However, while the effects of the PRL/PRLR axis may affect tumor growth per se and be impacted by HCMV, it may not play an essential role for tumor progression in the context of HCMV-positive tumors, as this virus has many other mechanisms by which it can affect tumor growth in the case of an absence of PRL/PRLR activation. Here, PRLR is linked to neoplasm.