Figure 1.

Genetic & epigenetic influences that can lead to COPD and lung cancer development. COPD and lung cancer, while distinct diseases, share similar pathogenic mechanisms, including EMT, inflammation, oxidative stress and DNA damage. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies currently under investigation include: extracellular vesicles, which are formed inside MVB, which then fuse the plasma membrane to release bioactive cargo into the extracellular space; volatile organic compounds, which can be detected in patients breath, also holds diagnostic potential for lung diseases through the identification of unique signatures. COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; MVB, multivesicular bodies; VOCs, volatile organic compounds; EVs, extracellular vesicles.