Sign in Subscribe
Coronaviruses

COVID-19 May Trigger Spontaneous Tumour Shrinkage in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have reported a rare occurrence of spontaneous tumour shrinkage in colorectal cancer patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to their study, three patients experienced tumour shrinkage during their SARS-CoV-2 infection, with two of the patients showing significant reduction in tumour size. The researchers believe that the genetic characteristics of the patients' tumours may play a role in this phenomenon, with common mutations in the BARD1 gene found in two of the patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three colorectal cancer patients experienced spontaneous tumour shrinkage during SARS-CoV-2 infection, with two of the patients showing significant reduction in tumour size.
  • The researchers suggest that complex interactions between genetic background and immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection may be responsible for this rare phenomenon.
  • The study found common mutations in the BARD1 gene in two of the patients, which may be related to the tumour shrinkage.
  • The patients with the greatest anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titres experienced tumour shrinkage.
  • Time-to-progression was 23 and 2 months, respectively, in Patients 2 and 3 while it was not reached in Patient 1.

Statistics:

  • 3 colorectal cancer patients experienced spontaneous tumour shrinkage during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • 2 of the patients showed significant reduction in tumour size.
  • 2 patients had common mutations in the BARD1 gene (p.Val507Met).
  • Time-to-progression was 23 and 2 months, respectively, in Patients 2 and 3 while it was not reached in Patient 1.
  • 2 patients had the greatest anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titres among the three patients.

Sources:

  • Research article: "Genetic landscape of colorectal cancer patients manifesting tumor shrinkage during SARS-Cov-2 infection." Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 2022,14. (SAGE Publications, https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/17588359221138388)
  • News report: "Department of Abdominal Oncology Researcher Details Findings in COVID-19 (Genetic landscape of colorectal cancer patients manifesting tumor shrinkage during SARS-Cov-2 infection)." Gastroenterology Week. December 26, 2022; p 186. (NewsRx LLC, newsRx@chemportals.com)

Read more