Epidermal growth factor receptor dysregulation and climate change: insights into pollution-promoted lung cancer

The global increase of fine particulate matter pollution, intensified by anthropogenic activity, has been increasingly implicated in lung cancer risk, particularly among never-smokers. We discuss how air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases through interactions with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway. In particular, recent evidence has shown that fine particulate matter promotes lung cancer in cells harbouring a pre-existing EGFR mutation. As such, we also outline how oncogenic mutations in histologically normal tissue may predispose cells to malignant transformations promoted by environmental exposures. Finally, we consider strategies to mitigate the risk of pollution-promoted lung cancer in vulnerable populations and provide future directions for research aimed at precision prevention of lung cancer. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Epidermal growth factor receptor after 40 years'.