Levels of Sex Steroids in Lung Tissues of Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After COVID-19 of Different Severity
May 2023
in “
Research and Practical Medicine Journal
”
Studysummary This study found that severe or moderate COVID-19 altered sex hormone and cortisol levels in lung tissues of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly in women, suggesting potential implications for lung cancer progression and treatment outcomes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This study analyzed sex hormone and cortisol levels in lung tissues of 60 patients with stage I–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had previously contracted COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups based on COVID-19 severity: 30 with severe or moderate cases and 30 with mild or asymptomatic cases. Results showed that severe COVID-19 altered the hormonal profile in lung tissues, particularly in women, with significant increases in estradiol, cortisol, and progesterone, and a decrease in testosterone. These hormonal changes suggest a potential increase in lung cancer incidence, especially in females, and may affect the disease's progression, response to treatment, and complication rates.