Common viruses may reactivate dormant cancer cells

New research shows that common respiratory viruses could trigger the return of cancer in survivors.

Common viruses may reactivate dormant cancer cells in survivors

A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that common respiratory viruses like Covid-19 and influenza can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells in patients who are in remission. The research demonstrated that these viruses can provoke a severe inflammatory response, leading to the reawakening of cancer cells that had previously been undetected. The team conducted laboratory tests on mice with dormant cancer cells, exposing them to both SARS-CoV-2 and the flu virus. The results showed that the infections spurred the rapid spread of cancer cells within days, resulting in secondary tumors within two weeks. An analysis of existing health databases supported these findings, revealing a higher risk of metastatic cancer relapse in survivors who had contracted these viruses.

This study raises essential questions about the long-term management of cancer survivors, particularly amid the ongoing prevalence of respiratory viruses. The identification of interleukin-6 as a trigger for the awakening of dormant cancer cells is particularly noteworthy. It opens doors for targeted treatments aimed at preventing such reactivation. However, the implications of these findings stretch beyond research laboratories into public health strategies, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring cancer patients during viral outbreaks. As the research highlights, the intersection of viral infections and cancer triggers could necessitate new guidelines for patient care during flu and Covid-19 seasons.

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Future research and patient guidelines will be crucial to mitigate these risks.