Researchers found that taking inhaled corticosteroids may lower the risk of lung cancer among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways thereby improving symptoms associated with the disease.

Previous studies have shown that inhaled corticosteroids reduce markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein and reduce airway inflammation.

From Bio-Medicine:

The study conducted by the University of Washington suggests people who took at least 1,200 micrograms per day of inhaled corticosteroids had a 61% lower risk of developing lung cancer than non-users.

Researchers followed a group of more than 10,000 mostly older male U.S. veterans with COPD who were treated in Veterans Affairs primary care clinics from 1996 to 2001. Of these, 517 were regular users of inhaled corticosteroids as determined by records of pharmacy refills and were included in the study’s analysis.

The results, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, suggested that compared with non-users of corticosteroids, those who took 1,200 micrograms or more per day of inhaled corticosteroids were 61% less likely to develop lung cancer.

The researchers note that this is an observational study that “cannot conclude that [inhaled corticosteroids] reduce lung cancer” and that the results need confirmation. They also say no drugs have been clinically proven to prevent lung cancer among those at risk, but several are under investigation.

Researchers said inflammation in the lungs is thought to play an important role in both COPD and lung cancer, and the results suggest that daily use of inhaled corticosteroids may help fight inflammation and prevent the progression from COPD to lung cancer.

Smoking is a primary cause of COPD, which includes two inflammatory lung diseases that interfere with breathing: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. An estimated 11 million adults suffer from COPD which could lead to lung cancer.

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