Role of sex hormones in lung cancer

Sexual dimorphism of colorectal cancer in humans and colorectal tumors in a murine model

Introduction

In colorectal cancer, men exhibit a higher incidence than women, and there is a disturbance in the levels of sex steroids in serum in patients with this disease. Consistently, in animals, males have greater tumor growth than females in diverse models. Nevertheless, the role of sex steroids is not well established. For that, we analyzed the effect of the principal gonadal sex steroids in both sexes. We determined sex as a statistically risk factor for colorectal cancer with data obtained from GLOBOCAN database.

Methods

To induce colorectal tumors, we used the gold standard chemical method of azoxymethane and dextran sulphate of sodium. To evaluate the role of sex steroids, we gonadectomized independent males and female animals, reconstituting and substituting them with 17β estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Finally, we determined, in vitro, the proliferation of a human cell line exposed to 17β estradiol, testosterone, or dihydrotestosterone. Sex, as a risk factor for colorectal cancer, showed a statistically significant susceptibility of men over 50 years old.

Results

In vivo, males develop a greater number of tumors and with a larger size than females. In males, orchiectomy prevents tumor growth, whereas in females, ovariectomy promotes the development of neoplasms. DHT acts as a protumoral agent in both sexes. 17β estradiol reduces tumor growth in females but enhances it in males, showing a dimorphic effect. In vitro studies reveal that estradiol decreases the proliferation of the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, while testosterone boosts proliferation in these cells. Interestingly, dihydrotestosterone does not influence proliferation.

Smoking and pulmonary health in women: A narrative review and behavioral health perspective

OBJECTIVE

Cigarette smoking prevalence has declined slower among women than men, and smoking-related pulmonary disease (PD) has risen among women. Given these trends, there is a critical need to understand and mitigate PD risk among women who smoke. The purpose of this narrative review and commentary is to highlight important evidence from the literature on smoking and PD among women.

METHODS

This review focuses broadly on examining cigarette smoking and PD among women within six topic areas: (1) demographic characteristics and prevalence of smoking, (2) smoking behavior, (3) lung cancer, (4) obstructive PD, (5) diagnostic and treatment disparities, and (6) gaps in the literature and potential directions for future research and treatment.

RESULTS

Growing evidence indicates that compared to men, women are at increased risk for developing smoking-related PD and poorer PD outcomes. Gender disparities in smoking-related PD may be largely accounted for by genetic differences and sex hormones contributing to PD pathogenesis and presentation, smoking behavior, nicotine dependence, and pathogen/carcinogen clearance. Moreover, gender disparities in smoking-related PD may be exacerbated by important social determinants (e.g., women with less formal education and those from minoritized groups may be at especially high risk for poor PD outcomes due to higher rates of smoking).

CONCLUSION

Rising rates of smoking-related PD among women risk widening diagnostic and treatment disparities. Ongoing research is needed to explore potentially complex relationships between sex, gender, and smoking-related PD processes and outcomes, and to improve smoking-cessation and PD treatment for women.

Age at first sexual intercourse, age at menarche, and age at menopause: a mendelian randomization study on lung cancer risk

Background

There is increasing evidence that sex hormones are involved in the development of lung cancer, but the correlation between the reproductive behavior that changes sex hormone levels and lung cancer is not yet clear. Many previous studies have investigated the association between reproductive factors and lung cancer risk, but the results have been inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential relationship between age at first sexual intercourse (AFS), age at menarche, and age at menopause, and lung cancer.

Methods

We performed a MR analysis of the data from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry to evaluate the independent effects of three reproductive behaviors on lung cancer overall (LUCA), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We mainly used the inverse-variance weighting method for the MR analysis. Sensitivity was determined by a MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier analysis, a weighted median analysis, a MR-Egger analysis, and a leave-one-out analysis.

