Severe COVID-19 and Flu Linked to Increased Lung Cancer Risk, Vaccination Offers Protection
Latest research from the University of Virginia (UVA) Health indicates that severe viral respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and influenza, can prime the lungs for cancer development and accelerate the disease’s progression. However, vaccination appears to mitigate these harmful effects, offering a protective benefit.
How Viral Infections Increase Lung Cancer Risk
Researchers led by Jie Sun, PhD, at the UVA School of Medicine, discovered that serious viral lung infections “reprogram” immune cells – specifically neutrophils and macrophages – that are normally responsible for protecting the lungs. This reprogramming creates an inflamed, “pro-tumor” environment conducive to cancer growth [1]. Changes were also observed in the epithelial cells lining the lungs and air sacs.
Studies in lab mice demonstrated that those who experienced severe lung infections were more likely to develop lung cancer and had a significantly reduced survival rate. Analysis of patient data revealed a 1.24-fold increase in lung cancer incidence among individuals previously hospitalized with COVID-19, regardless of smoking history or other underlying health conditions [3].
The Protective Role of Vaccination
Importantly, prior vaccination appeared to prevent the lung changes that promote cancer development. Vaccines train the immune system to effectively combat infections, reducing the severity of illness and minimizing the long-term impact on lung health [3]. The increased cancer risk was primarily observed in patients who had experienced severe COVID-19; those with mild cases actually showed a slight decrease in risk.
Implications for Patient Monitoring and Future Research
These findings highlight the need for enhanced lung cancer surveillance in individuals recovering from severe viral pneumonia, particularly those with a history of smoking. Doctors may consider implementing routine screening CT scans, similar to those recommended for high-risk patients based on smoking history [3].
Researchers are hopeful that these insights will lead to earlier identification of patients at risk for viral-induced lung cancer and the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Further investigation is also aimed at understanding how vaccines can reduce the long-term consequences of severe infections, including immune scarring that can contribute to cancer risk [1].
COVID-19 and High-Risk Patients
UVA Health researchers have also identified a potential treatment to prevent severe COVID-19 in high-risk patients, such as those with obesity or diabetes, by addressing the runaway inflammation and dangerous blood sugar spikes that the virus can cause [1]. This research suggests a therapeutic agent that could be combined with existing antiviral medications.
“Our work has uncovered a metabolic pathway that concurrently modulates COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery and host metabolic health,” said Dr. Sun [2].
The research was supported by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations [3].