Unexpected tumor reduction in metastatic colorectal cancer patients during SARS-Cov-2 infection. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ottaiano, Alessandro; Scala, Stefania; D'Alterio, Crescenzo; Trotta, Annamaria; Bello, Annamaria; Rea, Giuseppina; Picone, Carmine; Santorsola, Mariachiara; Petrillo, Antonella; Nasti, Guglielmo
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in medical oncology. Volume 13(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: chemotherapy -- colorectal cancer -- COVID-19 -- NK cells -- SARS-CoV-2; Oncology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1177/17588359211011455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-8340

Abstract

Herein, we describe three patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) experiencing infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) and reduction of disease burden during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course. Insights into tumor-associated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 expression and lymphocyte function suggest a correlation between host/SARS-Cov-2 infection and tumor burden reduction. This may shed new light into (a) the infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virus and (b) the multiple aspects of a composite antiviral immune response with potential paradoxical and unexpected applications.