How do respiratory viruses impact breast cancer patients?

Respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells, causing them to rapidly metastasize and spread to other parts of the body within weeks.

What is the role of the immune system in this process?

The inflammatory response triggered by the immune system's fight against viral infections appears to be the key factor that reactivates dormant cancer cells, rather than the viruses themselves.

What can breast cancer patients do to protect themselves?

Breast cancer patients are advised to stay up to date on vaccinations, wear masks in public, and seek early treatment for any respiratory symptoms to reduce the risk of viral infections reactivating dormant cancer cells.

Home / Health / Respiratory Viruses Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells, Increasing Metastatic Risk

Respiratory Viruses Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells, Increasing Metastatic Risk

18 Aug

•

Summary

Common viruses like flu and COVID-19 can reactivate dormant cancer cells
Reactivated cells can lead to metastatic disease within 2 weeks
Inflammatory response, not the viruses themselves, may be the trigger

Respiratory Viruses Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells, Increasing Metastatic Risk

According to a study published in the medical journal "Nature" on August 1st, 2025, common respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells, leading to a rapid spread of metastatic disease. The research, conducted by scientists at the Metastasis and Tumor Dormancy Institute, found that within days of exposure to these viruses, dormant cancer cells in the lungs became reactivated and began to metastasize.

The study suggests that it is not the viruses themselves that stir up the cancer cells, but rather the body's own inflammatory response. When the immune system fights off a viral infection, it releases cytokines that can inadvertently activate dormant cancer cells, allowing them to proliferate and spread to other parts of the body.

This finding has significant implications for breast cancer survivors and patients, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers noticed an uptick in metastatic lung disease and deaths among breast cancer patients who contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One study found that those with active breast cancer who tested positive for COVID-19 faced a doubled risk of dying compared to those who did not contract the virus.

Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventative measures for cancer patients, as each subsequent viral infection could further reawaken dormant cancer cells and increase the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Simple steps like staying up to date on vaccines, wearing masks, and seeking early treatment for respiratory illnesses can go a long way in protecting this vulnerable population.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.