Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis complicated by lung cancer with favorable prognosis: a case report and literature review

TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case where treating lung cancer improved a patient's condition complicated by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.

Contribution

The study provides a novel case showing tumor treatment can benefit patients with coexisting lung cancer and PAP.

Findings

Interstitial lung changes worsened after neoadjuvant therapy but improved after lung cancer surgery.

Prioritizing tumor treatment may be beneficial in patients with both lung cancer and PAP.

The case highlights the complex interplay between PAP and lung cancer.

Abstract

With the increasing incidence of lung cancer, the coexistence of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and lung cancer is becoming more common. However, the standard treatment protocols for patients with both conditions are still being explored. The conflict between the rapidly evolving therapeutic approaches for tumors and the limited treatment options for PAP presents a significant challenge for clinicians. Determining the optimal timing of treatment for both conditions to maximize patient benefit is a clinical conundrum. Here, we report a rare case of PAP complicated by lung adenocarcinoma, where interstitial lung changes worsened after neoadjuvant therapy but improved significantly following surgical resection of the lung adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the importance of prioritizing tumor treatment in patients with lung cancer complicated by PAP and examines the interplay between the two conditions, as well as potential therapeutic strategies.

Figures