Respiratory Viruses Can Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in Lungs, Study Finds
New research shows COVID-19 and flu infections may awaken dormant breast cancer cells in lungs, increasing the risk of metastasis
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Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Utrecht University have uncovered the first direct evidence that common respiratory infections—such as COVID-19 and influenza—can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, triggering the formation of new metastatic tumors.
Their findings, published in Nature, stem from studies in mouse models designed to closely mimic human metastatic breast cancer.
The study revealed that respiratory infections cause dormant disseminated cancer cells (DCCs), which had spread but remained inactive in the lungs, to “wake up” and rapidly multiply. This process was driven by the immune protein interleukin-6 (IL-6), released during infection-induced inflammation. The identification of IL-6’s role suggests that IL-6 inhibitors or targeted immunotherapies might help prevent metastasis triggered by respiratory viruses.
Supporting these experimental results, the team analyzed two large human databases. In the UK Biobank study, cancer survivors who contracted COVID-19 had nearly double the risk of cancer-related death within a year compared to those without infection. Similarly, data from US cancer clinics showed breast cancer patients with COVID-19 were 50 percent more likely to develop lung metastases than those uninfected.
These findings highlight a previously unrecognized risk for cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of protecting this vulnerable population from respiratory infections through vaccination and other precautions. The researchers plan to expand their investigations to other cancers and metastatic sites, aiming to develop strategies that reduce virus-driven cancer relapse.
As respiratory viruses remain prevalent worldwide, understanding their impact on cancer progression is critical for improving long-term outcomes for cancer survivors.
Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.