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As the Covid pandemic recedes, a new study led by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel, head of pediatric pulmonology at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, finds that increased risk of lung cancer may be among the virus’s long-term effects. It also suggests a way to identify those most susceptible to developing lung cancer, pointing the way to early and effective intervention.
The study, written along with Kaylee Wallace and a team of researchers from Marshall University School of Medicine, was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.
People who recover from Covid often develop lung scarring, which can raise the risk of lung cancer. The study explored whether a key part of the virus — the spike protein — can damage the lungs and increase cancer risk.
Dr. Gileles-Hillel and his colleagues analyzed health data from a large database and conducted experiments in mice. They also looked at inflammation, blood clotting, scarring and tumor growth.
The data showed that people who had Covid were more likely to develop lung cancer, especially smokers. In mice, the spike protein caused lung damage, inflammation and small blood clots and significantly increased tumor growth. Mice lacking the specific enzyme TYMP had less lung damage and far fewer tumors, suggesting TYMP plays a key role and could be a target for future treatments to reduce long-term risks.
"While the risk per person remains relatively low, the significance at the population level can be large — especially in people with risk factors such as smoking," said Dr. Gileles-Hillel. "A better understanding of the mechanisms may enable early detection and more effective treatment.”