Results

The MR analysis results revealed that older AFS had a causal relationship with LUCA [odds ratio (OR) =0.6283, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4959-0.7961, P=0.0001), LUAD (OR =0.7042, 95% CI: 0.4967-0.9984, P=0.049), and LUSC (OR =0.6231, 95% CI: 0.4386-0.8853, P=0.0083).

Conclusions

Our results revealed a causal relationship between older AFS and a lower risk of lung cancer. Our findings emphasize the importance of providing sex education, as early sexual intercourse may have undesirable effects. In addition, early psychological treatment is also essential.

CD147 TagSNP is associated with the vulnerability to lung cancer in the Chinese population: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer, with its high morbidity and mortality, presents a major significant public health challenge. CD147, linked to cancer progression and metastasis, is a promising therapeutic target, including for lung cancer. The genetic variation may influence the expression of the gene and consequently the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD147 to understand their association with the risk of developing lung cancer in the Han Chinese population.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control investigation was conducted, enrolling 700 lung cancer patients and 700 cancer-free controls. TagSNPs were selected using Haploview v4.2, and genotype data from the 1000 Genomes Project database were utilized. The selected SNPs (rs28992491, rs67945626, and rs79361899) within the CD147 gene were evaluated using the improved multiple ligation detection reaction method. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, logistic regression models, and interaction analyses.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the study population showed no significant differences in gender distribution between cases and controls, but there was a notable difference in smoking rates. No significant associations were found between the three TagSNPs and lung cancer susceptibility in the codominant model. However, stratification analyses revealed interesting findings. Among females, the rs79361899 AA/AG genotype was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. In individuals aged ≥ 65 years old, the rs28992491 GG and rs79361899 AA genotypes were linked to a higher susceptibility. Furthermore, an interaction analysis demonstrated significant genotype × gender interactions in the rs79361899 recessive model, indicating an increased lung cancer risk in female carriers of the heterozygous or homozygous polymorphic genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

CD147 polymorphisms play an important role in lung cancer development, particularly in specific subgroup of age and gender. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating genetic variations and their interactions with demographic factors in comprehending the intricate etiology of lung cancer.

Sex Hormones and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Background

Sex steroid hormones, including testosterone and estradiol, play significant roles in various aspects of pulmonary health and diseases. However, although there were a few studies trying to link sex hormones with COPD, their effect remained limited due to small sample size and insufficient causal results. This study aims to investigate the association between sex hormones and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database and evaluate causality via a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Data from NHANES 2013-2016 were enrolled for the cross-sectional study. The association between sex hormones and COPD was evaluated via multivariable logistic regression. Sex-stratified analysis, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to further evaluate the correlation. For MR analysis, data were collected from genome-wide association studies and FinnGen datasets. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) approach, along with four other approaches, was applied in the analysis. Further sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the existence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Results

7,617 eligible participants were enrolled in the cross-sectional analysis. Negative associations were observed in both testosterone-COPD (OR 0.770, 95% CI 0.626, 0.948, p = 0.018) and estradiol-COPD (OR 0.794, 95% CI 0.688, 0.915, p = 0.005) relationships after covariate adjustments. However, the results from IVW-MR analysis showed that no causal relationship was observed in either the testosterone-COPD (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.53, 1.29, p = 0.407) or estradiol-COPD (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.23, 2.38, p = 0.616) relationship, which was also supported by the other four approaches (all p values > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although a significant negative association was observed between sex hormones and COPD, the results of MR analysis did not support the causality of this relationship. Our study suggested that sex hormones may indirectly rather than directly affect the development of COPD via potential covariates, which warranted further investigations.

