The Mythical Carcinogenesis Potential of COVID-19 Vaccination: Perspectives

Abstract

In the era of COVID-19, vaccination is the most powerful shield for new-normal living. Although developed rapidly, the two leading vaccines, whole virus vaccines and viral component vaccines, have proven efficacy. However, risk of cancer from the COVID-19 vaccines is a concern despite only minor effects on DNA repair enzymes. There is a hypothesis that COVID-19 infection impairs RB protein and p53 protein, a tumor suppressor and gatekeeper to functions of the cell. Also, the disease causes inflammation leading to the propagation of carcinogenesis. With the benefit of immunization, COVID-19 vaccination might have the least potential effect of carcinogenesis. As one crucial piece of the jigsaw, a cohort study must prove whether the COVID-19 vaccine can safely reduce lifetime cancer risk in upcoming decades and not eventually increase cancer risk.