SARS-CoV-2, a possible new oncovirus?

Abstract

CA 72-4 is a tumor marker associated with gastrointestinal, lung and ovarian tumors. The analysis of tumor markers is not usual in COVID-19, since there is no established relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of tumors, but data suggest that 15 percent of all human cancers worldwide may be attributed to viruses. Changes in Ca 72-4 levels were observed in individuals with COVID-19, suggesting a possible oncogenic characteristic of the virus, requiring further attention and investigation. BACKGROUND: Since the arrival of a new type of coronavirus in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the world has undergone changes due to the pandemic impact caused by the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is mainly related to lung involvement, but gastrointestinal complaints, such as vomiting and diarrhea, have also been reported. METHODS: We brought a series of cases of patients seen in Brazil, infected by SARS-CoV-2, who had high levels of CA 72.4 during the course of the infection, suggesting a possible oncogenic characteristic of the virus under study. RESULTS: The described group showed relevant variations in the levels of the tumor marker CA 74-2 after infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The minor variation of the tumor marker was 4% and the highest observed, 7146%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that some viruses can induce the tumor process, the analysis of tumor markers after viral infection can be a useful tool in assessing the possible impact on post-pandemic global health scenario.