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Leucocyte Telomere Length and Lung Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Roberto Fabiani1, Manuela Chiavarini2, Patrizia Rosignoli1
1Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
Cancers
|September 28, 2024
Summary
Longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is linked to increased lung cancer risk, especially for adenocarcinomas and never-smokers. This finding emerged from a meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and lung cancer risk remains controversial despite numerous studies.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for lung cancer risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing evidence on the association between LTL and lung cancer risk.
- To quantify the pooled risk of lung cancer related to LTL across different subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to May 2024.
- Meta-analysis using a random-effects model, assessing heterogeneity with I² and Cochran's Q statistic.
- Publication bias evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests.
Main Results:
- Longer LTL was associated with a 42% increased risk of all lung cancer types (OR 1.42).
- A stronger association was observed for adenocarcinomas (OR 1.98), with no significant link to squamous cell carcinoma.
- The increased risk was prominent in never-smokers (OR 1.92) and former smokers (OR 1.34), but not current smokers (OR 1.08).
Conclusions:
- Longer leukocyte telomere length is a significant risk factor for developing lung cancer.
- The association is particularly pronounced in never-smokers and for adenocarcinoma subtypes.
- These findings highlight LTL as a potential biomarker for lung cancer risk stratification.
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