Study on Respiratory Infections

Study on Respiratory Infections : Recently published in Nature, a groundbreaking study has revealed that common respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells lodged in the lungs.

• About Breast Cancer : One of the most common cancers in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

  o Caused by uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in the breast.

  o About 80% of cases are invasive, meaning the cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

  • Key Finding: Using mouse models that mimic human breast cancer metastasis, researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections reawaken dormant cancer cells (DCCs) in the lungs.

  o This reactivation led to rapid development of aggressive metastatic tumors within days.

  o Molecular Trigger: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory molecule released during infections, was identified as the key driver of DCC reactivation.

  ü Blocking IL-6 could potentially prevent metastasis following respiratory infections.

  o Human Data Reinforces the Risk: Among cancer survivors (in remission ≥5 years), those infected with COVID-19 had nearly twice the risk of cancer-related death (excluding COVID fatalities).

  ü Among 36,000+ breast cancer patients, those with COVID-19 were 50% more likely to develop lung metastases compared to uninfected peers.

  o The study highlights the importance of vaccinations and continued medical follow-up for cancer survivors.

  o The research deepens awareness of how post-viral effects extend beyond the acute illness.