In this issue of the Journal, Pathmanathan et al.¹ add a new dimension to the etiologic link between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and anaplastic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genetic and environmental factors have also been implicated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.² In southern Chinese and some North African and Native American populations, it is a common cancer that causes substantial morbidity and mortality, even among young people. Although the carcinoma usually responds to radiotherapy, recurrences are frequent and difficult to treat.

A close association between EBV and nasopharyngeal carcinoma was previously established by the following findings: the presence of EBV DNA, RNA, and proteins . . .