This study investigated lung cancer risk in people infected with tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population and evaluated factors associated with lung cancer in TB-infected individuals. Mandatory reported TB infection case data in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (2010 to 2016) were obtained and linked with medical usage and health screening data from the National Health Information Database. Lung cancer incidence in patients with TB was compared to that in the general population using standardized incidence ratio (SIR), adjusted for age and sex. Lung cancer risk factors in patients with TB were studied using the Cox proportional hazards model. By April 2022, 1.26% (n = 444) of 35,140 patients developed lung cancer after TB diagnosis. Compared to the incidence in the general population, increased lung cancer risk in people with TB was observed (SIR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.85-2.23). Multivariate analysis showed increased lung cancer in TB-infected individuals, associated with being male (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.65-3.04), 1-year increase of age (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08-1.10), ever smoking (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97), and amount of daily smoking with one pack or more (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.63-2.89). Increased lung cancer risk was noted in patients with TB compared to the general population, and sex, age, and smoking were factors associated with lung cancer in patients with TB.

Background: The Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. Methods: This study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP. Results: The majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP’s term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers’ perspectives, and the chairperson’s role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee. Conclusion This study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP’s capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.

This study investigated lung cancer risk in people infected with tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population and evaluated factors associated with lung cancer in TB-infected individuals. Mandatory reported TB infection case data in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (2010 to 2016) were obtained and linked with medical usage and health screening data from the National Health Information Database. Lung cancer incidence in patients with TB was compared to that in the general population using standardized incidence ratio (SIR), adjusted for age and sex. Lung cancer risk factors in patients with TB were studied using the Cox proportional hazards model. By April 2022, 1.26% (n = 444) of 35,140 patients developed lung cancer after TB diagnosis. Compared to the incidence in the general population, increased lung cancer risk in people with TB was observed (SIR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.85-2.23). Multivariate analysis showed increased lung cancer in TB-infected individuals, associated with being male (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.65-3.04), 1-year increase of age (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08-1.10), ever smoking (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97), and amount of daily smoking with one pack or more (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.63-2.89). Increased lung cancer risk was noted in patients with TB compared to the general population, and sex, age, and smoking were factors associated with lung cancer in patients with TB.