Transbronchial Cryoablation for Early‐Stage Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer of the Central Airway Complicated by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interstitial lung disease presents significant challenges in managing early-stage non-small cell lung cancer due to the high risk of acute exacerbation with standard therapies. We report the case of an 82-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and central airway squamous cell carcinoma who was treated with transbronchial cryoablation. The procedure was completed without major complications, and no tumour recurrence was observed over an 11-month follow-up. This case highlights the potential of transbronchial cryoablation as a feasible local treatment option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, offering a safer alternative to surgery or radiation therapy.