Severe COVID-19 and Flu Linked to Increased Lung Cancer Risk, Vaccination Offers Protection

Severe respiratory infections, like COVID-19 and influenza, can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer, according to new research from the University of Virginia (UVA) Health. But, vaccination against these viruses appears to mitigate this risk, offering a protective effect against cancer development. The findings underscore the importance of vaccination and heightened surveillance for lung cancer in individuals recovering from severe respiratory illnesses.

How Viral Infections Prime Lungs for Cancer

Researchers at UVA’s Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research and UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that severe viral infections can “reprogram” immune cells within the lungs, creating an environment conducive to tumor growth months or even years later. This reprogramming affects neutrophils and macrophages, immune cells responsible for protecting the lungs, causing them to promote inflammation and tumor development. Changes were also observed in the epithelial cells lining the lungs and air sacs.

Data from patient records revealed a 1.24-fold increase in lung cancer incidence among individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, regardless of smoking history or other underlying health conditions. This suggests that severe respiratory viral infection should be considered a risk factor for lung cancer, similar to smoking.

Vaccination as a Protective Measure

The study offers a reassuring message: vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza appears to prevent these harmful changes that promote cancer growth. Vaccines train the immune system to effectively combat infections, reducing the severity of illness and minimizing the long-term impact on lung health. Individuals who experienced mild cases of COVID-19 did not exhibit the same increased cancer risk and, in fact, showed a slight decrease in risk.

Implications for Clinical Care

Given the findings, researchers urge clinicians to closely monitor patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19, influenza, or pneumonia for early signs of lung cancer. This is particularly important for individuals with a history of smoking. Enhanced lung cancer surveillance, such as routine screening CT scans, may be beneficial in identifying the disease at its most treatable stages.

“These findings have important immediate implications for how we monitor patients after severe respiratory viral infection,” said Jeffrey Sturek, MD, PhD, a UVA physician-scientist and collaborator on the project. UVA Health News

Future Research and the Role of Biotechnology

Researchers are continuing to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying this increased cancer risk, with the goal of developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. The research aligns with the mission of UVA’s Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, which aims to accelerate the translation of lab discoveries into lifesaving treatments.

“Our goal is to help doctors identify who may be at higher risk of lung cancer after a severe infection and develop targeted ways to prevent and treat lung cancer after prior pneumonia,” said Jie Sun, PhD, co-director of UVA’s Carter Center. UVA Health News

Key Takeaways

• Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can increase the risk of lung cancer.
• Vaccination against these viruses appears to offer protection against this increased risk.
• Clinicians should consider enhanced lung cancer surveillance for patients recovering from severe respiratory illnesses.
• Further research is needed to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Sources: UVA Health News, UVA Health News, WVIR