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The Immortal Cancer Cell Hypothesis: Are There Implications for Cancer, Soil Formation, and Climate Change?
Authors
ONLINE ISSN: 2645-2936
PRINT ISSN: 0795 – 6541
Editor-in-chief
Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma O. Ehiemere
University of Nigeria
Editorial Secretary
Dr. Goodluck I. Nshi
Aspen University, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Assistant Editorial Secretary
Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Institutional Affiliation(s)
1. School of Nursing and Health Science, Purdue Global University, USA
2. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Citation
To Cite this Article:
Nshi, G. I., & Ogwu, C.A. (2025). The immortal cancer cell hypothesis: are there implications for cancer, soil formation, and climate change? The Nursing Scope, 8(1), 40-43. ISSN: 2645-2936 (Online); 0795 – 6541 (Print). https://doi.org/10.59073/thenursingscope81/40-43
Keywords
Abstract
Introduction: Henrietta Lacks' (HELA) cervical cancer cells have been continuously growing since their extraction in 1951 by Dr. George Gey from a biopsy at Johns Hopkins University, raising questions about the fate of cancer cells after death.
Purpose: This essay elaborates the hypothesis that aims to raise the curiosity of researchers to investigate if it is true that cancer cells are immortal and continue to multiply after death, potentially forming part of the earth's soil.
Summary: The essay discussed the implications of the potential hypothesis for cancer, soil formation, and climate change and questioned the possibility that buried cancer cells may or may not elaborate carcinogenic or anti-carcinogenic properties and may contribute to soil expansion and climate change.
Conclusion: Cancer cells like the HELA cells have been found to survive and multiply outside the body. There is a paucity of literature on the fate of cancer cells after death and burial. Further studies are needed to find out what exactly happens to cancer cells after a deceased cancer patient is buried.