A recent study by Northwestern Medicine researchers has revealed a surprising connection between COVID-19 infection and cancer regression, potentially opening new pathways for cancer treatment. The research, led by Dr. Ankit Bharat, suggests that the immune response triggered by COVID-19 can activate monocytes to target and destroy cancer cells.
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Canning Thoracic Institute, involved scientists from the Feinberg School of Medicine and clinicians at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Their findings indicate that monocytes, a type of white blood cell, when exposed to COVID-19, exhibit enhanced anti-cancer activity.
Monocytes as Cancer Fighters
The research team observed that COVID-19-activated monocytes could effectively target and eliminate cancer cells in laboratory settings. This suggests a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy, where the body's own immune cells are harnessed to fight cancer. Dr. Bharat emphasized the potential of this discovery, stating, "We are in the early stages, but the potential to transform cancer treatment is there."
Clinical Trial Prospects
While the findings are promising, Dr. Bharat cautions that further research is needed before this approach can be translated into clinical practice. The next steps involve clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using COVID-19-activated monocytes to treat cancer patients. These trials will focus on cancers that are currently difficult to manage, offering new hope for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
Implications for Lung Cancer Treatment
This research could also play a significant role in the Canning Thoracic Institute’s Double Lung Replacement and Multidisciplinary Care (DREAM) Program. The DREAM program provides double-lung transplants to select patients with advanced lung cancers who are not responding to conventional treatments. To date, more than 40 patients have received double-lung transplants through the DREAM Program.
According to Dr. Bharat, "While the program has been highly successful, we do anticipate that some patients might have recurrence. Since we’re using monocytes with our research, we could potentially treat DREAM patients without risking rejection of their new lungs."
The team hopes that further research will lead to the development of therapies that specifically target these cells to treat cancers that are currently difficult to manage. This could lead to new treatment options for patients who have exhausted all other possibilities.
