Tobacco and advanced bronchopulmonary cancer: the invisible weight of nicotine dependence

Smoking is a major factor in bronchopulmonary cancer. Nicotine, through its addictive action, plays a crucial role in the development and progression of this disease. In a prospective study conducted between July and December 2022 in the Pneumology 4 department of Abderrahmane Mami Hospital, Ariana, we investigated the association between nicotine dependence and advanced-stage bronchopulmonary cancer undergoing chemotherapy.The mean Fagerström test score (FTND) was 9.18, indicating high dependence in 58% of patients. A significant association was found between this score, small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, stage IV disease and the HAD scale. The FTND score was significantly correlated with tumor progression, the occurrence of neutropenia-like complications and death. Analysis according to smoking status showed a significant association between continued smoking and tumor progression.Conclusion: high nicotine dependence is associated with disease progression and adverse effects of chemotherapy.