Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: Skin involvement is one of the many clinical manifestations of lung cancer patients. However, there are fewer in-depth studies exploring the causal relationship between skin rashes and lung cancer subtypes, and the causal relationship is unknown. This study aims to explore the potential...

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Main Authors: Yang Xiao, Tian-Tian Li, Ming Li Yuan, Wen Yin, Jing Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-06-01
Series:Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/11795549251341559
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author Yang Xiao
Tian-Tian Li
Ming Li Yuan
Wen Yin
Jing Zhu
author_facet Yang Xiao
Tian-Tian Li
Ming Li Yuan
Wen Yin
Jing Zhu
author_sort Yang Xiao
collection DOAJ
description Background: Skin involvement is one of the many clinical manifestations of lung cancer patients. However, there are fewer in-depth studies exploring the causal relationship between skin rashes and lung cancer subtypes, and the causal relationship is unknown. This study aims to explore the potential causal relationship between rash development and lung cancer diagnosis. Methods: From the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database, we sourced comprehensive data on skin rash, lung cancer, and gene expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL). Drawing from this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that integrated Mendelian Randomization (MR), protein-protein network analysis, and enrichment analysis to explore the causal relationship and potential mechanisms between rash and lung cancer. Results: This study reveals an increased risk of rash in small and squamous cell lung cancer patients, with odds ratios of 1.08 and 1.26, respectively. However, no causal link between rash and lung cancer was found. Genetic analysis identified 3 genes positively associated with both conditions and 6 negatively associated, suggesting complex genetic interactions. Sensitivity analysis did not indicate heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Conclusions: Our study shows that squamous cell lung cancer patients are more likely to get skin rashes. But the rash is not directly linked to lung cancer. Future research should explore rashes as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator.
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series Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology
spelling doaj-art-cf59ef0b67e940a6803f915ffcd579b02025-08-20T01:58:07ZengSAGE PublishingClinical Medicine Insights: Oncology1179-55492025-06-011910.1177/11795549251341559Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization StudyYang Xiao0Tian-Tian Li1Ming Li Yuan2Wen Yin3Jing Zhu4Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaBackground: Skin involvement is one of the many clinical manifestations of lung cancer patients. However, there are fewer in-depth studies exploring the causal relationship between skin rashes and lung cancer subtypes, and the causal relationship is unknown. This study aims to explore the potential causal relationship between rash development and lung cancer diagnosis. Methods: From the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database, we sourced comprehensive data on skin rash, lung cancer, and gene expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL). Drawing from this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that integrated Mendelian Randomization (MR), protein-protein network analysis, and enrichment analysis to explore the causal relationship and potential mechanisms between rash and lung cancer. Results: This study reveals an increased risk of rash in small and squamous cell lung cancer patients, with odds ratios of 1.08 and 1.26, respectively. However, no causal link between rash and lung cancer was found. Genetic analysis identified 3 genes positively associated with both conditions and 6 negatively associated, suggesting complex genetic interactions. Sensitivity analysis did not indicate heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Conclusions: Our study shows that squamous cell lung cancer patients are more likely to get skin rashes. But the rash is not directly linked to lung cancer. Future research should explore rashes as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator.https://doi.org/10.1177/11795549251341559
spellingShingle Yang Xiao
Tian-Tian Li
Ming Li Yuan
Wen Yin
Jing Zhu
Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology
title Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
title_full Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
title_fullStr Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
title_full_unstemmed Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
title_short Causal Association Between Lung Cancer and Rash: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
title_sort causal association between lung cancer and rash a bidirectional mendelian randomization study
url https://doi.org/10.1177/11795549251341559
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AT wenyin causalassociationbetweenlungcancerandrashabidirectionalmendelianrandomizationstudy
AT jingzhu causalassociationbetweenlungcancerandrashabidirectionalmendelianrandomizationstudy