Previous studies suggest that immunotherapeutic interventions could simultaneously enhance immune responses to combat cancer while improving respiratory function.27,28 Additionally, targeted therapy represents another promising novel treatment strategy.29 It was reported that certain growth factor-related signaling pathways, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, are abnormally activated in both emphysema and BC development. The gene discussed is EGFR; the disease is cancer.