“THE TRIPLE TROUBLE” -VIRAL MARKER POSITIVITY, TUMOR AGGRESSIVENESS, AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN BREAST CANCER surgeonspirit@gmail.com

3103-02

“THE TRIPLE TROUBLE” -VIRAL MARKER POSITIVITY, TUMOR AGGRESSIVENESS, AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN BREAST CANCER

5

India

Oral or Poster

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the convergence of breast cancer (BC) with chronic viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis B (Hep B), and hepatitis C (Hep C) may influence tumor progression, immune status, and treatment outcomes. This study investigates the relationship of viral seropositivity(SP) with tumor stage, infection burden, and survival outcomes.

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 76 seropositive female BC patients treated between January 2018 and July 2025 at tertiary care hospital. Patients were tested for viral markers by standard ELISA test. Their clinical profiles—including tumor staging, metastasis, treatment complications, opportunistic infections and follow-up were reviewed and compared with 76 matched seronegative(SN) patients.

Out of 1191 breast cancer patients, Early BC- 44.7% ,Locally advanced BC- 43.85%, Metastatic BC-11.45% , 76 (6.4%) were SP—primarily Hepatitis C (57.8%), Hepatitis B (39.5%), and HIV (2.6%). The mean age was 45.6 (22.5-87.1) years, and all tumors were invasive ductal carcinoma. Viral positivity was more common in advanced-stage cancers. Seven patients became SP during chemotherapy. Metastasis (18.4% vs 5.3%) and opportunistic infections were significantly higher (30.3% vs 2.6%) in SP, and PCR response was lower in the SP (p<0.03). Mean duration of follow up was 33.7 months and no mortality was observed.

Viral seropositivity is associated with higher-stage BC and increased susceptibility to infection but does not affect survival when managed with a multidisciplinary approach. This study highlights the need for universal viral screening, timely multimodal care, and close infection monitoring in LMIC breast oncology practice.