Study Reveals Respiratory Infections Can Activate Dormant Cancer Cells
Recent research shows that respiratory infections can awaken dormant cancer cells, raising recurrence risks for patients.
Key Points
- • Respiratory infections can reactivate dormant cancer cells.
- • Dormant cells can lie inactive for years in organs like the lungs and liver.
- • A significant increase in cancer cell activity was observed post-infection in studies.
- • Cancer patients are advised to keep updated on vaccinations to mitigate risks.
Recent findings have illuminated a concerning link between common respiratory infections and the reactivation of dormant cancer cells, potentially increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. A study reported by multiple outlets, including National Geographic, details how infections such as the flu and COVID-19 can awaken previously dormant cancer cells that had survived initial treatment. These cells often lie inactive in organs like the lungs, liver, and brain for years.
Research on mice has demonstrated that infection with influenza or coronaviruses can lead to a dramatic hundredfold increase in the proliferation of dormant cancer cells, which then return to a dormant state once the infection resolves. Alarmingly, cancer patients who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic exhibited higher rates of lung metastases and cancer-related deaths, underscoring the gravity of this issue.
The mechanism at play appears to center around the protein interleukin-6, an immune response factor that, while beneficial for fighting infections, may also inadvertently stimulate the growth of dormant cancer cells. This raises questions about the delicate balance between combating infections and managing cancer recovery. Many cancer patients harbor dormant cells without any subsequent issues; however, these findings indicate that certain infections could trigger a resurgence of cancer in some individuals.
Researchers emphasize the importance of vaccination against respiratory illnesses for cancer patients, as it could play a crucial role in mitigating these risks. Keeping up with vaccinations may be a key strategy in protecting vulnerable patients from infections that could reactivate their dormant cancer cells.