The impact of gender on survival outcomes in patients with small intestinal stromal tumors: a comprehensive analysis using the SEER database

BACKGROUND

Small intestinal stromal tumors (SISTs) are a rare type of mesenchymal tumor. Gender is known to influence the incidence and prognosis of various tumors, but its role on the survival of SISTs at the population level remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to explore the relationship between gender and the prognosis of SISTs using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

METHODS

Data on SISTs patients from 2000 to 2019 were derived from the SEER database. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to evaluate the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

A total of 3513 patients with SISTs were analyzed, including 1921 males and 1592 females. Kaplan-Meier analysis coupled with log-rank testing demonstrated a significantly higher mortality rate among male patients compared to females (P < 0.001). Notably, female patients exhibited superior OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.808, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.724-0.902, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR 0.801, 95% CI 0.692-0.927, P = 0.003) compared to male patients. While the mean 1-year CSS rates were comparable between genders (95.3% for males vs. 96.0% for females, P = 0.332), male patients consistently showed lower mean survival rates at 3-, 5-, and 10-year intervals. Surgical intervention significantly boosted 5-year OS and CSS rates in both male and female patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified age, sex, grade, TNM stage, surgery, and mitotic rate as independent risk factors for OS and CSS in patients with SISTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that male patients with SISTs have a higher risk of mortality compared to female patients, indicating that gender may serve as a predictive indicator for survival in this patient population.

node2vec2rank: Large Scale and Stable Graph Differential Analysis via Multi-Layer Node Embeddings and Ranking

Computational methods in biology can infer large molecular interaction networks from multiple data sources and at different resolutions, creating unprecedented opportunities to explore the mechanisms driving complex biological phenomena. Networks can be built to represent distinct conditions and compared to uncover graph-level differences-such as when comparing patterns of gene-gene interactions that change between biological states. Given the importance of the graph comparison problem, there is a clear and growing need for robust and scalable methods that can identify meaningful differences. We introduce node2vec2rank (n2v2r), a method for graph differential analysis that ranks nodes according to the disparities of their representations in joint latent embedding spaces. Improving upon previous bag-of-features approaches, we take advantage of recent advances in machine learning and statistics to compare graphs in higher-order structures and in a data-driven manner. Formulated as a multi-layer spectral embedding algorithm, n2v2r is computationally efficient, incorporates stability as a key feature, and can provably identify the correct ranking of differences between graphs in an overall procedure that adheres to veridical data science principles. By better adapting to the data, node2vec2rank clearly outperformed the commonly used node degree in finding complex differences in simulated data. In the real-world applications of breast cancer subtype characterization, analysis of cell cycle in single-cell data, and searching for sex differences in lung adenocarcinoma, node2vec2rank found meaningful biological differences enabling the hypothesis generation for therapeutic candidates. Software and analysis pipelines implementing n2v2r and used for the analyses presented here are publicly available.

Decreased levels of sex hormones in females with solitary pulmonary nodules were risk factors for malignancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to detect the relationship between the levels of sex hormones in females with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and their potential malignancies.

METHODS

A total of 187 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed SPNs by chest CT were enrolled in our study. They were divided into two groups based on the pathologic findings of SPNs after surgery: benign and malignant SPNs. Progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) levels in the two groups were measured. Meanwhile, we used binary logistic regression analysis to analyze the risk factors for SPNs.

RESULTS

Of these 187 patients, 73 had benign SPNs, while 114 had malignant SPNs. We found that the levels of progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were decreased significantly in patients with malignant SPNs compared to patients with benign SPNs (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that second-hand smoke, burr sign, lobulation sign, pleural traction sign, vascular convergence sign, vacuole sign, and ≥ 1 cm nodules were independent risk factors for malignant pulmonary nodules in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased levels of sex hormones in females were associated with malignant pulmonary nodules, suggesting that they can contribute to the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lung cancer in females-sex-based differences from males in epidemiology, biology, and outcomes: a narrative review

Background and Objective

The role of biological sex is seldom considered in characterizing lung cancer, the deadliest cancer in both the United States and the world. Lung cancer has traditionally been regarded as a male disease; as such, research in female-specific phenomena is frequently conflicting or absent. Currently, disparities in lung cancer incidence are primarily driven by females, especially non-smokers and those of younger age. This narrative review provides insight into sex-specific characteristics of lung cancer, highlighting risk factors, diagnosis patterns, carcinogenesis, and treatment outcomes in females.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched on July 26, 2023 to identify research published between 2013 and 2023 in English. Sixty-three articles were considered relevant, and their full texts and citations were studied to compile information for this narrative review.

Key Content and Findings

Exposure-related risk factors, including personal tobacco use, are thought to impact female lung cancer risk more profoundly. However, studies on occupational exposures are underpowered to conclude risk in females. Data characterizing the effect of endogenous and exogenous hormonal exposures on female lung cancer risk remain two-sided. Screening guidelines are tailored to white males, exacerbating sex and race disparities. The effect of biological sex on carcinogenesis and the immune system response to cancer is not fully understood, though the female immune system clearly reacts more aggressively to lung cancer. In early-stage disease, females have greater survival in the perioperative setting and during follow-up of several years, attributed to favorable histopathology and healthier baseline status. Sex-specific response to systemic treatment continues to be optimized as lack of standardization in randomized trials makes interpreting results difficult when aggregated.

Conclusions

Biological sex plays a critical role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), though further study is needed to depict the complex web of factors that affect lung cancer risk, development, and outcomes. Female underrepresentation in studies has contributed to this lack of understanding. As these disparities are eliminated, we can move towards more effective treatment for both sexes in this pervasive yet deadly disease.

Lung Cancer in Women: The Past, Present, and Future

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in multiple countries including the United States. Women are exposed to unique risk factors that remain largely understudied such as indoor pollution, second-hand tobacco exposure, biological differences, gender differences in tolerability and response to therapy in lung cancer, and societal gender roles, that create distinct survivorship needs. Women continue to lack representation in lung cancer clinical trials and are typically treated with data generated from majority male patient study populations, which may be inappropriate to extrapolate and generalize to females. Current lung cancer treatment and screening guidelines do not incorporate sex-specific differences and physicians also often do not account for gender differences when choosing treatments or discussing survivorship needs. To best provide targeted treatment approaches, greater representation of women in lung cancer clinical trials and further research is necessary. Clinicians should understand the unique factors and consequences associated with lung cancer in women; thus, a holistic approach that acknowledges environmental and societal factors is necessary.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome With Risk of Lung Cancer: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Both the incidence of lung cancer and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been increasing worldwide. The relationship between MetS and lung cancer remains controversial.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the risk of lung cancer associated with MetS and its components?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of MetS-related variables on lung cancer risk, both overall and by histologic subtype, in the UK Biobank. Stratified analyses were conducted by sex, tobacco use status, and use of medication. HR curves were used to test the nonlinear associations between the metabolic markers and the risk of lung cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 331,877 participants included in this study, a total of 77,173 participants had a diagnosis of MetS at enrollment. During a median follow-up of 10.9 years, lung cancer as the primary site developed in 2,425 participants. The HRs of MetS were 1.21 (95% CI, 1.09-1.33), 1.28 (95% CI, 1.10-1.50), and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.94-1.44) for the overall risk of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. The HRs increased with the number of metabolic abnormalities from 1.11 to approximately 1.4 or 1.5 for those with one to five disorders. Positive association with lung cancer was observed for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated waist circumference, and hyperglycemia. The relationship between MetS and lung cancer was modified by sex, with a stronger effect in female patients (P = .031). The risk of lung cancer resulting from MetS was elevated mainly among individuals who used tobacco, although the modification effect of tobacco use was not statistically significant. A nonlinear association was found between lung cancer and HDL-C, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin.

INTERPRETATION

The increased risk of lung cancer associated with MetS suggests the importance of taking metabolic status and markers into consideration for the primary prevention of lung cancer and the selection of high-risk populations for lung cancer screening.

