Reacción a "Mutations caused by pollution in lung cancer in non-smokers revealed"

The article is of high scientific quality. It is a comprehensive, well-designed study published in the journal Nature, involving the analysis of 871 complete genomes from lung cancer patients who have never smoked (LCINS). The sample is large, international and diverse, providing significant statistical and representative strength. In addition, the methodology used (high-coverage whole-genome sequencing, multivariate analysis and environmental exposure models) is robust and appropriate for the study's objectives.

The study corroborates previous findings on the high prevalence of mutations in the EGFR and TP53 genes in Asian non-smokers, and in the KRAS gene in Europeans and North Americans. It also confirms that tobacco exposure does not explain most cases of LCINS.

The main new findings are:

• The identification of new mutational signatures, such as SBS40a, which is predominant in LCINS but of unknown aetiology.
• It demonstrates for the first time the association between air pollution (PM2.5) and a significant increase in somatic mutations, shorter telomeres and specific mutational signatures such as SBS4, SBS5 and ID3.

The main implication is that it reinforces the importance of environmental pollution as a key factor in lung carcinogenesis in non-smokers. The work may influence public policies on air pollution control.