November 24, 2024 at 1:42 PM IST
The study is investigating how COVID-19 can produce certain monocytes in the body that have anti-cancer properties.
Four years ago, COVID-19 swept the world and shut it down. It took so many lives and left a lasting mark on global health. However, there may be some positive aspects to COVID-19, according to a new study.
Read also | Long Covid: new understanding of symptoms, mechanisms and prospects for treatment
According to new research led by Justin Stebbing of England’s Ruskin University, COVID-19 may indeed have a huge potential benefit. He can fight another deadly disease – cancer. Research suggests that COVID-19 may be an antidote to fast-growing cancer cells and help them shrink.
Research results:
The research focused on the role that certain white blood cells, known as monocytes, play in the body’s defense against disease and viruses. In cancer patients, monocytes can be taken over by tumor cells and transformed into cancer-promoting cells that also protect tumors from the body’s immune system.
However, in severe COVID-19 infections, the body produces a special type of monocyte with anti-cancer properties. These monocytes are specifically designed to fight the COVID-19 virus, but can also help fight cancer. Read also | One in 20 suffer from long-term effects of Covid-19: study
To understand this, a study was conducted on mice with stage 4 different types of cancer such as melanoma, lung, breast and colon cancer. The mice were then given a drug that mimics the immune system’s response to severe COVID-19 infections. Unlike normal monocytes, these monocytes retain cancer-fighting properties and target tumors directly. The results were remarkable, as monocytes began to shrink tumors in all types of cancer.
What does this mean for cancer treatment?
This research could open up new opportunities for cancer research and treatment. It also sheds light on the complex relationship between cancer cells and the body’s immune system. However, this does not mean that we are deliberately trying to come into contact with the disease. The current practice of immunotherapy mainly focuses on T cells. However, this research opens up a new way to treat cancer. Read also | Are you at risk? New research reveals the hidden dangers of cancer in your genes
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
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