A study in mice showed how common respiratory viruses may awaken dormant cancer cells.
The findings suggest these viruses can pose additional risks for people with a history of cancer.
Studies have shown that cancer metastasis can be triggered by inflammation. Infection by respiratory viruses, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, often causes inflammation. A research team led by Dr. James DeGregori at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus set out to test whether respiratory virus infections might cause DCCs to awaken. To do this, they used mouse models of breast cancer to study the effects of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection on DCCs and metastasis in the lungs. The study appeared in Nature on July 30, 2025.
LINK:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/respiratory-viruses-may-trigger-dormant-cancers
