Dr. Srkalović: Air pollution increasingly common cause of lung cancer

(Patria) - Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer for both sexes, with about two million new cases annually worldwide. Nearly one-fifth of all cancer deaths are caused by this disease.

This was stated by Prof. Dr. Gordan Srkalović, director of the University of Michigan Health - Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center and a domestic member of ANU BiH, at today's public lecture "Air Pollution and Lung Cancer," held at the premises of ANU BiH.

Although smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, the latest data show a worrying trend - an increasing number of patients who have never smoked.

- Lung cancer in non-smokers today accounts for between 25 and 30% of all cases, and the mortality rate is higher than that of prostate, colon or esophageal cancer - warns Srkalović.

He particularly emphasizes the impact of air pollution, especially fine PM 2.5 particles.

- Due to their microscopic size, they reach deep into the alveoli, causing inflammatory processes and oxidative stress that lead to genetic changes and uncontrolled cell growth - explained Srkalović.

He points out that prevention must encompass all levels of action - individual, social and state.

In addition to reducing smoking, key policies are those that will limit the emission of harmful particles and gases, as well as measures in households to reduce indoor pollution. Early detection of the disease is also of particular importance.

- Although screening is currently conducted mainly among smokers, we will have to find ways to include non-smokers at high risk - emphasized Srkalović.

Speaking about the future of treatment, he highlighted that advances in precision oncology and the development of targeted therapy have already brought significant results.

- In the next five to ten years, we expect that artificial intelligence and analysis of tumor biomarkers will enable the detection of lung cancer before it becomes visible on radiological images. This will open up entirely new possibilities for early treatment and saving lives - added Srkalović.

Gordan Srkalović is the author or co-author of nearly 100 scientific papers in the world's most prestigious journals, and has been cited more than 9,700 times. His research interests include precision oncology, genomic analyses and lung cancer.