Sars-Cov-2 Persistent Infection May Evolve into Malignancy, Possibly Curbed by Vaccination: A Hypothesis

Abstract

The three coronavirus variant infections which evolve onto severe respiratory conditions, have occasionally been associated with persistence. The viral RNA might be solely affected, or else, new symptoms might represent the only disease manifestations, often systemic and neurological. At times, it may associate with variable immunity. A persistent COVID-19 may initiate a “long COVID” episode. It has been hypothesized that, pending an expanded follow-up, the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 might advance into a cancer: TMPRSS2 gene might develop into prostate cancer, while ground glass lung opacities might lead to lung cancer. In contrast, vaccines may impede the development of a malignancy. Among these, the BCG vaccine predominates, together with the MMR vaccine; mumps and measles being possibly responsible for tumor handicap. It is too early to discern a similar role for COVID-19 with anti-SARSCoV-2 vaccines, as they may relate to cancer.