Research Progress in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with Lung Cancer

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by diffuse alveolitis and disorder of alveolar structure and eventually leads to pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. The cause of IPF is unknown and there is no effective treatment for IPF. There is no effective treatment for IPF, mainly to delay disease progression and improve patient’s quality of life. At present, the incidence of IPF with lung cancer (IPF-LC) has increased significantly, which resulted in higher mortality and reduced quality of life. IPF-LC is more common in men, elderly, and smokers. It is a fatal disease and its clinical manifestations lack specificity. IPF-LC has no clear treatment plan, meanwhile, the median survival time is short, and the prognosis is poor. At present, the pathogenesis and treatment plan of IPF-LC are not clear. This article provides a brief review of the current research on the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and treatment of IPF-LC.

Keywords

• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• lung neoplasms
• pathogenesis
• therapy