Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Study Links Respiratory Viruses to Cancer Cell Activation
Scientists found that common respiratory infections, like COVID-19 and flu, can wake up sleeping breast cancer cells in the lungs.
These cells can then grow again, causing new tumors.
Research showed that exposure to these viruses in mice caused more cancer cells to grow.
This happens because the infections cause the body to release IL-6, which wakes up the cancer cells.
Human studies show that cancer patients in remission have a higher risk of cancer spreading after getting a respiratory infection.
Precautions against respiratory viruses may be beneficial for cancer survivors.
Respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells.
Study based on mice and human data supports the link between viruses and cancer metastasis.
In mice, exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or influenza triggered the expansion of metastatic cells.
Awakening of dormant cells is driven by interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein from immune cells.
Respiratory infections in cancer patients in remission are linked to increased metastasis.
- Who
- Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Utrecht University.
- What
- Common respiratory infections can awaken dormant breast cancer cells, potentially causing new tumors.
- When
- The effect was most pronounced in the first year after infection.
- Where
- Studies were conducted in the US and the Netherlands.
- Why
- To understand how respiratory viruses influence cancer recurrence and metastasis.
Research Findings
Clinical Implications
Impact of Respiratory Infections
Research Findings
Respiratory infections increase cancer metastasis.
Clinical Implications
The study highlights the link between respiratory infections and cancer metastasis in cancer survivors.
- Study Focus
- Impact of respiratory infections on dormant breast cancer cells
- Viruses Studied
- SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza
- Mechanism
- IL-6 protein triggers dormant cell awakening
- Impact
- Increased cancer metastasis in mice and humans
- Key Finding
- Respiratory infections linked to cancer metastasis in remission
- Human Data
- Analysis of large databases
