Tumor reduction after SARS‑CoV‑2 infection in a patient with lung cancer: A case report
Xiaoming Zhang1, Jingyu Chen2, Jie Sun3
1Department of Oncology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Since the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on lung cancer has been extensively studied. Despite reports about SARS-CoV-2 infection inducing a significant increase in the number of medical visits for patients with cancer, the virus has also been reported to produce some unknown benefits. The present study reports the case of a patient with lung cancer whose tumor lesion was reduced in size after SARS-CoV-2 infection even though the therapeutic regimen remained unchanged. Although the mechanism involved is not yet understood, this case supports the novel idea of applying SARS-CoV-2 in oncolytic virotherapy.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection unexpectedly reduced lung cancer tumor size in one patient. This finding suggests potential for SARS-CoV-2 in novel cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading global malignancy.
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted research into SARS-CoV-2's effects on cancer.
- Previous studies noted increased cancer patient visits during the pandemic, but potential benefits remained unclear.
Observation:
- A case study observed a lung cancer patient experiencing tumor size reduction.
- This occurred despite the patient maintaining an unchanged therapeutic regimen.
- The reduction in tumor size coincided with a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Findings:
- The study documents a unique instance of tumor regression following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The underlying mechanism driving this observed effect is currently unknown.
- This case provides preliminary evidence of an anti-cancer effect of SARS-CoV-2.
Implications:
- The findings introduce the concept of using SARS-CoV-2 for oncolytic virotherapy.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism and therapeutic potential.
- This could open new avenues for lung cancer treatment strategies.
