[Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in desquamative cell of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by polymerase chain reaction].

In the study, we detected the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA from thirty-five desquamative cells and four biopsy tissues of the nasopharynx in 35 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among these patients, 24 had been treated or just began to be treated by 60Co, eleven had finished or nearly finished the treatment. Twelve patients with acute/chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis served as control. The results showed that the EBV DNA positive rate in patients without treatment or just beginning to be treated was 83.3% (20/24), finished or nearly finished the treatment 9.1% (1/11), biopsy tissues 100% (4/4), and control 8.3% (1/12). The EBV DNA positive rate of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma was significantly higher than the control (P < 0.01). These results indicated that the detection EBV DNA from desquamative cells of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma by PCR is a simple, safe, rapid, specific and sensitive technique. It is useful for making general investigation, primary diagnosis, evaluation of the curative effect of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma.