Emerging Case Report Links Spike Protein Expression to Aggressive Breast Cancer Recurrence

A Japanese case report by Dr. Shigetoshi Sano, recently described an aggressive breast cancer recurrence in an 85-year-old woman just one month after her sixth mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Biopsy results showed tumor cells positive for the spike protein, but negative for the nucleocapsid, suggesting the spike may have come from the vaccine, not a viral infection.

At Internal Healing and Wellness MD, we take a proactive, whole-person approach, combining advanced diagnostics, personalized care, and prevention strategies to support immune resilience and long-term health.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice; always consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding diagnosis or treatment.

Pathology slide showing breast cancer tissue under microscopic review.

Explaining Vaccine-Linked Spike Protein in Breast Cancer Cells

Building on a recent case report involving spike protein detection in metastatic breast cancer cells, here’s what clinicians and researchers are considering:

  • Tumor cells stained positive for spike protein, but negative for nucleocapsid, suggesting vaccine-related antigen exposure rather than viral infection.
  • Possible explanations include extracellular spike uptake, assay cross-reactivity, or tumor microenvironment factors like endocytosis or exosome transfer.
  • Nucleocapsid absence helps distinguish vaccine exposure from active infection in tissue-based studies.

Exploring Root Causes: Timeline of Aggressive Metastatic Recurrence After mRNA Vaccination

  • May 2021 – June 2021: Received first and second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (batches EW4811 and FA4597).
  • February 2022: Received third Pfizer-BioNTech dose (batch FL7646).
  • May 2022: Patient noticed a lump in the right breast.
  • July 2022: Received a Moderna booster (batch 000268A).
  • November 2022: Received fifth Pfizer-BioNTech dose (batch GJ1852).
  • December 2022: Diagnosed with right breast cancer; began preoperative Anastrozole therapy.
  • April 2023: Partial mastectomy with clear surgical margins; Diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma at Stage IA (T1c, N0, M0); Histopathological Grade I; ER, J-score 3b; PgR, J-score 1; HER2, IHC 2/FISH score 2.46; Ki-67 proliferation index, 20.9%; Postoperative Tamoxifen administration
  • October 2024: Received sixth Pfizer-BioNTech dose (batch LK7363).
  • November 2024: Developed a new skin lesion on the right chest.
  • January 2025: Skin lesion confirmed histologically as metastatic recurrence of breast cancer. Immunostaining: Spike protein positive, nucleocapsid negative, suggesting spike expression unrelated to viral infection.

    • Source: Hulscher, N. (2025). Metastatic breast cancer tumor found expressing spike protein after six mRNA shots. Focal Points: Courageous Discourse.

    Mechanistic Hypotheses in the Spike-Positive Breast Cancer Case

    The following proposed mechanisms reflect early scientific discussion and call for cautious interpretation within clinical practice and functional medicine settings.

    • Genomic Integration: Researchers suggest potential incorporation of vaccine-derived mRNA or contaminant DNA fragments into host cells.
    • Immune Tolerance Induction: Spike-driven PD-L1 upregulation and reduced type I interferon response may impair anti-tumor immunity, influencing how the immune system manages malignancy and chronic inflammation.
    • Hormonal Signaling: Spike protein interaction with estrogen receptors could contribute to cell proliferation in breast cancer and possibly ovarian tissue, warranting further clinical trials and peer-reviewed research.

    These hypotheses underscore the need for deeper investigation and careful clinical integration, balancing emerging science with patient-centered care and rigorous safety standards.

    Functional Medicine Practitioners' Approach: Connecting Spike Protein Findings to Whole-Body Health

    The finding raises deeper questions about immune balance, chronic inflammation, and overall system health. Functional medicine helps interpret these complex responses by examining key systems that influence healing and resilience:

    • Inflammatory Terrain: Clinicians assess markers like CRP, ferritin, and cytokines to understand the body’s inflammatory load. Signs of oxidative stress may reveal why healing is delayed or immunity is compromised.
    • Immune Regulation: Evaluating immune cell activity and nutritional status helps determine how well the body can recover after repeated immune activation, such as from illness or vaccination.
    • Metabolic Health: Blood sugar patterns, hormone levels, and stress responses are tracked to identify imbalances that may affect energy, mood, and cell growth, especially relevant in cancer recovery.
    • Oncology Collaboration: Functional medicine works alongside oncology teams to ensure that supportive therapies, nutrition plans, and supplements enhance treatment without interfering with standard care.

    By addressing inflammation, immunity, and metabolism together, clinicians can guide patients toward better recovery, long-term stability, and improved health outcomes.

    Integrative Medicine’s Role in Translating Spike Protein Findings into Personalized Care

    A patient-centered plan helps guide care for those who may be at risk of similar post-vaccination breast cancer recurrence. The focus is on safety, accurate testing, and coordination between specialties.