Causes of and Clinical Features Associated with Death in Tobacco Cigarette Users by Lung Function Impairment

Rationale: Cigarette smoking contributes to the risk of death through different mechanisms. Objectives: To determine how causes of and clinical features associated with death vary in tobacco cigarette users by lung function impairment. Methods: We stratified current and former tobacco cigarette users enrolled in Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPDGene) into normal spirometry, PRISm (Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry), Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 1-2 COPD, and GOLD 3-4 COPD. Deaths were identified via longitudinal follow-up and Social Security Death Index search. Causes of death were adjudicated after a review of death certificates, medical records, and next-of-kin interviews. We tested associations between baseline clinical variables and all-cause mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Measurements and Main Results: Over a 10.1-year median follow-up, 2,200 deaths occurred among 10,132 participants (age 59.5 ± 9.0 yr; 46.6% women). Death from cardiovascular disease was most frequent in PRISm (31% of deaths). Lung cancer deaths were most frequent in GOLD 1-2 (18% of deaths vs. 9-11% in other groups). Respiratory deaths outpaced competing causes of death in GOLD 3-4, particularly when BODE index ⩾7. St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score ⩾25 was associated with higher mortality in all groups: Hazard ratio (HR), 1.48 (1.20-1.84) normal spirometry; HR, 1.40 (1.05-1.87) PRISm; HR, 1.80 (1.49-2.17) GOLD 1-2; HR, 1.65 (1.26-2.17) GOLD 3-4. History of respiratory exacerbations was associated with higher mortality in GOLD 1-2 and GOLD 3-4, quantitative emphysema in GOLD 1-2, and airway wall thickness in PRISm and GOLD 3-4. Conclusions: Leading causes of death vary by lung function impairment in tobacco cigarette users. Worse respiratory-related quality of life is associated with all-cause mortality regardless of lung function.

Associations between Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Colorectal, Lung, or Melanoma Cancer Recurrence and Mortality: A Narrative Review

Objective: to develop eligibility criteria for use in non-gynecological cancer patients. Methods: We searched all the articles published in peer-reviewed journals up to March 2021. We utilized the PICOS standards and the following selection criteria: menopausal women with a history of non-gynecological and non-breast cancer who underwent hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using various preparations (oestrogens alone or in combination with a progestogen, tibolone, or tissue selective oestrogen complex) and different routes of administration (including oral, transdermal, vaginal, or intra-nasal). We focused on randomized controlled trials as well as relevant extension studies or follow-up reports, specifically examining recurrence and mortality outcomes. Results: Women colorectal cancer survivors who use MHT have a lower risk of death from any cause than those survivors who do not use MHT. Women who are skin melanoma survivors using MHT have a longer survival rate than non-MHT survivors. There is no evidence that women lung cancer survivors who use MHT have a different survival rate than those who do not use MHT. Conclusions: MHT is safe for women who have a history of colorectal, lung, or skin melanoma cancers.

Sex-specificity in Surgical Stages of Lung Cancer in Young Adults

Background

Young Patients with lung cancer represent a distinct subset of patients with this neoplasm. Young International studies show increased lung cancer rates in females, while the incidence in males continues to decline. There is evidence to suggest that this trend recurs in younger patients. We studied the effects of gender differences on the incidence of surgical stages of lung cancer in young adults and its mortality rate.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review (2010-2020) of young adults (aged under 45 years) with surgical-stage of lung cancer. We calculated female-to-male differences in incidence rate ratios, tumor characteristics, surgical management, and survival. Cumulative survival curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

We examined 46 men and 24 women, under 45 years. Female patients were diagnosed at earlier stages. The proportion of stage IA disease was significantly higher in women than in men (46% versus 13%, respectively) (p=0.03). Women were more likely never smokers (42% versus 83%, p=0.02). A histologic subtype, females were more likely to have typical carcinoid tumors (13.54% versus 10.21% for males) (p>0.05). The largest histological type in men was adenocarcinoma (25.53% versus 4.16%, p>0.05). All the patients were operated. Three men had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and one was operated on for cerebral oligometastatic before his chest surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 7 women and 21 men. Despite the small number of postoperative complications in our study (n= 8, 11.2%), the male sex was significant in predicting this complication (p<0.05). The mortality rate was 1.4%. The 5-year overall survival rates were 84% in men and 87% in women.

