US EditionFlu, COVID may 'wake up' dormant cancer cells, new study finds
UNITED STATES, AUG 2 – Study finds respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu increase lung metastasis risk by up to 50% in breast cancer survivors via inflammatory protein IL-6, researchers say.
- Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Utrecht University reported that common respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, according to a study published in Nature on July 30, 2025.
- A surge in mortality during the early COVID-19 period prompted James DeGregori to study respiratory viruses' role in reactivating dormant breast cancer cells, noting infections may awaken these cells in lungs.
- In mouse models, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections triggered a 100–1,000x increase in dormant breast cancer cells within two weeks, and breast cancer patients with COVID-19 faced an almost 50% higher risk of lung metastases over 52 months.
- Dr. DeGregori recommended that patients avoid infection through vaccination and avoiding crowded places during flu season, as this may reduce the risk of dormant cancer cell activation, Julio Aguirre-Ghiso said targeted immunotherapies might prevent metastasis resurgence.
- Dr. DeGregori said they will work to develop interventions during infection and extend analyses to other cancer types and metastatic sites, with further human studies needed, Zeuner noted.
63 Articles
63 Articles
For Cancer Survivors, Respiratory Viruses Like Flu Or COVID Could Cause 'Sleeping' Cells To Wake Up
Common respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19 might jolt dormant cancer cells back to life in survivors, causing them to multiply and spread in the lungs. The post For Cancer Survivors, Respiratory Viruses Like Flu Or COVID Could Cause ‘Sleeping’ Cells To Wake Up appeared first on Study Finds.
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