Study Links COVID-19 To Tumor Regression, Opens New Venue For Cancer Treatment

Although promising, the findings are still in the early stages and require further validation through clinical trials. (Credit: Image by kjpargeter on Freepik)

Researchers have discovered a link between severe COVID-19 infections and cancer tumor regression, potentially opening new avenues for cancer treatment.

A study conducted by researchers from the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute found that RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus may trigger the development of immune cells with anti-cancer properties. These cells with cancer-fighting properties called inducible nonclassical monocytes (I-NCMs) could be potentially used in cancer treatments, particularly for patients with aggressive or advanced cancers, when the traditional treatment options such as immunotherapies do not work.