Renowned Pathologist Dr. Anthony Epstein, Co-Discoverer of Cancer-Causing Virus, Passes Away at 102
Dr. Anthony Epstein, a pioneering pathologist who, along with his colleague Dr. Yvonne Barr, discovered the Epstein-Barr virus (E.B.V.) in 1964, has passed away at the age of 102. Dr. Epstein’s groundbreaking research led to the identification of the first virus capable of causing cancer in humans, revolutionizing the field of virology and oncology.
The journey to this groundbreaking discovery began in 1961 when Dr. Epstein attended a lecture by visiting physician Dr. Denis Burkitt, who presented cases of children with large facial tumors in Uganda. Despite initially being reluctant to attend the lecture, Dr. Epstein’s excitement grew as Dr. Burkitt mapped out a pediatric cancer belt across equatorial Africa. This sparked Dr. Epstein’s curiosity, leading him to drop all ongoing projects to investigate the cause of the unusual malignancy.
The pathogen that Dr. Epstein and Dr. Barr discovered, the Epstein-Barr virus, belongs to the herpes family and is one of the most ubiquitous viruses on the planet, infecting an estimated 90 percent of the world’s adult population. E.B.V. has since been linked to various medical conditions, including mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer.
Dr. Epstein’s discovery of E.B.V. paved the way for the understanding of how viruses can cause cancer and has had a lasting impact on science and medicine. While there is currently no vaccine against E.B.V., ongoing research may lead to the development of preventive measures in the future.
Dr. Epstein’s legacy as a pioneering scientist and his contribution to the field of virology will continue to inspire future generations of researchers. He is survived by his two sons, Michael and Simon Epstein, his daughter Susan Holmes, and his longtime partner, Dr. Katherine Ward. Dr. Epstein’s wish for the development of a vaccine against E.B.V. may soon become a reality, thanks to his groundbreaking work and the continued efforts of researchers in the field.
