Approved Research

Association of the interaction between metabolic risk factors and smoking with the risk of lung cancer.

Lay summary

In this project, we will identify the potential interaction between metabolic profiles and smoking in the development and outcomes of lung cancer. Metabolic factors will be investigated, including detailed alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, diabetes, consumption of fruit and vegetables, supplementation of nutrients and medication, and blood biochemistry (triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein et al). Cigarette smoking contributes the most to lung cancer occurrence and mortality. Despite recent advances, lung cancer therapies have shown limited clinical benefit. Given the need for new therapies, the metabolism of lung cancer has been widely studied in the past two decades to identify vulnerabilities that could be translated into novel anti-metabolic therapeutic approaches. Emerging evidence has highlighted the role of glucose, glutamine, and mitochondrial metabolism in the development of lung cancer. Therefore, both smoking and metabolic factors affect the development of lung cancer. However, whether metabolic factors interact with smoking to promote lung cancer development is still unclear, and their combined effects must be considered. The project is planning to take 3 years after the data has been downloaded. By linking metabolic risk factors to smoking-promoted lung cancer development, it is possible to identify people and populations that are at higher risk and offer early intervention. Accordingly, this deeper understanding of lung cancer may contribute to improving diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies.