Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: inflammation, the missing link

Author(s): Michael A Gibbons and Tariq Sethi

The link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer has been known for over 40 years. A total of 50–70% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have COPD, and COPD is an important risk factor for lung cancer. Only recently have advances in both basic science and clinical studies shed light on the links between them, with dysregulated inflammation playing a central role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. The development of COPD and lung cancer share many common biochemical and cellular mechanisms. In addition, the critical importance of inflammation leading to cancer initiation and progression is becoming increasingly apparent. Understanding the common processes/molecules that are central to the pathogenesis of both COPD and lung cancer, and the interactions between chronic infection, inflammation and cancer, may help identify novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat lung cancer, in addition to identifying biomarkers to target those at high risk of developing this disease.