Conclusion

Our study identified sex differences in the incidence and mortality rates for surgical lung cancers in young adults, but the biological and endocrine mechanisms implicated in these disparities have not yet been determined.

New Perspectives on Sex Steroid Hormones Signaling in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The importance of sex hormones, especially estrogen, in the pathogenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has attracted attention due to its high incidence among young adults and nonsmokers, especially those who are female. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reside in the cancer stroma and influence cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, and acquisition of drug resistance through interactions with cancer cells and other microenvironmental components. Hormone-mediated cell-cell interactions are classic cell-cell interactions and well-known phenomena in breast cancer and prostate cancer CAFs. In cancers of other organs, including NSCLC, the effects of CAFs on hormone-receptor expression and hormone production in cancer tissues have been reported; however, there are few such studies. Many more studies have been performed on breast and prostate cancers. Recent advances in technology, particularly single-cell analysis techniques, have led to significant advances in the classification and function of CAFs. However, the importance of sex hormones in cell-cell interactions of CAFs in NSCLC remains unclear. This review summarizes reports on CAFs in NSCLC and sex hormones in cancer and immune cells surrounding CAFs. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects of sex-hormone research involving CAFs in NSCLC.

Genetic evidence for causal relationships between age at natural menopause and the risk of ageing-associated adverse health outcomes

BACKGROUND

A later age at natural menopause (ANM) has been linked to several ageing-associated traits including an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer and a decreased risk of lung cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer disease. However, ANM is also related to several proxies for overall health that may confound these associations.

METHODS

We investigated the causal association of ANM with these clinical outcomes using Mendelian randomization (MR). Participants and outcomes analysed were restricted to post-menopausal females. We conducted a one-sample MR analysis in both the Women's Health Initiative and UK Biobank. We further analysed and integrated several additional data sets of post-menopausal women using a two-sample MR design. We used ≤55 genetic variants previously discovered to be associated with ANM as our instrumental variable.

RESULTS

A 5-year increase in ANM was causally associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis [odds ratio (OR) = 0.80, 95% CI (0.70-0.92)] and fractures (OR = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.62-0.94) as well as an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.35, 95% CI, 1.06-1.71). Other associations including atherosclerosis-related outcomes were null.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that the decline in bone density with menopause causally translates into fractures and osteoporosis. Additionally, this is the first causal epidemiological analysis to our knowledge to find an increased risk of lung cancer with increasing ANM. This finding is consistent with molecular and epidemiological studies suggesting oestrogen-dependent growth of lung tumours.

Sexual dimorphism in chronic respiratory diseases

Sex differences in susceptibility, severity, and progression are prevalent for various diseases in multiple organ systems. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in respiratory diseases. Asthma demonstrates an age-dependent pattern of sexual dimorphism. However, marked differences between males and females exist in other pervasive conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are commonly considered the primary factors causing sexual dimorphism in disease. However, how they contribute to differences in disease onset between males and females remains undefined. The sex chromosomes are an under-investigated fundamental form of sexual dimorphism. Recent studies highlight key X and Y-chromosome-linked genes that regulate vital cell processes and can contribute to disease-relevant mechanisms. This review summarises patterns of sex differences in asthma, COPD and lung cancer, highlighting physiological mechanisms causing the observed dimorphism. We also describe the role of the sex hormones and present candidate genes on the sex chromosomes as potential factors contributing to sexual dimorphism in disease.

