Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Lung Cancer Associated with 
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown causes, which is characterized by pulmonary fibrosis. The median survival period after diagnosis is about 2-4 years. In recent years, the incidence rate of lung cancer associated with IPF (IPF-LC) is increasing, and the prognosis is worse than that of IPF alone. Pulmonary fibrosis may be closely associated with the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Although the pathogenesis of IPF-LC is still unclear, the current research shows that there are similarities between the pathogenesis of these two diseases at molecular and cellular levels. At present, the research on the cellular and molecular mechanism of lung cancer related to pulmonary fibrosis has become the focus of researchers’ attention. This article reviews the related literature, focusing on the latest status of the cellular and molecular mechanisms and treatment of IPF-LC, hoping to help clinicians understand IPF-LC.

Keywords

• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• lung neoplasms
• cell
• molecular
• pathogenesis