Small cell lung cancer: an overview of the targets

Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases. Despite a frequently good response to first-line treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, early relapse occurs in the majority of patients and 5-year survival is only about 5%. This histological subtype of lung cancer is strongly associated with tobacco smoking. The behavior of SCLC is unique within solid tumors. Initially, it positively responds to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, at relapse, which occurs early in the majority of cases, the tumor is resistant to available therapy and eventually will cause the death of the patient. These results in an overall 5-year survival of approximately 5% for the entire population of patients diagnosed with SCLC. This dismal prognosis has not significantly changed in past years. There is an urgent need for discovery targets to select patients more prone to having a proper response to the treatment, avoiding to reduce their resistance and resulting the increase of overall and progression-free survivals.

Estrés oxidativo en saliva generado por el humo de tabaco: impacto en la periodontitis y perspectivas hacia el uso de farmacología redox / Oxidative stress in saliva induced by tobacco smoke: impact on periodontitis and perspectives with redox pharmacology / Estresse oxidativo na saliva gerado pela fumaça do tabaco: impacto na periodontite e perspectivas para o uso da farmacologia redox

Numerosos reportes demuestran la presencia de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo en la saliva de fumadores y hay un creciente interés en correlacionar estos procesos moleculares con la etiología de algunas enfermedades orales, como la periodontitis, una enfermedad inmunoinflamatoria crónica relacionada con un desequilibrio de la homeostasis redox celular. Objetivo: realizar una revisión narrativa sobre la relación entre la disminución de la capacidad antioxidante salival inducida por humo de tabaco, la periodontitis y el potencial uso de farmacología redox para el tratamiento de esta patología. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos como PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) y SciELO. Resultados: existe evidencia que relaciona la baja capacidad antioxidante salival con un retraso en el restablecimiento de las condiciones normales en la cavidad oral ante el desarrollo de periodontitis. A su vez, el estado inflamatorio asociado colabora sinérgicamente, provocando un mayor daño tisular con pérdida de tejidos de soporte dentario, fenómeno que podría ser modulado por la acción de farmacología redox. Conclusiones: la intervención con farmacología redox, podría atenuar los biomarcadores de progresión de la enfermedad periodontal, constituyendo una herramienta prometedora para utilizar en conjunto con las estrategias de tratamiento tradicionales.

Numerous reports demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress biomarkers in the saliva of smokers and there is a growing interest in correlating these molecular processes with the etiology of some oral diseases, such as periodontitis, a chronic immunoinlammatory disease related to an imbalance of cellular redox homeostasis. Aims: achieve a narrative review on the relationship between the decrease in salivary antioxidant capacity induced by tobacco smoke, periodontitis, and the potential use of redox pharmacology for the treatment of this pathology. Methods: a bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) and SciELO. Results: there is evidence that relates the low salivary antioxidant capacity with a delay in the reestablishment of normal conditions in the oral cavity before the development of periodontitis. In turn, the associated inflammatory state collaborates synergistically, causing greater tissue damage with loss of dental support tissues, a phenomenon that could be modulated by the action of redox pharmacology. Conclusions: intervention with redox pharmacology could attenuate the biomarkers of periodontal disease progression, constituting a promising tool to be used in conjunction with traditional treatment strategies.

Muitos artigos demonstram a presença de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo na saliva de fumantes e há um interesse crescente em correlacionar esses processos moleculares com a etiologia de algumas doenças bucais, como a periodontite, uma doença imunoinlamatória crônica relacionada a um desequilíbrio da redox celular homeostase. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre a relaçã o entre a diminuiçã o da capacidade antioxidante salivar induzida pela fumaça do tabaco, periodontite e o uso potencial da farmacologia redox para o tratamento desta patologia. Métodos: uma pesquisa bibliográica foi realizada usando bases de dados como PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) e SciELO. Resultados: há evidências que relacionam a baixa capacidade antioxidante salivar com o retardo no restabelecimento das condições normais da cavidade oral antes do desenvolvimento da periodontite. Por sua vez, o estado inflamatório associado colabora sinergicamente, causando maior dano tecidual com perda de tecidos de suporte dentário, fenômeno que poderia ser modulado pela açã o da farmacologia redox. Conclusões: a intervençã o com a farmacologia redox poderia atenuar os biomarcadores de progressã o da doença periodontal, constituindo-se em uma ferramenta promissora para ser utilizada em conjunto com estratégias tradicionais de tratamento.