Synergies of Radiomics and Transcriptomics in Lung Cancer Diagnosis: A Pilot Study

Radiotranscriptomics is an emerging field that aims to investigate the relationships between the radiomic features extracted from medical images and gene expression profiles that contribute in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis of cancer. This study proposes a methodological framework for the investigation of these associations with application on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Six publicly available NSCLC datasets with transcriptomics data were used to derive and validate a transcriptomic signature for its ability to differentiate between cancer and non-malignant lung tissue. A publicly available dataset of 24 NSCLC-diagnosed patients, with both transcriptomic and imaging data, was used for the joint radiotranscriptomic analysis. For each patient, 749 Computed Tomography (CT) radiomic features were extracted and the corresponding transcriptomics data were provided through DNA microarrays. The radiomic features were clustered using the iterative K-means algorithm resulting in 77 homogeneous clusters, represented by meta-radiomic features. The most significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected by performing Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) and 2-fold change. The interactions among the CT imaging features and the selected DEGs were investigated using SAM and a Spearman rank correlation test with a False Discovery Rate (FDR) of 5%, leading to the extraction of 73 DEGs significantly correlated with radiomic features. These genes were used to produce predictive models of the meta-radiomics features, defined as p-metaomics features, by performing Lasso regression. Of the 77 meta-radiomic features, 51 can be modeled in terms of the transcriptomic signature. These significant radiotranscriptomics relationships form a reliable basis to biologically justify the radiomics features extracted from anatomic imaging modalities. Thus, the biological value of these radiomic features was justified via enrichment analysis on their transcriptomics-based regression models, revealing closely associated biological processes and pathways. Overall, the proposed methodological framework provides joint radiotranscriptomics markers and models to support the connection and complementarities between the transcriptome and the phenotype in cancer, as demonstrated in the case of NSCLC.

Association between physical activity and cancer risk among Chinese adults: a 10-year prospective study

BACKGROUND

In China, the quantity of physical activity differs from that in Western countries. Substantial uncertainty remains about the relevance of physical activity for cancer subtypes among Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between total daily physical activity and the incidence of common types of cancer.

METHODS

A total of 53,269 participants aged 30-79 years were derived from the Wuzhong subcohort of the China Kadoorie Biobank study during 2004-2008. We included 52,938 cancer-free participants in the final analysis. Incident cancers were identified through linkage with the health insurance system and death registries. Cox proportional hazard models were introduced to assess the associations of total daily physical activity with the incidence of 6 common types of cancer.

RESULTS

During a follow-up of 10.1 years, 3,674 cases of cancer were identified, including 794 (21.6%) from stomach cancer, 722 (19.7%) from lung cancer, 458 (12.5%) from colorectal cancer, 338 (9.2%) from liver cancer, 250 (6.8%) from breast cancer, and 231 (6.3%) from oesophageal cancer. Compared to the participants in the lowest quartile of physical activity levels, those in the highest quartile had an 11% lower risk for total cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.99), 25% lower risk for lung cancer incidence (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.94), and 26% lower risk for colorectal cancer incidence (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-1.00). There were significant interactions of physical activity with sex and smoking on total cancer (both P for interaction < 0.005), showing a lower risk for females and never smokers (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98 and HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher physical activity levels are associated with a reduced risk of total, lung, and colorectal cancer.

Etiology of lung cancer: Evidence from epidemiologic studies

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. While smoking, radon, air pollution, as well as occupational exposure to asbestos, diesel fumes, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and silica are well-established risk factors, many lung cancer cases cannot be explained by these known risk factors. Over the last two decades the incidence of adenocarcinoma has risen, and it now surpasses squamous cell carcinoma as the most common histologic subtype. This increase warrants new efforts to identify additional risk factors for specific lung cancer subtypes as well as a comprehensive review of current evidence from epidemiologic studies to inform future studies. Given the myriad exposures individuals experience in real-world settings, it is essential to investigate mixture effects from complex exposures and gene-environment interactions in relation to lung cancer and its subtypes.