    • History Review: Record cancer progression, vaccination and infection history, therapies, and new symptoms to identify possible risk factors for immune dysfunction or chronic inflammation.
    • Testing: Use inflammation and organ function panels, and review pathology with oncology or request second-opinion immunostaining to confirm findings and guide treatment.
    • Referral and Research: Encourage registry reporting and participation in clinical trials to expand understanding while maintaining ethical, evidence-based care.

    This functional medicine approach, led by trained functional medicine practitioners, integrates complementary and conventional strategies to help patients make informed, personalized decisions that support recovery and long-term well-being.

    Integrating Functional Medicine Care Within Standard Oncology

    Integrating functional medicine principles within oncology care helps support patients recovering from complex diagnoses such as breast cancer, especially in cases where immune function and inflammation may play a role.

    • Lifestyle Foundations: Prioritize anti-inflammatory nutrition, consistent sleep patterns, gentle physical activity, and stress management to restore balance across organ systems and support overall well-being.
    • Safety Monitoring: Monitor liver and kidney function to detect potential drug or nutrient interactions early, particularly when using complementary and alternative medicine alongside conventional therapies.
    • Therapeutic Boundaries: Avoid making treatment changes based on single case reports. Instead, follow evidence-based guidelines and clinical trials, focusing on quality of life and prevention of chronic inflammation or immune dysfunction.

    The focus is on strengthening the body, improving resilience, and maintaining safety alongside conventional cancer treatments, helping patients and medical professionals collaborate for safer, more effective long-term health outcomes.

    Functional Medicine Strengthens Oncology with Whole-System, Preventive Care

    By focusing on prevention, immune balance, and whole-system health, patients and practitioners can work together to strengthen resilience and reduce risk factors linked to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction.

    Functional medicine provides the tools for ongoing evaluation and personalized care that complement conventional oncology. The goal is not only to study these findings but to use them as motivation to promote safer, more holistic patient outcomes.

    Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice; always consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding diagnosis or treatment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Functional medicine physicians assess markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism, and immune regulation to identify imbalances. This approach supports recovery and strengthens the immune system without interfering with standard oncology treatments.

    Chronic inflammation can weaken immune defense, affect hormone signaling, and create a tumor-friendly environment. Functional medicine focuses on nutrition, stress management, and metabolic health to reduce inflammation and support healing.

    Functional medicine practitioners collaborate with oncologists to ensure that supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle therapies complement conventional treatments. This approach maintains patient safety while improving quality of life.

    Patients experiencing unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or immune imbalance may benefit from a functional medicine evaluation. This consultation provides personalized guidance on lab testing, prevention, and integrative care plans that complement oncology follow-ups.

    Get Evidence-Based Care for Inflammation, Immunity, and Recurrence Risk

    If you’re seeking answers about immune health, inflammation, or cancer recurrence, our team offers evidence-based functional medicine consultations designed for your needs. At Internal Healing and Wellness MD, we combine advanced testing with personalized strategies to help you understand your body and reduce long-term risks. Begin a clear, research-informed path to better health. Schedule your appointment today.

    Relevant Studies and References

    Cleveland Clinic (2025). Metastasis (Metastatic Cancer). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22213-metastasis-metastatic-cancer

    Elsevier B.V. (2025). Author profile: Sano, S. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/author/55499154600/shigetoshi-sano

    Huang, H.-C., Liao, C.-C., Wang, S.-H., Lee, I.-J., Lee, T.-A., Hsu, J.-M., Kuo, C.-T., Wang, J., Hsieh, W.-C., Chang, S.-J., Chen, S.-Y., Tao, M.-H., Lin, Y.-L., Lai, Y.-J., & Li, C.-W. (2021). Hyperglycosylated spike of SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant induces breast cancer metastasis. American Journal of Cancer Research, 11(10), 4994–5005. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8569360

    Hulscher, N. (2025). Metastatic breast cancer tumor found expressing spike protein after six mRNA shots. Focal Points: Courageous Discourse. https://www.focalpoints.com

    Nguyen, H.-N. T., Kawahara, M., Vuong, C.-K., Fukushige, M., Yamashita, T., & Ohneda, O. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 M protein facilitates malignant transformation of breast cancer cells. Frontiers in Oncology, 12, 923467. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.923467

    Sano, S. (2025). A case of metastatic breast carcinoma to the skin expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein possibly derived from mRNA vaccine. Journal of Dermatological Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2025.09.007

    Valdes Angues, R., & Perea Bustos, Y. (2023). SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the multi-hit hypothesis of oncogenesis. Cureus, 15(12), e50703. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.50703