Dyslipidemia progression and increased lung cancer risk: a prospective cohort study

To investigate the associations of changes in lipidemic profile with the risk of lung cancer incidence, and to elucidate how modifiable risk factors contribute to the associations.

The prospective study enrolled a cohort of 137,075 individuals with lipidemic profiles spanning from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2006 in the Taiwan MJ Cohort. Follow-up was extended from the second clinical visit until December 31, 2007, with an average duration of 6.3 years. Participants was divided into four groups based on alterations in their lipidemic profile within a 1-3 year interval subsequent to initial enrollment. The associations of changes in lipidemic profiles with the incidence of lung cancer were assessed with Cox proportional hazard models. Associations between modifiable risk factors and lipidemic profile changes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Of 137,075 participants with lipidemic profile, progression to dyslipidemia within a 3-year period was associated with elevated risks of lung cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.10) in comparison to persistent normolipidemic. However, reversion to normolipidemic did not contribute to a decreased lung cancer incidence risk (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.63), in comparison to persistent dyslipidemia. Body mass index and smoking as risk factors, along with physical activity as a protective factor, were associated with changes in lipidemic profile.

Within this large-scale cohort, progression to dyslipidemia emerged as a risk factor for lung cancer incidence, highlighting the significance of lipid control. The modifiable risk factors associated with dyslipidemia progression encompassed body mass index, physical activity, and smoking status, suggesting potential interventions targets.