Mortalidad atribuida al consumo de tabaco en Brasil, 2016 / Mortality attributed to tobacco consumption in Brazil, 2016

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Actualizar la estimación de la mortalidad atribuida al consumo de tabaco en Brasil en población de 35 y más años. Métodos: Se aplicó un método dependiente de prevalencia, basado en la fracción atribuida poblacional. Este método estima la mortalidad atribuida a partir de la mortalidad observada en Brasil (fuente: Sistema de Información de Mortalidad del Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil-2016); de las prevalencias de fumadores, exfumadores y nunca fumadores (Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Brasil-2013) y del exceso de riesgo de morir (riesgo relativo) que tienen los fumadores y exfumadores en comparación con los nunca fumadores (5 estudios de cohortes norteamericanos). Se presentan estimaciones de mortalidad atribuida globales, por sexo, grupo de edad (35-54; 55-64; 65-74 y 75 años en adelante) y 3 grupos de enfermedades: tumores malignos, enfermedades cardiometabólicas y respiratorias. Resultados: En 2016, el consumo de tabaco causó con 163.831 muertes en Brasil, el 67% (109.369) fue en hombres y cuatro de cada diez (62.791) sucedieron antes de los 65 años. El 42% de la mortalidad atribuida se asocia a enfermedades cardiometabólicas, seguidas de respiratorias (34%) y tumorales (24%), sin diferencias por sexo. Conclusión: El 14% de las muertes que sucedieron en Brasil durante 2016 en población de 35 y más años se atribuye al consumo de tabaco. Realizar de forma periódica estimaciones de MA es necesario para valorar y fortalecer las leyes de control de tabaquismo implantadas.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To update the estimation of tobacco attributable mortality (AM) in the Brazilian population aged 35 years old and older. Methods: A prevalence-dependent analysis was applied based on the population attributed fraction. This method estimates the tobacco AM taking into account the mortality observed in Brazil (source: Brazilian Mortality Information System - 2016); the prevalence of smokers, former smokers, and never smokers (National Health Survey Brazil - 2013) and the excess of risk of death (relative risk) of smokers and former smokers in comparison to never smokers (derived from 5 North American cohorts). Estimates of overall AM are shown by gender, age group (35-54; 55-64; 65-74; and 75 years old and older) and 3 groups: malignant tumors, cardiometabolic diseases, and respiratory diseases. Results: In 2016, tobacco consumption caused 163,831 deaths in Brazil, 67% (109,369) were in men and four out of ten (62,791) occurred before the age of 65. Without differences by gender, 42% of the AM is associated with cardiometabolic diseases, followed by respiratory diseases (34%) and malignant tumors (24%). Conclusion: During 2016, 14% of the deaths occurred in the Brazilian population aged 35 years old and older were attributed to tobacco consumption. Periodic tobacco AM estimations are mandatory to assess and strengthen smoking control strategies and policies.

Prevalence of active and passive smoking during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência de tabagismo ativo e passivo durante a gravidez: estudo transversal

