University of Thessaly study links microplastics to lung cancer patients

A study conducted by the Pulmonology Clinic of the University General Hospital of Larissa and the University of Thessaly has identified a higher presence of microplastics in the lungs of patients with lung cancer. Presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress, the research found microplastics in 66% of lung cancer patients, compared to 46% of patients without malignancy.

The study involved 100 adults undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy. Researchers analyzed 150 respiratory samples, including 100 bronchoalveolar lavage samples and 50 lung tissue samples. Patients with cancer exhibited a higher total microplastic load, a correlation that remained statistically significant even when accounting for age, gender, and smoking status.

While the findings open new research avenues regarding the impact of microplastics on the human body, researchers emphasized that a causal link has not been established. Professor Konstantinos Gourgoulianis noted that microplastics are not the cause of the cancer, stating that smoking remains the primary factor in lung carcinogenesis. Microplastics are currently viewed as a potential factor that may cause continuous irritation of lung tissue.