OHIO —Lung cancer patients with moderate to severe depression are 2- to 3-times more likely to have inflammation levels that predict poor survival rates, according to results of a new Ohio State University study.

What You Need To Know

  • Lung cancer patients with severe depression have a higher risk of death according to an Ohio State University study

  • The study shows a strong link between depression and inflammation

  • Compared to all cancer patients, those with lung cancer have some of the highest rates of depression

The results may help explain why a substantial portion of lung cancer patients fail to respond to new immunotherapy and targeted treatments that have led to significantly longer survival for many people with the disease.

Spectrum News spoke with Dr. Barbara Andersen, a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. Anderson discussed research data suggesting the importance of measuring and treating depression in patients with lung cancer. 

Watch the full interview above.