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of active and passive smoking during pregnancy and its association with sociodemographic indicators, as well as perinatal and postnatal outcomes in newborns. Methods: This cross-sectional study was comprised of 431 pairs of mothers/ newborns. The study variables were: preterm birth, birth weight, oral mucosal lesions, sociodemographic indicators and smoking data. We collected data from medical records and through a self-administered questionnaire answered by mothers. A pediatric dentist examined the newborns for oral mucosal lesions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between active and passive smoking and the other variables (α=5%). Results: The prevalence of active (9.5%) and passive smoking (4.2%) during pregnancy was low. Active smoking was statistically associated with low birth weight (OR: 2.4; 95%CI:1.1-5.3), lower schooling level (OR: 0.2; 95%CI:0.1-0.5) and mothers aged ≥36 years old (OR: 4.9; 95%CI:1.2-20.0). Passive smoking was not statistically associated with the other variables. There was no association between active or passive smoking during pregnancy and premature birth and oral lesions of the newborn. Conclusions: The prevalence of active and passive smoking were low. Active smoking was associated with low birth weight, maternal age and mother's schooling, suggesting a social influence of smoking behavior among a population with a lower educational level. There was no association between active and passive smoking and prematurity and oral lesions of the newborn. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de tabagismo ativo e passivo durante a gestação e a associação entre indicadores sociodemográficos, bem como desfechos pré e pós-parto em recém-nascidos. Metodologia: Este estudo transversal foi composto por 431 pares de mães/recém-nascidos. As variáveis estudadas foram: nascimento prematuro, peso ao nascer, lesões mucosas orais, indicadores sociodemográficos e dados sobre tabagismo. Coletamos dados por meio de prontuários e por questionário auto-aplicado respondido pelas mães. Um dentista pediátrico examinou os recém-nascidos para lesões mucosas orais. A regressão logística foi utilizada para a análise bivariada e multivariada dos dados (α=5%). Resultados: Prevalência de tabagismo ativo (9,5%) e tabagismo passivo (4,2%) durante a gravidez foi baixo. O tabagismo ativo foi estatisticamente associado ao baixo peso ao nascer (OR: 2,4; 95%CI:1,1-5,3), às mães com menor escolaridade (OR: 0,2; 95%CI:0,1-0,5), e mães com idade ≥36 anos (OR: 4,9; 95%CI:1,2-20,0); enquanto o tabagismo passivo não esteve estatisticamente associado a nenhuma variável. Não houve associação entre tabagismo durante a gestação com nascimento prematuro e lesões orais de recém-nascidos. Conclusões: As prevalências de tabagismos passivo e ativo foram baixas. O tabagismo ativo esteve associado ao baixo peso ao nascer, à idade materna e à escolaridade da mãe, sugerindo influência social do comportamento do tabagismo entre a população com menor escolaridade. Não houve associação entre tabagismo ativo e passivo com prematuridade e lesões de mucosa oral em recém-nascido. (AU)

The correlation between micronuclei count and smoking behavior: a hospital-based study / Correlación entre recuento de micronúcleos y hábito tabáquico: un estudio hospitalario

Background: Micronucleus is a microscopically visible cyto-plasmic chromatin mass in the extranuclear vicinity, originating from aberrant mitosis, which consists of eccentric chromosomes that have failed to reach spindle poles during mitosis. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare cytogenetic changes in the buccal mucosa of smokers and non-smokers based on the occurrence of micronuclei. The study aimed to determine the correlation between the micronuclei count and the frequency and duration of smoking habit. Materials and Methods: Two groups (smokers and non-smokers) of 34 individuals each were examined. Cytological buccal smears were taken from participants using a moistened wooden spatula and stained with standard Papanicolaou stain. Presence of micronuclei was assessed at 40X magnification using a light microscope and a count per 500 cells was determined. The results of the study were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Student t-test. Result: Smears from smokers showed a significant increase in the total number of micronuclei per 500 cell count compared to non-smokers. There was a strong positive correlation between the occurrence of micronuclei and the frequency and duration of smoking. A age-related increase in older age groups was also observed. Conclusion: The study reveals a strong positive correlation between the occurrence of micronuclei and the frequency and duration of smoking. This observation is vital in the utilization of the micronuclei detection in smears as a prognostic, educational and interventional tool in the management of patients with smoking habits.

