Pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer: risk and benefit analysis of pulmonary resection

Abstract

Objective

Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and outcome of surgical resection in this setting is unknown.

Methods

We studied 22 patients (24 operations) with pulmonary fibrosis and non-small cell lung cancer treated between 1991 and 2000 (study group) and compared outcome with 951 other patients (964 operations) treated for non-small cell lung cancer over the same period (control patients).

Results

The two groups did not differ significantly in age (68 vs 65 years), smoking history (86% vs 95% smokers), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (2.5 L/min vs 2.3 L/min) or forced vital capacity (3.2 L vs 3.7 L), but patients with pulmonary fibrosis were more likely to be male (72% vs 58%, P < .05). The operative mortality was higher in patients with pulmonary fibrosis than in control patients (17% vs 3.1%, P < .01) and there was a higher procedure-specific mortality in pulmonary fibrosis for pneumonectomy (33% vs 5.1%, P < .01) and lobectomy (12% vs 2.6%, P < .01). Patients with pulmonary fibrosis had a higher incidence of postoperative lung injury, (21% vs 3.7%, P < .01) and a longer mean hospital stay (17 vs 9 days, P < .05). In patients with pulmonary fibrosis, the actuarial 3-year survival was 54%. There were 11 deaths in the study group, 4 postoperatively (all acute respiratory distress syndrome) and 7 late deaths (metastatic disease, n = 2; progressive pulmonary fibrosis, n = 5). Median follow-up (to death or last review) was 13 months (range, 0-120 months). Five patients developed postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome and in 4 of these patients this proved to be fatal. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome was associated with lower preoperative total lung carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (median, 58% vs 70%, P = .03) and lower preoperative carbon monoxide diffusion capacity corrected for alveolar volume (median, 48% vs 58%, P = .05) and a higher preoperative composite physiological index (median, 44 vs 33, P = .008). None of the preoperative lung function parameters or operative finding were predictors of late death.

Conclusion

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis undergoing pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer have increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, but an important subgroup has a good long-term outcome. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with low preoperative gas transfer and a high composite physiological index. Resection of non-small cell lung cancer is appropriate in pulmonary fibrosis, provided that the level of functional impairment is carefully factored into patient selection.