Lung cancer in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract

Lung cancer appears to be more common among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The exact prevalence is unclear but is likely to be in the range 5–17 %. Risk factors for lung cancer in IPF include age, greater smoking history, and male gender. Squamous cell lung cancer may be more common in IPF than in the general population. The lung cancers are more often at the periphery and bases, although these findings are not universal. The pathogenesis behind this increased association is unknown but may be because of increased cell turnover and DNA damage. The development of lung cancer often is a late complication and the effect of this diagnosis on an individual’s outcome is unknown. However, IPF affects patients’ therapeutic options, both their ability to tolerate intervention and because of a significant risk of acute exacerbation after the intervention.