Krasny: there is a theory that COVID-19 can be ‘a cure’ for cancer
According to Sergei Krasny, the Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the N.N. Alexandrov Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Oncology and Medical Radiology, there is now a theory that coronavirus infection can inhibit tumour growth and, in some cases, even cure cancer patients
“In Belarus, we register malignant tumours and, based on the data, an increase in malignant neoplasms in the country was recorded in recent years (we monitor the process for fifty years already). In 2019, the number of newly detected cases of malignant tumours reached 54,000 in Belarus but, in 2020, for the first time, a sharp 20 percent decrease in the incidence was registered: we had about 11,000 fewer patients. The same trend was observed in most developed countries and we quite logically assumed that it was associated with a decrease in the number of oncological patients seeking medical care. They were simply afraid of getting infected with coronavirus and did not consult doctors. In addition, preventive medical examination and screening programmes were curtailed,” Mr. Krasny said.
As noted by the specialist, doctors expected a sharp increase in incidence this year but this has not happened. “When we analysed the data, it turned out that, this year, the incidence of malignant neoplasms has decreased even more. Accordingly, it is impossible to explain the situation by a decrease in medical consultations. We then suggested that this may be due to increased mortality of cancer patients from COVID since these people have weakened immune systems and belong to the group most at risk. However, it turned out that, in 2020, cancer mortality also decreased. Moreover, only 240 more cancer patients died then from causes unrelated to malignant tumours than in 2019. This is a very small figure and it does not explain the decline in morbidity in general. If we look at a total of two years, then we can register a decrease of almost 25,000 new cases,” he added.
As a result, a hypothesis was born: this trend might be related to coronavirus infection. “COVID is characterised by high hyperthermia (high temperature that lasts long enough). As we know malignant tumour cells are very sensitive to high temperature; this has been used in our practice for a long time. In addition, COVID inspires a dramatic increase in humoral and cell-mediated immunity. As a result, large amounts of antibodies are produced. Complex effects can inhibit tumour growth, lead to tumour regression and, in some cases, even cure. This is yet a theory but we wish this to be true,” Mr. Krasny stated.
