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. 2025 Apr 16;17(2):33.
doi: 10.3390/idr17020033.

Convergent Mechanisms in Virus-Induced Cancers: A Perspective on Classical Viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and AI-Driven Solutions

Thorsten Rudroff  1
Affiliations

Convergent Mechanisms in Virus-Induced Cancers: A Perspective on Classical Viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and AI-Driven Solutions

Thorsten Rudroff. Infect Dis Rep. .

Abstract

This perspective examines the potential oncogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 through comparative analysis with established cancer-causing viruses, integrating classical virological approaches with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analysis. The paper explores four key themes: shared oncogenic mechanisms between classical viruses and SARS-CoV-2 (including cell cycle dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, immune evasion, and metabolic reprogramming); the application of AI in understanding viral oncogenesis; the integration of neuroimaging evidence; and future research directions. The author presents novel hypotheses regarding SARS-CoV-2's potential oncogenic mechanisms, supported by recent PET/FDG imaging studies showing persistent metabolic alterations. The manuscript emphasizes the transformative potential of combining traditional virological methods with advanced AI technologies for better understanding and preventing virus-induced cancers, while highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring of COVID-19 survivors for potential oncogenic developments.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; artificial intelligence; metabolic programming; neuroimaging; viral oncogenesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Convergent mechanisms in viral oncogenesis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Multi-Modal Risk Assessment in Viral Oncogenesis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Temporal Progression of Viral Infection to Potential Oncogenesis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
AI-based diagnostic process in viral oncology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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