Advances in molecular mechanisms of interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and lung cancer: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE: We systematically review the molecular mechanism of the interaction between lung cancer (LC) and tuberculosis (TB), and put forward the existing problems in order to provide suggestions for early intervention and future research direction. BACKGROUND: TB and LC are two global public health problems affecting human health. LC is the main cause of cancer-related death worldwide and TB is one of the leading causes of death among infectious diseases, especially in resource-poor areas. Previous studies have suggested that a history of TB may be associated with an increased risk of LC. With the improvement of LC treatment, the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the course of LC treatment is also frequently reported recently. METHODS: The molecular immunological mechanisms of interaction between LC and TB, and related epidemiological literature are reviewed. The research progress and problems to be solved are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic inflammation, immune abnormalities, scar formation, gene mutations and drug effects caused by TB may be associated with the occurrence of LC induced by abnormalities in various molecular pathways. LC and decreased immunity during treatment may also increase the risk of latent TB activation or new TB infection through immune pathways. Data on dual burden areas of TB and LC are still lacking, and more clinical studies are needed to elucidate the association.