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Bisanzi S, Puliti D, Picozzi G, Romei C, Pistelli F, Deliperi A, Carreras G, Masala G, Gorini G, Zappa M, Sani C, Carrozzi L, Paci E, Kaaks R, Carozzi FM, Mascalchi M. Baseline Cell-Free DNA Can Predict Malignancy of Nodules Observed in the ITALUNG Screening Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2276. [PMID: 38927981 PMCID: PMC11201711 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of total plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in lung cancer (LC) screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is uncertain. We hypothesized that cfDNA could support differentiation between malignant and benign nodules observed in LDCT. The baseline cfDNA was measured in 137 subjects of the ITALUNG trial, including 29 subjects with screen-detected LC (17 prevalent and 12 incident) and 108 subjects with benign nodules. The predictive capability of baseline cfDNA to differentiate malignant and benign nodules was compared to that of Lung-RADS classification and Brock score at initial LDCT (iLDCT). Subjects with prevalent LC showed both well-discriminating radiological characteristics of the malignant nodule (16 of 17 were classified as Lung-RADS 4) and markedly increased cfDNA (mean 18.8 ng/mL). The mean diameters and Brock scores of malignant nodules at iLDCT in subjects who were diagnosed with incident LC were not different from those of benign nodules. However, 75% (9/12) of subjects with incident LC showed a baseline cfDNA ≥ 3.15 ng/mL, compared to 34% (37/108) of subjects with benign nodules (p = 0.006). Moreover, baseline cfDNA was correlated (p = 0.001) with tumor growth, measured with volume doubling time. In conclusion, increased baseline cfDNA may help to differentiate subjects with malignant and benign nodules at LDCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Bisanzi
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Donella Puliti
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Giulia Picozzi
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Chiara Romei
- Division of Radiology, Cisanello Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Francesco Pistelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy, (L.C.)
- Pulmonary Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Pisa University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Deliperi
- Division of Radiology, Cisanello Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Giulia Carreras
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Gorini
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Marco Zappa
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Cristina Sani
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Laura Carrozzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy, (L.C.)
- Pulmonary Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Pisa University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Paci
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology (C020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.K.); (M.M.)
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Maria Carozzi
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (G.P.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (C.S.); (E.P.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology (C020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.K.); (M.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
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Hunter B, Argyros C, Inglese M, Linton-Reid K, Pulzato I, Nicholson AG, Kemp SV, L Shah P, Molyneaux PL, McNamara C, Burn T, Guilhem E, Mestas Nuñez M, Hine J, Choraria A, Ratnakumar P, Bloch S, Jordan S, Padley S, Ridge CA, Robinson G, Robbie H, Barnett J, Silva M, Desai S, Lee RW, Aboagye EO, Devaraj A. Radiomics-based decision support tool assists radiologists in small lung nodule classification and improves lung cancer early diagnosis. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1949-1955. [PMID: 37932513 PMCID: PMC10703918 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methods to improve stratification of small (≤15 mm) lung nodules are needed. We aimed to develop a radiomics model to assist lung cancer diagnosis. METHODS Patients were retrospectively identified using health records from January 2007 to December 2018. The external test set was obtained from the national LIBRA study and a prospective Lung Cancer Screening programme. Radiomics features were extracted from multi-region CT segmentations using TexLab2.0. LASSO regression generated the 5-feature small nodule radiomics-predictive-vector (SN-RPV). K-means clustering was used to split patients into risk groups according to SN-RPV. Model performance was compared to 6 thoracic radiologists. SN-RPV and radiologist risk groups were combined to generate "Safety-Net" and "Early Diagnosis" decision-support tools. RESULTS In total, 810 patients with 990 nodules were included. The AUC for malignancy prediction was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82-0.87), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70-0.85) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.59-0.92) for the training, test and external test datasets, respectively. The test set accuracy was 73% (95% CI: 65-81%) and resulted in 66.67% improvements in potentially missed [8/12] or delayed [6/9] cancers, compared to the radiologist with performance closest to the mean of six readers. CONCLUSIONS SN-RPV may provide net-benefit in terms of earlier cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hunter
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
| | - Christos Argyros
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
| | - Marianna Inglese
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Kristofer Linton-Reid
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Pulzato
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | - Andrew G Nicholson
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Histopathology, London, UK
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Samuel V Kemp
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pallav L Shah
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, London, UK
| | - Philip L Molyneaux
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cillian McNamara
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | - Toby Burn
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
| | - Emily Guilhem
- King's College Hospital, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | | | - Julia Hine
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | - Anika Choraria
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | - Prashanthi Ratnakumar
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susannah Bloch
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon Jordan
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Thoracic Surgery, London, UK
| | - Simon Padley
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Carole A Ridge
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Graham Robinson
- The Royal United Hospital, Bath, Department of Radiology, Bath, UK
| | - Hasti Robbie
- King's College Hospital, Department of Radiology, London, UK
| | - Joseph Barnett
- Department of Radiology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Silva
- Section of "Scienze Radiologiche", Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sujal Desai
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- Imperial College London, Margaret Turner-Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, London, UK
| | - Richard W Lee
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- Lung Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
- Early Diagnosis and Detection, Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Eric O Aboagye
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK
| | - Anand Devaraj
- The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, London, UK.
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
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Mascalchi M, Picozzi G, Puliti D, Diciotti S, Deliperi A, Romei C, Falaschi F, Pistelli F, Grazzini M, Vannucchi L, Bisanzi S, Zappa M, Gorini G, Carozzi FM, Carrozzi L, Paci E. Lung Cancer Screening with Low-Dose CT: What We Have Learned in Two Decades of ITALUNG and What Is Yet to Be Addressed. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2197. [PMID: 37443590 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ITALUNG trial started in 2004 and compared lung cancer (LC) and other-causes mortality in 55-69 years-aged smokers and ex-smokers who were randomized to four annual chest low-dose CT (LDCT) or usual care. ITALUNG showed a lower LC and cardiovascular mortality in the screened subjects after 13 years of follow-up, especially in women, and produced many ancillary studies. They included recruitment results of a population-based mimicking approach, development of software for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and lung nodules volumetry, LDCT assessment of pulmonary emphysema and coronary artery calcifications (CAC) and their relevance to long-term mortality, results of a smoking-cessation intervention, assessment of the radiations dose associated with screening LDCT, and the results of biomarkers assays. