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Concomitant Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer: An Updated Narrative Review
Bartłomiej Czyżak1, Sebastian Majewski1
1Department of Pneumology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland.
Advances in Respiratory Medicine
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer (LC) share common pathways. Antifibrotic drugs may offer protection against LC in IPF patients, highlighting potential new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with limited treatments.
- Antifibrotic agents have improved IPF survival, increasing the recognition of comorbidities like lung cancer (LC).
- Understanding the interplay between IPF and LC is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of LC in IPF patients.
- To explore shared molecular, cellular, genetic, and epigenetic alterations.
- To discuss diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, including acute exacerbations and potential protective effects of antifibrotics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on IPF and LC.
- Analysis of shared pathological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of current diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- IPF and LC share common underlying molecular, cellular, and genetic pathways.
- Diagnostic and treatment approaches for IPF-LC are limited, especially concerning acute exacerbations.
- Emerging evidence suggests antifibrotic agents may reduce LC risk in IPF.
Conclusions:
- Shared mechanisms between IPF and LC warrant further investigation for novel therapeutic targets.
- Multidisciplinary clinical guidelines are essential for optimizing IPF-LC patient care.
- Antifibrotic agents show promise in potentially preventing LC development in IPF patients.
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