Clinical characteristics of lung cancer in patients with connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease: a brief report.

INTRODUCTION/

OBJECTIVE

Patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) have an increased risk of developing lung cancer (LC).This study investigated whether non-receipt of immunosuppressive therapy is associated with LC risk in CTD-ILD patients and identified associated risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed 262 patients with CTD-ILD. Patients were divided into an LC group (n = 29) and non-LC group (n = 233). Logistic regression identified risk factors for LC.

RESULTS

Non-receipt of corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants (OR 6.675; 95%CI 2.000-22.272; P = 0.002) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern (OR 2.845; 95% CI 1.077-7.519; P = 0.035) were independent risk factors for LC. Most LC patients were stage IV (58.6%). Patients with LC had significantly poorer survival than those without (median 22.3 vs. 168.9 months; HR 11.392; 95% CI 6.163-21.057; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-receipt of immunosuppressive therapy and UIP pattern are independently associated with LC risk in CTD-ILD. The poor prognosis and advanced stage at diagnosis emphasize the need for early LC detection. Key Points • The UIP pattern and non-receipt of immunosuppressive therapy were independently associated with LC risk, although these findings are not causal.