Respiratory viruses capable of awakening sleeping cancer cells?

The flu. Therefore, the COVVI-19… Are respiratory infections capable of waking up dormant cancer cells? Furthermore, This is what a study of the University of Colorado. Moreover, the Montefiore Einstein (MECCC) and the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) published on July 30 in the journal in the journal Nature. According to the results obtained in mice. Similarly, the flu and the COVVI-19 have reactivated cancer cells in the sleeping breast and which had spread to the lungs.

This work is associated respiratory viruses capable awakening sleeping with research that has effectively shown an increase in mortality. Furthermore, pulmonary metastases in cancer survivors infected with SARS-COV-2, the COVVI-19 responsible virus.

Previous work suggested that the inflammatory process could awaken scattered cancer cells (CCD). Similarly, that remained dormant for long periods. Therefore, These are cells that have detached themselves from a primary tumor to win other organs at a distance. Meanwhile, “During the COVVI-19 pandemic. Moreover, anecdotal reports suggested a possible increase in cancer mortality rates, strengthening the hypothesis that severe inflammation could help to awaken dormant CCDs,” Dr. For example, Aguirre-Ghiso said in a statement.

To verify this hypothesis. For example, the researchers tested it on murine models with metastatic breast cancer as well as dormant CCDs in the lungs. Moreover, The mice were exhibited at SARS-COV-2 or the flu virus. In both cases, respiratory infections woke up the dormant CCDs. respiratory viruses capable awakening sleeping Results ? A massive proliferation of metastatic cells a few days after the infection. the appearance of metastatic lesions in two weeks. “Dormant cancer cells are comparable to the embers of an abandoned campfire. and the respiratory viruses are comparable to a violent wind that turns the flames”, summarizes Dr. Degregori, principal author of the study.

At the heart of the mechanism, interleukin 6, this protein released by immune cells in the event of injury or infection. “The identification of the IL-6 as a key mediator for the awakening of CCDs suggests that the use of IL-6 inhibitors. other targeted immunotherapy could prevent or mitigate the resurgence of metastases after a viral infection”, Note Dr. Aguirre-Ghiso, co-director of the study.

The team of researchers was able to confirm their discoveries by analyzing two major databases. The UK Biobank, a general population cohort, more than 500,000 participants, respiratory viruses capable awakening sleeping received a cancer diagnosis. Scientists focused on cancer survivors diagnosed at least five years before the pandemic. which allowed them to make sure they were probably in remission. Among them, 487 people were tested positive for COVID-19, then compared to 4,350 witnesses whose test was negative. After having excluded patients who had received a cancer diagnosis. died from the COVIR, the researchers found that patients who had received a cancer diagnosis, tested positive for the COVVID presented an almost doubled risk of dying of cancer compared to patients who were suffering from cancer and negative tested to the COVVI.

The second population study is based on Flatiron Health’s data. a start-up that stacks millions of clinical data from cancer patients. Researchers have extracted data from patients with breast cancer. followed in 280 anti-cancer centers in the United States and compared pulmonary metastases respiratory viruses capable awakening sleeping in positive and negative COVID patients. According to the results. patients who contracted the SARS-COV-2 virus presented almost 50 % risk of developing pulmonary metastases compared to patients with breast cancer without diagnosis of COVID 19.

“By understanding the underlying mechanisms. we will actively work on the development of interventions to limit the risk of metastatic progression in cancer survivors who suffer from respiratory viral infections. We also plan to extend our analyzes. both on animal models and by exploring clinical data, other types of cancer and other metastase sites, note the dr degregori.

Source : Chia, S.B., Johnson, B.J., Hu, J. et al. Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09332-0, Université du Colorado