THERE’S a long list of health issues linked to COVID-19, from flu-like symptoms to serious heart problems.
But now a new study has discovered COVID-19 could offer something positive – with a link to cancer.
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Researchers from Illinois in the US found COVID-19 infection was linked to cancer regression, where the size of a tumour decreases or the extent of cancer in the body shrinks.
Using animals and tissue from humans, they observed the ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the disease.
They discovered the molecules, which are found in all living cells, triggered the development of a special cell in the immune system that has anti-cancer properties.
The newly created immune cells were able to move into blood vessels and tumours – something typical immune cells are not able to do.
Known as “inducible nonclassical monocytes” or “I-NCMs”, they could be used to treat cancers that are resistance to current therapies, according to Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute scientists.
Senior author Dr Ankit Bharat, chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Medicine, explained: “These killer cells swarm the tumour and start attacking the cancer cells directly, helping to shrink the tumour.”
This effect was activated by a severe COVID-19 infection, and was specifically seen to be effective against melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer.
How the body’s response to Covid could help fight cancer
The researchers found during a COVID-19 infection, a special subset of immune cells can be stimulated in the body. This process begins when the RNA from the virus activates certain signals in the immune system.
These signals cause the transformation of common monocytes – an ordinary type of white blood cell – into I-NCMs.
These newly formed cells have the ability to move into both the blood vessels and the surrounding tissue where tumours grow.
Dr Bharat said: “What makes these cells so special is their dual capability. Typically, immune cells called non-classical monocytes patrol blood vessels, looking for threats. But they can’t enter the tumour site itself due to the lack of specific receptors.
“In contrast I-NCMs created during severe COVID-19 retain a unique receptor called CCR2, allowing them to travel beyond blood vessels and infiltrate the tumor environment. Once there, they release certain chemicals to recruit body’s natural killer cells.
“These killer cells then swarm the tumour and start attacking the cancer cells directly, helping to shrink the tumour.”
Further research needed
Dr Bharat said this discovery opens up a new avenue for cancer treatment.
And while the research is still in the early stages, with effectiveness only studied in animals, it “offers hope that we might be able to use this approach to benefit patients with advanced cancers that have not responded to other treatments”.
More research is necessary and Dr Bharat added the next steps would be clinical trials.
Other bugs that could cure cancer
This comes after scientists found salmonella, a common bacterial infection that causes food poisoning, could be manipulated to help fight bowel cancer.
Experts have long known salmonella could help beat cancer by suppressing tumour cell growth.
But it also suppresses a part of the immune system which is essential to fight tumours.
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New research on mice, published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, offered a solution.
There’s currently no cure for cancer, but cancer screening can help to diagnose cancer or risk of cancer earlier, which can improve the likelihood of successful treatment. See the cancer screenings available in England below.
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 54 to 74, with the programme gradually expanding to those 50-plus after The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign.
Currently, those aged 54 to 74 are automatically sent an at-home test kit every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The at-home test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
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