Concurrent Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Improves Survival for Synchronous or Metachronous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A SEER-Medicare Database Analysis

Introduction: The crosstalk between receptor kinase signaling, such as EGFR and androgen receptor signaling, suggests a potential interaction between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and lung cancer outcome. Methods: We employed the SEER−Medicare data of lung cancer patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2005 to test for an association between ADT for prostate cancer and lung cancer outcome. We employed the Kaplan−Meier method and Cox proportional hazard with log-rank test model to assess any significant impact of ADT on survival. Results: We included data from 367,750 lung cancer patients; 17.4%, 2.9%, 33.6% and 46.1% with stages I, II, III and IV, respectively; 84.5% were >65 years; 57.2% males; 84.2% Caucasians and 9.3% Blacks. There were 11,061 patients (3%) with an initial prostate cancer diagnosis followed by lung cancer (P-L group); 3017 (0.8%) with an initial diagnosis of lung cancer and subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis (L-P group); the remainder had only lung cancer (L group). Stage I lung cancer was most common in the L-P group compared to the L and P-L groups—54% vs. 17.13% vs. 17.92%, p < 0.0001 for L-P, L and P-L, respectively. The median OS for lung cancer diagnosis was 93 months versus 10 and 9 months, respectively, for the L-P, L and P-L subgroups. ADT was associated with improved survival on multivariate analysis, especially in Caucasian patients (HR of death: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76−0.97; p = 0.012). Conclusion: ADT was associated with improved outcome for NSCLC, in line with the hypothesis of a role for the androgen receptor in lung cancer. Our findings support a systematic evaluation of the potential benefit of ADT as a therapy for lung cancer.

The spatiotemporal dynamics of lung cancer: 30-year trends of epidemiology across 204 countries and territories

BACKGROUND

It has been established that lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths. This study sought to analyze the epidemiological trends of lung cancer over the past 30 years worldwide.

METHODS

Estimates, including the global, regional, national prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of lung cancer from 1990 to 2019, were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics in cases and age-standardized rates (ASR). The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to evaluate the variation in ASR. Besides, estimates of age-sex specific prevalence, decomposition analysis for incident cases, and correlation analysis of the EAPC were conducted in our study.

RESULTS

Globally, the ASR of lung cancer prevalence, incidence and YLDs in 2019 were 38.84/100,000 persons, 27.66/100,000 persons, and 6.62/100,000 persons, respectively. Over the past 30 years, the ASR of incidence (EAPC = -0.09) decreased, although that of prevalence (EAPC = 0.51) and YLDs (EAPC = 0.03) increased. The global prevalence counts was greater in males than females at all age groups and increased with age, peaking in the 65-69 age group for both sexes. The increase in incidence was mainly attributed to population aging. For YLDs, EAPC was negatively correlated with the human development index (p = 0.0008) and ASR (p < 0.0001) in 1990 across nation-level units.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer remains a major public health issue globally, warranting the implementation of scientific and effective measures in different countries and territories to control it.

Risk factors, survival analysis, and nomograms for distant metastasis in patients with primary pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rapidly progressive and easily metastatic high-grade lung cancer, with a poor prognosis when distant metastasis (DM) occurs. The aim of our study was to explore risk factors associated with DM in LCNEC patients and to perform survival analysis and to develop a novel nomogram-based predictive model for screening risk populations in clinical practice.

METHODS

The study cohort was derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, from which we selected patients with LCNEC between 2004 to 2015 and formed a diagnostic cohort (n = 959) and a prognostic cohort (n = 272). The risk and prognostic factors of DM were screened by univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic and Cox regressions, respectively. Then, we established diagnostic and prognostic nomograms using the data in the training group and validated the accuracy of the nomograms in the validation group. The diagnostic nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis curves, and the GiViTI calibration belt. The prognostic nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, the concordance index, the calibration curve, and decision curve analysis curves. In addition, high- and low-risk groups were classified according to the prognostic monogram formula, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In the diagnostic cohort, LCNEC close to bronchus, with higher tumor size, and with higher N stage indicated higher likelihood of DM. In the prognostic cohort (patients with LCNEC and DM), men with higher N stage, no surgery, and no chemotherapy had poorer overall survival. Patients in the high-risk group had significantly lower median overall survival than the low-risk group.

CONCLUSION

Two novel established nomograms performed well in predicting DM in patients with LCNEC and in evaluating their prognosis. These nomograms could be used in clinical practice for screening of risk populations and treatment planning.