Antecedentes: El micronúcleo es una masa de cromatina citoplasmática microscópicamente visible en el área extranuclear, que se origina a partir de la mitosis aberrante, y que consiste en cromosomas excéntricos que no han podido alcanzar los polos del huso durante la mitosis. El presente estudio fue diseñado para evaluar y comparar los cambios citogenéticos en la mucosa bucal de fumadores y no fumadores en función de la aparición de micronúcleos. El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la correlación entre el recuento de micronúcleos y la frecuencia y duración del hábito de fumar. Materiales and Métodos: Se examinaron dos grupos (fumadores y no fumadores) de 34 individuos cada uno. Se tomaron frotis bucales citológicos de todos los participantes con una espátula de madera humedecida y se tiñeron con la tinción estándar de Papanicolaou. La presencia de micronúcleos se evaluó al microscopio óptico con un aumento de 40X y se determinó un recuento por 500 células. Los resultados del estudio se analizaron estadísticamente utilizando la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, el coeficiente de correlación de rango de Spearman y la prueba t de Student. Resultados: Los frotis de fumadores mostraron un aumento significativo en el número total de micronúcleos por 500 células en comparación con los no fumadores. Hubo una fuerte correlación positiva entre la aparición de micronúcleos y la frecuencia y duración del tabaquismo. También se observó un aumento relacionado con la edad en los grupos de mayor edad. Conclusión: el estudio revela una fuerte correlación positiva entre la aparición de micronúcleos y la frecuencia y duración del tabaquismo. Esta observación es vital en la utilización de la detección de micronúcleos en frotis como una herramienta pronostica, educativa e intervencionista en el manejo de pacientes con hábitos de fumar.

Diseño de Intervención Educativa sobre efectos nocivos del tabaco. Consultorio No. 10. Policlínico Manuel Piti Fajardo. Cárdenas. 2016 / Design of educational intervention on noxious effects of the tobacco. Medical Consultation nr. 10. Policlínic Manuel Piti Fajardo. Cárdenas. 2016

RESUMEN Introducción: el tabaquismo es la principal causa de muerte evitable en el mundo. Se considera la mayor epidemia en el siglo XX, favorecida por la diversidad de factores complejos que estimulan el hábito constituyendo un reto de la Salud Pública mundial el lograr disminuirlo. Objetivo: diseñar una intervención educativa para incrementar conocimientos sobre los efectos nocivos del tabaco. Materiales y métodos: investigación de Desarrollo en Sistema y Servicios de Salud que clasifica como un estudio, observacional, descriptivo, transversal, que se inserta en el Programa Ramal Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles. El universo de estudio144 pacientes fumadores comprendidos en las edades de 19 años y más, la muestra 48 pacientes, seleccionada por muestreo simple aleatorio. Resultados: incidencia de fumadores en edades de 60 años y más en el sexo masculino y los grupos de edades de 30 a 39 años del femenino, predominan los niveles técnico medio y preuniversitario, la edad de comienzo en edades de 15 a menos de 20 años correspondiéndose la presencia del hábito familiar con la edad de comienzo. Es significativa la asociación de hipertensión arterial en ambos sexos, en el sexo femenino el comportamiento de la hipertensión arterial, la cardiopatía isquémica y la enfermedad obstructiva crónica ocupan lugares relevantes. Los motivos que condicionan el hábito de fumar son: la reducción de tensión, la manipulación y el esparcimiento y los conocimientos acerca de los efectos nocivos del tabaco son adecuados. Conclusiones: los pacientes no tienen percepción de riesgo aunque solicitan ayuda profesional. Se diseñó la propuesta de intervención educativa (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: tobacco smoking is the main cause of avoidable death in the world. It is considered the biggest epidemics in the XX century favored by the diversity of complex factors stimulating the habits; its reduction is a challenge for the Public Health around the world. Objective: to design an educational intervention for improving knowledge on the noxious effects of tobacco. Materials and methods: research of Development in Health Systems and Services that classifies as a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study inserted in the Branch Program on Chronic, Non-communicable Diseases. The universe was 144 smoking patients aged 19 years and more, and the sample 48 patients chosen by simple randomized sampling. Results: the incidence was higher in male smokers aged 60 years and more, and in female ones aged 30-39 years; the predominant scholarship was technicians and senior high school; the age of beginning smoking was in the range from 15 and 20 years, corresponding the age of beginning smoking with the presence of the habit in the family context. The association to arterial hypertension is significant, and the behavior of arterial hypertension, ischemic hearth disease and obstructive chronic disease occupy relevant places among female patients. The motives conditioning the smoking habit are the reduction of tensions, manipulation and leisure; knowledge on tobacco noxious effects is appropriate. Conclusions: patients do not have risk perception, although they ask for professional help. The proposal of educative intervention was designed (AU).

