Exploring the oncogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract.

Recent research has increasingly highlighted the potential oncogenic effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection within the gastrointestinal tract. Growing evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal malignancies through several mechanisms, including sustained chronic inflammation, disruption of normal cellular homeostasis, and potential viral integration into host cells. These pathological processes have the potential to dysregulate critical cellular pathways, thereby promoting cancer development in vulnerable populations. A thorough understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the development of gastrointestinal cancer is essential for optimizing patient care and establishing comprehensive, long-term monitoring protocols. This review highlighted the pressing need for ongoing research into the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.