Radiographic Emphysema Not Predictive of Lung Cancer

There is no clear relationship between quantitative radiographic evidence of emphysema and lung cancer, according to a study published in the December issue of Chest.

The research, lead by Fabien Maldonado, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., analyzed data from 1,520 current or former smokers, aged 50 and older. They were followed for four years and underwent computed tomography scans and spirometry. Of those, 64 cases of lung cancer were matched to six controls.

Researchers found that decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity were associated with diagnosis of lung cancer (odds ratios, 1.15 and 1.29, respectively). However, the quantity of radiographic evidence of emphysema was not significantly associated with lung cancer, nor was severe emphysema.

“We confirm prior observations suggesting a significant association between airflow obstruction and lung cancer,” wrote study authors. “[However], radiographic evidence of emphysema, as quantified by a validated automated methodology, was not found to be an independent risk factor.”

Based on these results, researchers believe further research is warranted in order to clarify the relationship between airflow obstruction/emphysema and lung cancer, particularly with respect to possible gender differences.

Click Here to Access the Abstract, “Are Airflow Obstruction and Radiographic Evidence of Emphysema Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?” in Chest