Researchers have discovered that patients with cancer who have gone into remission are at a higher risk of dying from their disease after contracting COVID-19. A study published in the journal Nature found that respiratory viral infections like COVID-19 can trigger inflammation that awakens dormant cancer cells in the lungs, leading to increased risk of metastatic disease and death.
The study, led by University of Colorado Cancer Center Deputy Director James DeGregori, PhD, involved analyzing patient data from UK and US health databases. Researchers found that the chance of dying from cancer was significantly higher among patients who contracted COVID-19, with a 100-fold increase in dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs.
The study suggests that respiratory viruses like COVID-19 can trigger the reawakening of dormant cancer cells by driving inflammation through the IL6 factor. This finding is significant because it may provide new insights into how to prevent metastatic progression in cancer survivors who experience viral lung infections.
While the study examined the effect prior to vaccination, researchers speculate that vaccination may reduce this risk. However, further research is needed to determine whether any residual risk remains after vaccination.
The discovery highlights the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of respiratory viral infections and emphasizes the need for further investigation into how to develop interventions that can limit the risk of metastatic progression in cancer survivors.
Source: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/covid-19-awaken-dormant-cancer-cells