Allergic Diseases Linked to Reduced Lung Cancer Risk: Meta-Analysis Finds Protective Effect of Allergic Rhinitis
China: Individuals with allergic diseases—particularly allergic rhinitis—may be at a reduced risk of developing lung cancer, according to a new meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Medicine. The study, led by Dr. Kunpeng Yang from Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China, explored the link between allergic conditions and lung cancer risk using data from multiple population-based studies.
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies available up to October 8, 2024, through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Statistical analyses were done using Stata 14.0 software, employing fixed or random effects models according to data heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also included to examine the robustness of the results.
Based on the pooled data from 10 eligible studies, the analysis revealed the following key findings:
- There was a significant inverse association between allergic diseases and the risk of lung cancer.
- Individuals with any allergic condition had a 25% lower likelihood of developing lung cancer (OR: 0.75).
- Men with allergic diseases showed a 44% reduced risk of lung cancer (OR: 0.56).
- Women with allergic diseases demonstrated a 29% reduced risk of lung cancer (OR: 0.71).
- Allergic rhinitis was linked to a 26% lower risk of lung cancer (OR: 0.74).
- Eczema did not show a statistically significant association with lung cancer risk (OR: 0.73).
Despite these promising results, the authors acknowledged several limitations. Only a small number of studies focused on specific conditions like eczema and allergic rhinitis, limiting the scope for further subgroup analyses. Additionally, some included studies had relatively small sample sizes, which may affect the statistical accuracy. Another major concern was the reliance on self-reported data, which raises the possibility of misclassification or recall bias.
Geographical representation also emerged as a limitation. Most of the included studies were conducted in Western populations, thereby reducing the generalizability of the findings to other regions such as Asia or Africa. The authors emphasized the need for large-scale, multinational studies to confirm these associations across diverse populations and environments.
While the exact biological mechanisms underlying the protective effect of allergies remain unclear, the study provides valuable epidemiological insights. The authors speculate that heightened immune surveillance or chronic immune activation in individuals with allergies could play a role in preventing tumor formation.
The authors concluded, "The findings suggest that allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis, may offer some degree of protection against lung cancer. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and validate these associations in broader populations."
Reference:
Yang, K., Zhao, H., Wang, L., Cai, C., Lv, P., & Wang, B. (2025). Correlation between allergic diseases and lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1560000. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1560000
