Vaccine virus 'cancer link'

A monkey virus found in early versions of a vaccine against polio may be linked to a common type of cancer, suggest scientists.

However, other experts are still doubtful whether the virus - or the vaccine - can be blamed.

Batches of polio vaccine tainted with "simian virus 40" (SV40) were given between 1955 and 1963.

This was because monkey kidney cells were used in the jab's production process.

Non Hodgkin's: Key facts
287,000 cases worldwide each year
Non-Hodgkin's in fact a collection of a dozen different cancers of the lymphatic system
Incidence increasing - perhaps partly due to ageing population
Causes not yet established
On average, between 50% and 70% survival after five years
Approximately 30m people may have been given the contaminated vaccine between these dates.

It has also been alleged that the virus which causes Aids was passed from primates to humans in this way, although close examination of frozen samples of 1950s batches appear to suggest otherwise.

However, it is conceded that SV40 was present in the early vaccine - and the latest research, published in the Lancet journal, has linked it to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which has a role in the body's fight against infection, and affects mainly the over 40s.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1860042.stm
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