Herpes simplex virus type 2 and cancer of the prostate.

A seroepidemiologic study was performed to determine if there was an association between antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 and cancer of the prostate, similar to that reported for herpes simplex virus type 2 and cervical carcinoma. No significant difference in herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies was seen between patients with cancer of the prostate and those with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Further studies are needed to define the possible role of herpes simplex virus type 2 in the etiology of cancer of the prostate.