Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : December 6, 2025 12:03 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra
Childhood Virus Linked To Bladder Cancer: A team of researchers from the University of York have recently found common childhood virus can trigger DNA damage that can result in bladder cancer later in life. The scientists who conducted the study said that tackling the virus at the early stage can open doors for preventing bladder cancer.
The study which is now published in Science Advance revealed that childhood BK virus typically lies dormant in the kidneys. This virus does not have obvious symptoms but healthcare professionals have gathered a lot of information from the experiences of kidney transplant recipients who took immunosuppressants to prevent the immune system from targeting their new kidney.
Scientists examined the human tissue that lines the urinary tract, called urothelium. They reviewed DNA damage patterns triggered by the cell's antiviral defences after controlled exposure to the BK virus. The study conducted by the University of York found that a person's own antiviral response to BK virus infection causes the DNA mutations resulting in cancer.
Dr. Simon Baker from the University of York said, "In other types of virus-related cancer, such as cervical cancer, we know that virus DNA combines with our own genetic material to drive tumour development. Our results have shown that in the bladder, the tissue's defensive response to the virus causes DNA changes which can lead to cancer."
He added, "We found that DNA damage happens not only in infected cells but also in surrounding 'bystander cells,' witnessing infection in their neighbours. This is important because it might explain why most bladder cancers have no sign of the virus in them when they are diagnosed many years later."
According to healthcare professionals, only a few people may experience symptoms of the BK virus, which include:
Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Senior Oncologist and Co-founder of Art of Healing Cancer, says that the only thing we can do to prevent such a situation later in life is that "we don't end up being in situations of immunosuppression." The doctor further warns to manage chronic diseases like HIV and diabetes as these diseases can reactivate dormant viruses like the BK virus, which can damage your urinary tract and reduce kidney function. It also increases the risk of long-term health problems, including bladder cancer.
"BK infection is a sign of over immunosuppression. Currently, the main treatment is to carefully reduce the strength of the drugs a person takes to suppress their immune system, which can often control the virus without causing kidney transplant rejection. Anti-viral drugs may also be prescribed," the United Kingdom's Kidney Research states.
"It can take weeks to see the effects of these treatments so blood tests may be increased to monitor progress. If the virus is detected early, these treatments may be able to take effect before kidney function is adversely affected."
