Breast Cancer: How COVID-19 may awaken dormant Breast Cancer cells, study shows disturbing evidence
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Research conducted during the past years indicates that cancer patients may face ongoing dangers which persist beyond their successful treatment. Nature published research demonstrates that COVID-19 along with influenza, activate resting breast cancer cells located in the lungs which could produce new growths and result in cancer recurrence.
Seeds of cancer that 'sleep' in the body
The treatment of cancer either through surgery or chemo, causes some cells to migrate from the main tumor to distant locations including the lungs, where they become inactive.
The term disseminated cancer cells (DCCs), describes the cells which remain inactive for extended periods without creating any issues. The reactivation of these cells occurs when particular triggers become active, which then results in dangerous metastasis that spreads cancer to new body regions.
The emergence of cancer problems occurs when a patient develops viruses such as COVID-19 and flu.
What do studies say
Scientists from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Utrecht University, conducted a research study about the impact of respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza on mice with dormant breast cancer cells.
The results showed that both viruses successfully activated the dormant cancer cells located in the lungs. The dormant cells started multiplying right away before forming observable tumors during a two-week period.
The activation of cancer cells results from the inflammation which occurs when the body fights infections. The body responds to viral infections by producing specific proteins, which function as immune system defenders.
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Research revealed interleukin-6 (IL-6) functions as a key molecule which activates cells that have been dormant.
The research provides evidence from human populations in addition to mouse studies.
To establish whether these findings would apply to human populations, researchers accessed extensive databases containing breast cancer patient information. Research results demonstrated that cancer survivors who acquired respiratory infections, developed increased chances of lung cancer recurrence, during the first year following infection.
The initial COVID-19 pandemic data indicated that cancer deaths together with metastatic disease increased in survivors, who acquired the virus, thus indicating viral-induced inflammation as a possible explanation for this pattern.
Why inflammation matters
Inflammation occurs when the immune system battles an infection, by sending out alert signals. The protective rest state of dormant cancer cells becomes disrupted by inflammation that arises during viral infections.
The activation of these cells leads to quick proliferation, which results in tumor formation.
What can cancer survivors do
These research findings should motivate people to understand the risks better while encouraging protective actions. If you are a breast cancer survivor, especially one who had metastatic cancer in remission, you should follow these recommendations:
Consult your physician regarding your chances of cancer recurrence.
Get all prescribed vaccines including both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Follow standard hygiene practices to minimise the risk of acquiring respiratory infections.
Seek immediate medical help when you experience symptoms of infection, which include fever along with cough and breathing problems.
The research team emphasised that these new findings present alarming possibilities, yet they enable scientists to develop new therapeutic strategies. Researchers believe that blocking IL-6 or reducing inflammation through medications, could serve as a future method to stop dormant cancer cells from becoming active again.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
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