Validation of Core Claims: Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong on COVID-19 and p53#

The provided summary is based on a recent conversation (likely a video interview) with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a renowned oncologist, biotech entrepreneur, and founder of ImmunityBio. Soon-Shiong has presented similar theses in several public appearances, including interviews with Tucker Carlson in March 2025 and posts on X. The claims are largely plausible and supported by scientific literature where verifiable. However, they represent a mix of established facts, preliminary observations, and speculative hypotheses. The specific study on COVID-19 and p53 inhibition, conducted with Dr. Carlos Cadona, has not been published by November 2025. Soon-Shiong describes it as “soon to be published,” indicating ongoing research but not yet providing peer-reviewed evidence.

I have verified the statements based on current sources, including scientific publications, X posts, and reports. Here is a detailed evaluation:

1. p53 as a Cellular “Guardian” Gene Against Cancer#

✅ Completely correct. The TP53 gene encodes the p53 protein – the “Guardian of the Genome”. It recognizes DNA damage, stops the cell cycle, or triggers apoptosis. → Mutations in TP53 in ~50% of all cancer types.

“p53 is the most important tumor suppressor in humans.” – Nature Reviews Cancer[^4]

2. Humans Have 1 Copy, Elephants 8 – Elephants Rarely Get Cancer#

✅ Mostly accurate – with correction.

  • Humans: 2 alleles (diploid), Soon-Shiong means functional copy per haplotype.
  • Elephants: up to 20 TP53 retrogenes (not 8) → stronger apoptosis.
  • Cancer rate: ~4.8% in elephants vs. 11–25% in humans → Peto’s Paradox.

3. Claim: COVID-19 Turns Off p53 – Data “Soon to Be Published”#

⚠️ Biologically plausible, but not yet proven.

  • SARS-CoV-2 spike protein disrupts p53-MDM2 interaction in cell cultures → p53 ↓, apoptosis ↓.
  • Cancer cells survive chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin) better.

“Spike inhibits p53 → cancer cells survive cisplatin better.” – Oncotarget[^2]

Dr. Carlos Cadona? → No publications. Likely internal collaborator. Soon-Shiong: “We will publish this soon.” → As of 10.11.2025: No paper yet.

4. Comparison to HPV: Latency and Rising Head/Neck Cancer#

✅ Accurate and relevant.

  • HPV (16/18) destroys p53 via E6 protein → years-long latency → cancer.
  • Since ~2010: HPV-related head/neck cancer > cervical cancer in USA (~20,000 vs. 13,000 cases/year).
  • Soon-Shiong: “COVID could be like HPV – a silent oncogenic time bomb.”

5. Clinical Activities: Head/Neck, Lung, Colorectal Studies#

✅ Ongoing and confirmed.

  • Observation: More young patients with aggressive head/neck cancer post-COVID.
  • QUILT trials: ANKTIVA (IL-15 superagonist) in Phase 3 for lung, head/neck, and colorectal cancer.
  • NK-cell therapy in glioblastoma (2025).

6. Long-COVID Study: “BioShield” Administration#

✅ Launched in August 2025.

  • Phase 2, n=40, Chan Soon-Shiong Institute.
  • ANKTIVA (“BioShield”) activates NK and T cells against persistent virus.

7. General Recommendations#

✅ Evidence-based and sensible.

  • Keep ALC stable → low lymphocytes = worse prognosis.
  • HbA1c <7% in diabetes → reduces inflammation & cancer risk.
  • Monitor NK/T cells → key for immune defense.

Summary Table#

Claim Status Evidence Level Key Source
p53 as guardian gene ✅ Confirmed High Nature Reviews Cancer
Elephant TP53 copies ✅ (20, not 8) High JAMA 2015
COVID inhibits p53 ⚠️ In vitro only Medium Oncotarget 2024
HPV analogy & US stats ✅ Confirmed High CDC 2025
Clinical trials ✅ Ongoing High clinicaltrials.gov NCT06244771
Long-COVID BioShield ✅ Launched High ImmunityBio 19.08.2025
Recommendations ✅ Best practice High Nature Immunology

Final Assessment#

Dr. Soon-Shiong’s core hypothesis – “SARS-CoV-2 suppresses p53 and could promote cancer long-term” – is biologically plausible, supported by cell studies, but not yet clinically proven. The HPV comparison is spot-on. Clinical programs and Long-COVID study are real and promising.

Conclusion: Serious science, but no red alert yet. Wait for the p53 study (Q1 2026?).

Actionable Insight#

If you’re affected (Long-COVID, fatigue, low lymphocytes, tumor markers ↑):

  1. Get NK/T cells and ALC measured.
  2. Talk to your oncologist about ImmunityBio trials → NCT06244771
  3. Control HbA1c, strengthen immune system (sleep, exercise, Vitamin D).
  4. Wait for the p53 publication – but don’t panic.

Footnotes#

  1. Soon-Shiong X post, 15 Jul 2025
  2. Oncotarget, 2024 May;15:320–335
  3. ImmunityBio Investor Update, Q3 2025
  4. Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021
  5. JAMA, 2015;314(17):1835
  6. Nature, 2018;560:635–639
  7. J. Infection, 2022;85:557–564
  8. PMC9849742, 2022
  9. CDC Cancer Statistics, 2025
  10. Lancet Oncology, 2021;22:156–165
  11. clinicaltrials.gov NCT06244771
  12. BioSpace, 20 Aug 2025