Respiratory Viruses May Reactivate Dormant Cancer Cells in Patients with Cancer History

A recent study has found that respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19, may be able to "wake up" dormant cancer cells in patients who have a history of cancer. Researchers tested this hypothesis in mice that contained disseminated cancer cells, which are cells that have broken away from the primary tumor and spread to other organs, where they remain dormant. The study found that exposure to these viruses triggered inflammation that awakened the dormant cells located in the lungs.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers tested the hypothesis that respiratory viruses can reactivate dormant cancer cells in mice with disseminated cancer cells.
• The study found that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses triggered inflammation that awakened dormant cancer cells in the lungs.
• The study suggests that more than one event, caused by viruses or other sources, may be needed for metastatic cells to grow and become life-threatening.
• The study builds on previous research that found COVID-19 doubled patients' risk of dying from cancer.
• Patients with a history of cancer should be aware of the potential risk of cancer reactivation due to respiratory virus infections.

Statistics:

• The study was published in Nature on July 30.
• Disseminated cancer cells are cells that have broken away from the primary tumor and spread to other organs.
• The study found that the awakened cancer cells in the mice went back to sleep once the respiratory infection was resolved.
• It's unclear if there are other factors at play in reactivating dormant cancer cells.
• More research is needed to understand the relationship between respiratory viruses and cancer reactivation.

Sources:

• "Dormant cancer cells are like the embers left in an abandoned campfire, and respiratory viruses are like a strong wind that reignites the flames" - James DeGregori, study senior author.
• Study published in Nature.
• COVID-19 doubles patients' risk of dying from cancer - According to a 2020 study.
• Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center's dormancy institute.
• University of Colorado Cancer Center.