1
|
Aramini B, Masciale V, Samarelli AV, Tonelli R, Cerri S, Clini E, Stella F, Dominici M. Biological effects of COVID-19 on lung cancer: Can we drive our decisions. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1029830. [PMID: 36300087 PMCID: PMC9589049 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1029830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is considered catastrophic because it affects multiple organs, particularly those of the respiratory tract. Although the consequences of this infection are not fully clear, it causes damage to the lungs, the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and other organs, subsequently inducing organ failure. In particular, the effects of SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment need to be investigated. COVID-19 may alter the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer cell proliferation and dormant cancer cell (DCC) reawakening. DCCs reawakened upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 can populate the premetastatic niche in the lungs and other organs, leading to tumor dissemination. DCC reawakening and consequent neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage activation with an uncontrolled cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines are the most severe clinical effects of COVID-19. Moreover, neutrophil extracellular traps have been demonstrated to activate the dissemination of premetastatic cells into the lungs. Further studies are warranted to better define the roles of COVID-19 in inflammation as well as in tumor development and tumor cell metastasis; the results of these studies will aid in the development of further targeted therapies, both for cancer prevention and the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
- *Correspondence: Beatrice Aramini,
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Valeria Samarelli
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Cerri
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Clini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|