How COVID-19 May Awaken Dormant Breast Cancer Cells? Study Provides Insights - Video

Published On 2025-08-04T08:00:00+05:30 | Updated On 4 Aug 2025 2:14 PM IST

Overview

A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, potentially leading to cancer recurrence years after initial treatment.

Cancer recurrence remains a looming concern for survivors, even after remission. Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Utrecht University investigated the impact of viral infections on dormant breast cancer cells—also known as disseminated cancer cells (DCCs)—in mice. These DCCs migrate from the primary tumor to distant organs like the lungs and remain inactive for years. But the study found that respiratory viruses can act as a trigger, reactivating these cells and leading to rapid tumor formation.

In the experiment, mice that had dormant breast cancer cells in their lungs were exposed to either SARS-CoV-2 or influenza. Within just two weeks, the previously resting cells had begun to proliferate, forming visible tumors. Scientists found that inflammation caused by viral infection played a key role. When the immune system fights off infections, it releases signaling proteins to coordinate its response. One of these proteins, interleukin-6, was identified as a major driver behind the reactivation of dormant cancer cells.

To test whether this finding held true in humans, researchers analyzed breast cancer patient databases. They discovered that survivors who contracted respiratory infections had a significantly increased risk of lung metastases within the first year post-infection. These findings align with early pandemic data showing a spike in cancer deaths and metastatic disease among survivors who had contracted COVID-19.

This research highlights the importance of monitoring cancer survivors more closely following respiratory illnesses, especially in the first year after infection.

Reference: 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

Speakers

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri

Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is an orthodontist with 2 years of clinical experience. She is also working as a medical writer and anchor at Medical Dialogues. She has completed her BDS from Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital and MDS from Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. She has a few publications and patents to her credit. Her diverse background in clinical dentistry and academic research uniquely positions her to contribute meaningfully to our team.