Durable response to nivolumab in a lung adenocarcinoma patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The efficacy and safety of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in non‐small cell lung cancer patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain unknown. Herein, we describe the case of a 62‐year‐old man with multiple pleural tumors and carcinomatous pleurisy. High‐resolution computed tomography indicated usual interstitial pneumonia, and a respiratory function test revealed a restrictive disorder and decreased diffusion capacity. He was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and IPF. After failure of initial chemotherapy, he was treated with nivolumab and achieved a complete response without any sign of exacerbation of IPF. The response to nivolumab has persisted for > 1 year. This is the first report of a non‐small cell lung cancer patient with IPF who has been treated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors for such a long period and achieved a sustained response.