NEW DELHI: AIIMS-Delhi is studying links between exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter 2.5, and the risk of developing lung cancer.
The study, termed AIRCARE, which the institution has claimed is the first of its kind, is being led by Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, AIIMS.
According to Dr Shankar, as air pollution continues to be an a significant public health concern, there is a need for research to inform policy and disease management.
He further pointed out that some of the most polluted cities in the world are in India, making it important to scientifically look at the effects of pollution on people’s health.
“Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among males in India, and there is a high number of non-smoking lung cancers among females and young adults,” Dr Shankar said, noting the rapid increase in incidence amongst people who do not smoke.
The AIRCARE study will include 1,615 lung cancer cases and 1,615 control participants, drawn from family members across Delhi-NCR. With the help of the data, the researchers will develop a risk-based screening model based on both clinical and molecular components specific to the Indian population and exposure levels.
‘PM 2.5 effects’
The study will include 1,615 lung cancer cases and 1,615 control participants from kin across Delhi-NCR
It will employ both a cohort and case-control design to track the effects of chronic PM 2.5 exposure on lung cancer
It will search for a unique genetic signature in the Indian population being exposed to air pollution