Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer: targeting the complexity of the pharmacological interconnection
Fabio Perrotta1,2, Vittorio Chino3,4, Valentino Allocca1,2
1Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy.
Introduction:
Many data already suggested that cancer and IPF are underlined by a number of common pathogenic biologic pathways. However, fewer data regards the interconnections, in terms of synergy or increased toxicities, of drugs used in cancer and IPF. Particularly, how the specific therapy influences the concurrent condition and prognostic factors of response in patients with both lung cancer and IPF are far to be clarified. Similarly, identification of features of IPF patients with higher risk of developing pulmonary adverse events when treated with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, TKIs, or radiotherapy is of primary importance in clinical practice.
Areas Covered:
We will discuss the scientific rationale, based on the extensive analysis of literature data, by consulting several databases for combining anticancer and antifibrotic treatments and for the design of novel therapeutic strategies. The role of immunotherapy in cancer aroused in IPF context will be discussed with specific interested, based on the continuously increasing role of immune checkpoint inhibition against lung tumors.
Expert Opinion:
This work will help to improve knowledge, based on a multidisciplinary perspective, on IPF and cancer patients, which identify an unmet clinical need. A better management during each phase of disease progression will require the design innovative trials and the development of new drugs and molecules both in the oncologic and respiratory medicine pipeline.
Insights
This review explores common pathways in lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It highlights the need to understand drug interactions and identify high-risk IPF patients for safer cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Background:
- Lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) share common pathogenic pathways.
- Limited data exists on drug interactions, synergistic toxicities, and treatment impacts for patients with both conditions.
- Clarifying treatment effects on concurrent conditions and patient prognosis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific rationale for combining anticancer and antifibrotic treatments.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for patients with both lung cancer and IPF.
- To discuss the role of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, in the context of IPF.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature data analysis from multiple databases.
- Consultation of scientific literature on anticancer and antifibrotic treatments.
- Review of studies on immunotherapy in lung cancer and IPF.
Main Results:
- Common pathogenic pathways suggest potential drug interactions and toxicities.
- Understanding treatment influence on concurrent IPF and lung cancer is essential for patient outcomes.
- Identifying IPF patients at higher risk for pulmonary adverse events from cancer therapies is critical.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant unmet clinical need in managing patients with both IPF and lung cancer.
- A multidisciplinary approach is required to improve knowledge and patient care.
- Innovative clinical trials and drug development are necessary for both oncologic and respiratory medicine.
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