Approved research

Genetic association and gene-environment interaction with smoking for lung cancer

Lay summary

Tremendous success has been achieved by genome-wide association studies in identifying genetic variants associated with lung cancer. However, to discover most of the genetic variability influencing lung cancer risk, large sample sizes and novel statistical approaches are required. We aim to use the UK Biobank data to discover novel associations and validate our GWAS for initial identification of SNPs influencing risk for lung cancer. We will apply and develop statistical approaches to perform comprehensive analysis, allowing for evaluate gene x gene and gene - environment (particularly smoking) interactions. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the influence of genetic and environmental risk factors on lung cancer. Our work will help inform lung cancer etiology, and identify individuals predicted to be at particularly elevated lung cancer risk.