COVID-19 virus could attack cancer cells and shrink tumors, new study suggests

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COVID-19 has been known to cause a myriad of health issues, ranging from flu-like symptoms to respiratory problems and even organ damage. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that the virus may have an unexpected impact on cancer.

The study revealed that COVID infection was associated with cancer regression, paving the way for potential new treatments in the future. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, composed of RNA, was found to stimulate the development of a unique type of immune cell with anti-cancer properties. These specialized immune cells were able to infiltrate blood vessels and tumors, directly attacking cancer cells and causing tumor shrinkage.

“This discovery opens up a new avenue for cancer treatment,” stated Dr. Ankit Bharat, the senior author of the study and chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Medicine. The study showed promising results against melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

Although the findings are currently based on animal models, further research is needed to explore the potential benefits for cancer patients. Clinical trials are planned to test the safety and effectiveness of this approach in human subjects.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the significance of the study’s findings. While not a definitive cancer cure, the activation of immune cells against cancer cells following a viral infection highlights the complex relationship between viruses and the immune system.

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, agreed that infections can trigger immune responses against cancer, leading to spontaneous regression. Although COVID-19 vaccines may also have a similar effect, natural infections seem to elicit a stronger immune response.

Overall, the study offers hope for a new approach to cancer treatment, leveraging the body’s immune response against cancer cells. While more research is needed to validate these findings, the potential for transforming cancer therapy is promising.

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