Gene Analysis Links Lung Cancer to Inflammation Aggravated by Smoking

Cancer researchers have found a molecular link that connects lung inflammation to the risk of developing lung cancer especially when the condition is aggravated by heavy smoking.

Investigators at the [U.S.] National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD, USA) and the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, USA) compared differences in genes related to inflammation between more than 1,500 lung cancer patients-more than 80% of them being current or former smokers-and 1,700 controls.

Results published in the July 1, 2007, issue of Cancer Research revealed that among the 59 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 37 inflammation-related genes studied, some variants in the genes for interleukin (IL) 1A and 1B, were found more frequently in patients with lung cancer. These findings were even more apparent among heavy smokers.

Our findings help explain how heavy smoking, for example, combines with a genetic predisposition to create a besieged environment within the lungs, said first author Dr. Eric Engels, a researcher in viral epidemiology at the [U.S.] National Cancer Institute. Essentially, sustained inflammation alters the microenvironment of the lung tissue, damaging cells and altering DNA. While smoking is still the greatest risk factor, we still do not understand how other factors play a role. A better understanding of the risks involving inflammation will lead to a better understanding of cancer prevention.


Related Links:
National Cancer Institute
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center