Unexpected tumor reduction in metastatic colorectal cancer patients during SARS-Cov-2 infection
Alessandro Ottaiano, Stefania Scala, Crescenzo D’Alterio, Annamaria Trotta, Anna Maria Bello, Giuseppina Rea, Carmine Picone, Mariachiara Santorsola, Antonella Petrillo, Guglielmo Nasti
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.