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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
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Colorectal Cancer Risk Following Herpes Zoster Reactivation in COVID-19 Survivors: Global Multicenter Study Using
Tzung-Ju Lu1,2, Chien-Lin Lu3, Joshua Wang4,5
1Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan.
Cancers
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation after COVID-19 increases colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Enhanced surveillance and early screening are recommended for COVID-19 survivors who develop HZ.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Oncology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 is associated with immune dysfunction and long-term health issues.
- Herpes zoster (HZ), a marker of impaired immunity, may indicate heightened risk for infections, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
- The link between post-COVID HZ and colorectal cancer (CRC) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term risks of cardiovascular events, acute respiratory failure, sepsis, and CRC in COVID-19 survivors with HZ.
- To compare these risks against COVID-19 survivors without HZ.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network.
- Inclusion of adults diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2020 and January 2022.
- Propensity score matching (PSM) for a subgroup aged 55-60 years for controlled comparison over three-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Post-COVID HZ patients showed significantly higher risks for cardiovascular events, acute respiratory failure, sepsis, and CRC compared to controls.
- Age ≥ 50, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension were identified as independent risk factors.
- Cancer-free survival was notably better in the non-HZ group, despite low absolute CRC incidence.
Conclusions:
- Reactivation of HZ following COVID-19 correlates with an elevated risk of CRC.
- Increased surveillance and prompt CRC screening are advised for this vulnerable patient group.
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