Current estimates suggest that 20% of all human cancers have viral origin or require viral infection as an essential cofactor. Our research seeks to understand viral tumorigenesis, specifically cancers caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8). KSHV is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Rhadinovirus family of human herpesviruses. It was discovered in 1994 and is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) as well as B-cell cancers like primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). These diseases affect internal organs and are ultimately fatal; they are usually seen in the U.S. among immunosuppressed individuals like HIV-positive individuals and transplant patients.
About the Lab
Click here to read more about the research interests, goals and methods of the Dittmer Lab.
A list of publications is available on PubMed or go to Publications for complete downloadable .pdf files.