just about drove myself nuts and gave myself ulcers and acid reflux with all the supplements. SO... for me, this news comes as somewhat of a relief. I hope it will take away some of that "GUILT" if anything. It's not your fault! It's not because of the way you ate, or that you lived in a polluted city, or didn't exercise enough, or whatever! Sure, we can all do better at taking care of ourselves. But in a way, this is bricks off my shoulders to think that genes and viruses are finally getting the press they deserve.

My assumption is that it is a "cousin" to the mouse virus MMTV - but a human version. Like HPV, it's a guess it is transmitted from human to human - it could be airborn or water - we probably won't know that for a long while yet. So while we can't get away from catching the virus (you could lock yourself in a bubble - but what fun would that be?!), the real solution would be a VACCINE!

Linda · 01-02-2007, 08:30 PM

This is really interesting. When I was first dx (in May, 05) my onc actually said that there might be some bc connection to mouse habitats, or something like that. I live in a somewhat rural area, on open land, and had found a mouse infestation in my kitchen about a year and a half before dx. And of course, being the mom, I plugged the holes, cleaned all the droppings without wearing rubber gloves or a mask (against the advice of my mother, who was sure I'd get hanta virus!)
Who knows. I just know I'm keeping my cat.
Linda

janet/FL · 01-02-2007, 09:31 PM

And I had 40 mice infesting my motor home we were living in in 1997. We trapped them as fast as possible, but they kept on coming! We were helping out at a Wildlife park and that is why so many mice were around and we couldn't just leave.

I am the only one in my family with breast cancer and it is said that it takes years to develop. 1997 to 2004. That would be about right!
So maybe there is something to BC coming from mice contact--though I do know we are all around mice in our regular environment. Generally, not 40 of them!

julierene · 01-02-2007, 09:54 PM

We have no idea how it's spread from mice to humans. My bet is that it's a much larger problem than just mice around the house. Bigger than milaria and mesquitos, limes disease and ticks, etc... For all we know, this thing could be mutated and airborn and passed from human to human. I think it's important to find the vaccine, rather than worry about the mice.

StephN · 01-02-2007, 11:26 PM

... showed this virus in the tissue.
Becky, was there a breakdown of BC types in the presentation??
I am curious as to the BC types most associated with this virus.

This news is another reason I am persuing the Trovax virus-based vaccine trial at the U of W. It is still not open, so I will be asking my med onc when I see her in 2 weeks. This vaccine is using a virus that is present in many cancers, so will be enrolling not just breast cancer patients.
I am wondering now what the virus is??

Heart Sutra · 01-03-2007, 07:43 AM

Interesting stuff.

As Nicola pointed out, though there is correlation determined at this point, has causation been determined?

This is extrememly important, as it makes, or breaks, the entire point.
Anyone know the answer? I haven't looked into yet.

The initial article has a sentence in it:
"If it were genetically transmitted, the virus would be in both tissue samples ( breasts)"

There are women on this site who have different pathology reports for each breast sample, like being er/pr neg. in one breast, but pos. in the other. There are lots of reasons to account for this, result variability not the least of those, but maybe there's a link with the virus story.

CherylS · 01-03-2007, 09:13 AM

I live in a wooded area in Minnesota. Plenty of mousies in my house, also 3 cats! OK, I can accept this for myself. What about my 14 year old daughter?!
Oh brother. Does it ever end? I would love to see this lead to a vaccine. And yea, isn't it strange that Herceptin comes from a mouse?

Donna · 01-03-2007, 01:51 PM

Hi Amazing Group,

I live in a rural area where my 4 cats bring in mice and rats almost daily in the summer time. But what concerns me here is what would happen if it comes to light that bc is transmitted human to human. I can picture bc colonies like the old leper colonies. There would be a whole new stigma to bc besides just being
sickly and hairless - oh boy!

Donna

julierene · 01-09-2007, 10:06 PM

Well here is one more BUMP of logic here for you all to have fun with. Is the genetic mutation that takes place after you catch the virus, one that can be passed down from generation to generation???? I am absolutely leaning toward a "yes" answer.

BC virus colonies! you might as well say FLU colonies! No way!

Hopeful · 01-10-2007, 07:33 AM

I share the same concern as Donna - don't think the ADA would protect us; employers would be able to legally terminate employees based on danger to others in the workplace, without facing a charge of discrimination.

Hopeful

rinaina · 01-10-2007, 03:19 PM

like everyone else, of course i have been exposed to mice and have had them in the house and have disposed of them as well. So now i have had toxoplasmosis from handling cats or raw meat and now possibly, bc from the common field mouse who made his way in our home! What next? I am not minimizing this great find. I hope it helps further studies and treatment. So many things come from viruses. They believe my Sjogren's Syndrome does as well. Makes sense to me.