Co-ablation of lung malignancies with coexisting usual interstitial pneumonia: a retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy.

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of co-ablation (Co-A) for lung malignancies in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP).

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 1,537 consecutive patients treated for malignant lung tumors. UIP was assessed using standard-dose computed tomography (CT). Overall, 14 patients (12 men and two women; mean age ± standard deviation: 71.68 ± 7.83 years, range: 60-87 years) with UIP underwent CT-guided percutaneous Co-A. The mean tumor size was 29.14 mm (standard deviation: 12.60; range: 12-45 mm). Follow-up was performed using CT 1 and 3 months after Co-A. Complications and safety outcomes were also assessed.

Results: The median follow-up duration for all patients was 3 months (range: 1-5 months). The mortality rate was 0% within 30 d of ablation. Major complications, including pneumonia and bronchopleural fistula, occurred in 14.3% (2/14) of patients. The technical success rate was 100%.

Conclusion: Co-A appears to be a safe and effective treatment for lung malignancies in patients with UIP.