Comorbidity of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlation and optimization of treatment strategies

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer (LC) are two major global public health challenges, both characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Given that COPD and LC share many common risk factors, they frequently coexist, further exacerbating the overall disease burden. The comorbidity of COPD and LC not only increases the risk of both conditions, but also reflects the complex pathophysiological relationship between them. This relationship involves mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and cellular senescence, which collectively contribute to the development of LC and the progression of COPD. Recent studies have shown that patients with COPD are significantly more likely to develop LC, while the presence of LC may also worsen COPD symptoms and accelerate its progression. This dual impact not only places an additional physiological burden on patients but also complicates the clinical management of these diseases. This study sought to summarize the epidemiological characteristics, comorbidity mechanisms, and key risk factors associated with COPD and LC. It also aimed to explore the shared pathophysiological mechanisms underlying both diseases, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of their comorbidity. Additionally, it sought to summarize individualized intervention strategies to reduce the reciprocal impact of both conditions, improve patients' quality of life, and provide scientific evidence for clinical practice, ultimately offering more effective solutions to the growing healthcare challenges posed by this comorbidity.