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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by In Situ Hybridization in Lung-Cancer Cells Metastatic to Brain and in Adjacent Brain
Tibor Valyi-Nagy1, Brian Fredericks1, Jessica Wilson2
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Abstract:
The mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may spread to the human brain are poorly understood, and the infection of cancer cells in the brain by SARS-CoV-2 in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been the subject of only one previous case report. Here, we report the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by in situ hybridization in lung-cancer cells metastatic to the brain and adjacent brain parenchyma in a 63-year-old male patient with COVID-19. These findings suggest that metastatic tumors may transport the virus from other parts of the body to the brain or may break down the blood-brain barrier to allow for the virus to spread to the brain. These findings confirm and extend previous observations that cancer cells in the brain can become infected by SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19 and raise the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 can have a direct effect on cancer growth and outcome.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect brain metastases in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This suggests cancer cells may facilitate viral spread to the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) brain entry are unclear.
- Infection of brain cancer cells by SARS-CoV-2 in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is rarely reported.
Observation:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in lung cancer cells metastatic to the brain.
- The virus was also found in adjacent brain tissue in a COVID-19 patient.
Findings:
- Metastatic tumors may act as a vehicle for SARS-CoV-2 to reach the brain.
- Tumors might compromise the blood-brain barrier, aiding viral dissemination.
Implications:
- Confirms SARS-CoV-2 can infect brain cancer cells in COVID-19 patients.
- Raises concerns about SARS-CoV-2 directly impacting cancer progression and patient outcomes.
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