High levels of neighborhood violence may contribute to lung cancer progression, potentially explaining disparities in outcomes between Black and White men, according to a new study by University of Illinois researchers.
The study, published in Cancer Research Communications, found that chronic stress from living in high-violence areas alters cortisol metabolism and glucocorticoid binding within tumors, driving pathways associated with tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers examined tissue samples from 15 lung cancer patients in Chicago, finding differences in gene expression and glucocorticoid receptor binding based on patients’ zip codes. Those from high-crime areas showed lower glucocorticoid receptor binding in tumor tissues and activation of genes related to inflammation and tumor growth.
“What we are studying is independent of the racial/ethnic background of individuals and seems to be associated with the violent crime in the neighborhood,” said Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, study co-lead and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The findings may help explain why Black men experience higher lung cancer incidence despite lower smoking rates compared to White men. This disparity is particularly pronounced in Chicago, a highly segregated city.
Researchers suggest their work could inform changes to lung cancer screening guidelines and lead to improved criteria for those living in high-stress environments. “Targeting stress signaling in cancer cells might improve disease outcomes for individuals living in high-crime neighborhoods,” Madak-Erdogan added.
The team plans to extend their analysis to other U.S. cities with similar disparities in neighborhood crime rates, aiming to further understand the link between environmental stress and lung cancer outcomes.
See “Study Links High Neighborhood Violence to Lung Cancer Progression” (June 26, 2024)
