Respiratory Infections May Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in the Lungs

A new Nature study led by James DeGregori, MD, of the University of Colorado Cancer Center shows that respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, potentially triggering new metastases. The findings highlight IL-6–driven inflammation as a key mechanism and underscore the importance of vaccination for cancer survivors.