SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and cancer: Evidence for and against a role of SARS‐CoV‐2 in cancer onset

Despite huge efforts towards understanding the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pathogenesis, little is known about the long‐term consequences of the disease. Here, we critically review existing literature about oncogenesis as a potential long‐term effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Like other viral infections, SARS‐CoV‐2 may promote cancer onset by inhibiting tumor suppressor genes. We conclude that, although unlikely, such hypothesis cannot be excluded a priori and we delineate an experimental approach to address it. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/TBUTDSLR7vY