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Breast Cancer Research
Published in: Breast Cancer Research 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Metastasis | Viewpoint

COVID-19: a potential driver of immune-mediated breast cancer recurrence?

Authors: Federica Francescangeli, Maria Laura De Angelis, Ann Zeuner

Published in: Breast Cancer Research | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a hyperactivation of immune cells, resulting in lung inflammation. Recent studies showed that COVID-19 induces the production of factors previously implicated in the reawakening of dormant breast cancer cells such as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The presence of NETs and of a pro-inflammatory microenvironment may therefore promote breast cancer reactivation, increasing the risk of pulmonary metastasis. Further studies will be required to confirm the link between COVID-19 and cancer recurrence. However, an increased awareness on the potential risks for breast cancer patients with COVID-19 may lead to improved treatment strategies to prevent metastatic relapse.
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Metadata
Title
COVID-19: a potential driver of immune-mediated breast cancer recurrence?
Authors
Federica Francescangeli
Maria Laura De Angelis
Ann Zeuner
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Breast Cancer Research / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1465-542X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-020-01360-0

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