Farmacogenética, tabaco, alcohol y su efecto sobre el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer / Pharmacogenetics, tobacco, alcohol and its effect on the risk development cancer

El cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo, según datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en el año 2015 ocasionó 8,8 millones de muertes. Dentro de los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de cáncer se encuentran el tabaquismo y el consumo de alcohol. En Chile el 33,6% de la población fuma y un 21,2 % de los jóvenes. El consumo de alcohol en la población chilena es de 74,5 % y en los jóvenes de un 12,2 %. Entre los factores fisiológicos que influyen en el desarrollo de cáncer, el factor genético juega un rol relevante, habiéndose demostrado que la presencia de polimorfismos genéticos alteran la capacidad del organismo de eliminar contaminantes y aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer. Lo mismo ocurre con polimorfismos que impiden la reparación de ADN debido a daños producidos por efecto de contaminantes ambientales como el humo de cigarrillo. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar el estado del arte de la relación entre farmacogenética, tabaco y alcohol como factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de cáncer. Los resultados sugieren que la presencia de po limorfismos que alteran la función de enzimas de biotransformación fase I (CYP1A1, CYP1E1) y fase II (GST), además de polimorfismos en enzimas de reparación del ADN (ERCC1/ERCC2) aumentan el riesgo de cáncer inducido por el hábito tabáquico y alcohólico. Esta asociación es importante, si consideramos que en la población chilena el hábito de fumar y beber alcohol es altamente prevalente.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, causing 8.8 million deaths in 2015 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Risk factors for cancer include smoking and alcohol con sumption. In Chile, 33.6% of the population and 21.2% of young people smokes. Alcohol consump tion in the Chilean population is 74.5% and 12.2% in young people. Among the physiological factors that influence the development of cancer, the genetic factor plays a relevant role. It has been shown that the presence of genetic polymorphisms that alter the ability of the body to eliminate contami nants increase the risk of developing cancer. The same applies to polymorphisms that prevent DNA repair due to damage caused by environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke. The objective of this review is to analyze the state of the art of the relationship between pharmacogenetics, smoking, and alcohol consumption as risk factors for the development of cancer. In conclusion, the results suggest that the presence of polymorphisms that alter the function of biotransformation enzymes phase I (CYP1A1, CYP1E1) and phase II (GST), as well as polymorphisms in DNA repair enzymes (ERCC1 / ERCC2), increase the risk of cancer induced by smoking and alcohol consumption. This association is important considering that smoking and drinking alcohol are highly prevalent among the Chilean population.

Severe pulmonary hypertension due to combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema: another cause of death among smokers

In 2005, the combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) was first defined as a distinct entity, which comprised centrilobular or paraseptal emphysema in the upper pulmonary lobes, and fibrosis in the lower lobes accompanied by reduced diffused capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Recently, the fibrosis associated with the connective tissue disease was also included in the diagnosis of CPFE, although the exposure to tobacco, coal, welding, agrochemical compounds, and tire manufacturing are the most frequent causative agents. This entity characteristically presents reduced DLCO with preserved lung volumes and severe pulmonary hypertension, which is not observed in emphysema and fibrosis alone. We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a history of heavy tobacco smoking abuse, who developed progressive dyspnea, severe pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale over a 2-year period. She attended the emergency facility several times complaining of worsening dyspnea that was treated as decompensate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The imaging examination showed paraseptal emphysema in the upper pulmonary lobes and fibrosis in the middle and lower lobes. The echo Doppler cardiogram revealed the dilation of the right cardiac chambers and pulmonary hypertension, which was confirmed by pulmonary trunk artery pressure measurement by catheterization. During this period, she was progressively restricted to the minimal activities of daily life and dependent on caregivers. She was brought to the hospital neurologically obtunded, presenting anasarca, and respiratory failure, which led her to death. The autopsy showed signs of pulmonary hypertension and findings of fibrosis and emphysema in the histological examination of the lungs. The authors highlight the importance of the recognition of this entity in case of COPD associated with severe pulmonary hypertension of unknown cause.

