Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder defined as a non-reversible airflow obstruction followed by chronic inflammation of airways. Epidemiological studies have linked the presence of COPD to the development of lung cancer. Cigarette smoke and other noxious particles are the major environmental risk factors for COPD. Environmental risk factors have strong impact on disease development but the fact that only 20% of smokers develop COPD and 20% of COPD patients develop lung cancer suggest that genetics could play a key role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of disease. Because of global increase in COPD prevalence, strong association with lung cancer and absence of specific therapeutic targets, elucidation of specific gene involvement and how they function in diseased conditions will dramatically improve disease treatment at personalized level.