Viruses reactivate dormant lung cancer cells

COVID and flu can reactivate dormant lung cancer cells, potentially leading to metastasis, a new study found. Researchers exposed mice with dormant breast cancer cells in their lungs to flu and coronavirus. Both infections triggered the dormant cells, causing metastatic lesions within two weeks, likely driven by the protein IL-6. The findings suggest individuals with a history of cancer should take precautions against respiratory viruses. Drugs targeting IL-6 may help prevent metastasis after viral infections.