Researchers have found that inhaling air pollution from wildfires can increase the likelihood of death among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A new study published at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting analyzed data from over 18,000 California residents diagnosed with NSCLC between 2017 and 2020. The investigation found that those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) had a 20% greater risk of mortality.
The study revealed that patients with stage IV NSCLC who had never smoked were particularly vulnerable, with a 55% increased mortality risk when exposed to high levels of air pollution. However, the researchers also found that immunotherapy treatment may help mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke on cancer survival rates during extreme air quality events.
Lead author Dr. Surbhi Singhal warned that wildfires pose an increasing threat to vulnerable populations in California and other parts of the US, emphasizing the need for targeted health strategies to protect patients with cancer and others with serious health issues.
Source: https://ascopost.com/news/may-2025/impact-of-wildfire-related-pollution-on-survival-in-nsclc