Abstract

Lung cancer patients frequently present with respiratory tract infections. The presence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is associated with unfavourable outcomes, including the persistence of bacteraemia, metastatic infection and higher case-fatality rates. Antibiotics may increase the risk of cancer development, and affect cancer treatment efficacy and toxicity by inducing changes in the microbiota. Further research is needed to clarify the role of antibiotics in the dysregulation between the microbiota and the immune system, and is crucial for lung cancer prevention and treatment. Monitoring gut microbiota composition and administering protective commensal bacteria could potentially improve cancer treatment response and tolerability, leading to better oncological outcomes.

Cite as: Arcadu A, Silani MS, Amati F, et al. Antibiotics for lung disease and cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022; pp. 299–305 [https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10020821].