The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has started a pioneering research project called AIRCARE to investigate the link between air pollution and the rising cases of lung cancer in the Delhi-NCR region. The study specifically focuses on fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5 and how it affects the health of residents. This research is expected to last for three years and aims to understand why many non-smokers are now being diagnosed with the disease.
Details of the AIRCARE Study and Methodology
The research is led by Dr. Abhishek Shankar from the department of Radiation Oncology along with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and biostatisticians. They will track 3,200 participants to collect data on environmental exposure and health changes. The group includes 1,615 lung cancer patients and an equal number of control participants from their own families. This approach helps researchers compare people living in the same polluted environment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Name | AIRCARE |
| Leading Institute | AIIMS Delhi |
| Total Participants | 3,200 residents |
| Research Funding | USD 1 Million grant |
| Project Duration | 3 Years |
| Primary Focus | PM 2.5 and genetic changes |
Key Objectives and Impact on Public Health
The main goal of this study is to find a unique genetic signature in the Indian population that reacts to air pollution. Scientists want to identify if toxic air triggers early molecular changes that eventually lead to cancer. This is particularly important for high-risk groups like women and young adults who do not smoke but live in highly polluted urban areas. The team plans to develop a screening model that can help doctors identify high-risk individuals early based on clinical and molecular markers.
- The study will evaluate how PM 2.5 interacts with other risk factors
- Researchers will look for biological changes in the cells of non-smokers
- Findings will help in creating new public health policies for Delhi-NCR
- The project received a significant grant of 1 million dollars to ensure thorough research
Experts like Dr. Rambha Pandey emphasize that pollution is no longer just an environmental problem but a serious biological threat. The study will provide much-needed data specific to India, which is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world. This information is vital for creating better management strategies to tackle the growing burden of lung diseases.