Frecuencia de los polimorfismos CYP1A1*2A y deleción del gen GSTM1 en pacientes con carcinoma de células escamosas de laringe en relación al hábito tabáquico: estudio piloto en Chile / Frequency of CYP1A1*2A and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in Chilean patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in relation to smoking habit: a pilot study

Introducción: Entre los factores de riesgo para cáncer laríngeo (CL) son relevantes el consumo de tabaco y alcohol. Estos xenobióticos son metabolizados por un grupo de enzimas, entre las cuales están CYP1A1 y GSTM1, cuyas variantes polimórficas se postulan como factores de riesgo para esta enfermedad. Objetivos: Describir la frecuencia de las variantes de los polimorfismos de CYP1A1 y GSTM1 en un grupo de pacientes diagnosticados con CL. Analizar la posible correlación entre las variantes genéticas de ambas enzimas y la presencia de CL. Evaluar la influencia del hábito tabáquico en el riesgo de aparición de cáncer escamoso de laringe en pacientes con genotipos de riesgo. Material y método: Se seleccionaron 35 pacientes con CL entre los años 2000 y 2010 en Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del HBLT y 124 controles reclutados en el Centro de Investigaciones Farmacológicas y Toxicológicas (IFT). A todos los individuos se les registraron datos demográficos y extrajo una muestra de sangre para analizar las variantes polimórficas de CYP1A1 y GSTM1, mediante PCR-RFLP. Resultados: De un total de 35pacientes 54,3% presentan el genotipo GSTM1 (-/-) y 17,1% el genotipo CYP1A1*2A C/C. En el grupo control (n =140) estas frecuencias fueron de 19,35°% y 10,48%o, respectivamente. Se observó una correlación entre GSTM1 y el CL, estratificado por el hábito tabáquico y alcohólico. No se encontraron relaciones estadísticamente significativas con el hábito alcohólico y/o tabáquico. No se observaron asociaciones entre la patología y la combinación de genotipos o entre genotipos y el hábito tabáquico o alcohólico. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la deleción de GSTM1 (-/-) y el riesgo de presentar CL, lo que refleja el importante papel que juega esta enzima en la desintoxicación de compuestos cancerígenos. Sin embargo, se requiere incrementar el número de pacientes para establecer apropiadamente la relación genético-ambiental que permite adjudicar un papel relevante a estos biomarcadores.

Introduction: Tobacco and alcohol consumption are recognized risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. These xenobiotics are metabolized by numerous enzymes, among which, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms have been identified as risk factors for developing tobacco related cancers as lung and laryngeal carcinomas. Nevertheless, these polymorphisms have not been studied in Chilean patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Aim: To describe, for the first time, the frequency of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in Chilean patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Material and method: We conducted a case-control study. The case group consisted of 35 Chilean patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx; the control group was formed by 124 Chilean subjects without cancer diagnosis. Demographic data as age, sex and quantification of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were recorded in all individuals. CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzymes (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of CYP1A1*2A C/C genotype was 54, 3°% among laryngeal cancerpatients and 17,1%% among control subjects. The frequency ofGSTM1 (-/-) genotype was 19,35 %% among laryngeal cancer patients and 10,48%% among control subjects. There were no statistically significant relationships between this gene polymorphisms and tobacco smoking or alcohol consumption. There were no associations between the presence of both gene polymorphisms in the same individual and the presence of laryngeal cancer. Interestingly we found an OR of 8.69 (CI 2.90 to 26.01) for GSTM1 (-/-) polymorphism and laryngeal cancer, stratified by tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Our work shows that the deletion of GSTM1 could be an important risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in Chilean patients. This finding reflects the important role that detoxification of carcinogenic compounds plays in Chilean population. However, it is necessary to increase the number of studied patients to properly establish the genetic-environmental relationship ascribed to these biomarkers.