Lung Cancer and Lung Transplantation

Purpose of ReviewLung cancer is a common complication of lung transplantation (LTx). We sought to describe the current state of knowledge of lung cancer in the LTx patient population, ranging from malignant disease identified at the time of transplant to those diagnosed many years after LTx.Recent FindingsDespite improvements in long-term survival in LTx recipients, the prevalence of lung cancer seems to be increasing over time. Little data exists to describe best practices for screening, reduction of immunosuppression, or treatment of lung cancer in LTx recipients.SummaryFurther data to define risk of lung cancer and optimal screening protocols to be used in LTx recipients is sorely needed. Whether modified immunosuppressive regimens can reduce the risk of cancer development or impact long-term progression-free survival after a cancer diagnosis remains an active area of investigation. Advances in the field of LTx have the potential to lead to transplantation with minimal or no immunosuppression and vastly reduce the burden of malignant disease as a complication.