Cancer and interstitial lung disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review assesses the contribution of various conditions that cause interstitial lung disease to the development of cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS: Interstitial lung diseases for which the available evidence suggests an increased risk of lung cancer include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and certain forms of pneumoconioses. The pathogenesis of lung cancer remains unclear, and the available data on inflammation-induced pulmonary fibrosis as a risk factor for lung cancer are summarized. There is inadequate evidence for any conclusions about the risk of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies in patients with sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. An increased incidence of lymphoma is detected in Sjögren's syndrome. For patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis, there is a well-documented association with a wide range of cancers.

SUMMARY: Further studies are needed to clarify the cause(s) and the mechanisms that link various interstitial lung diseases and cancer.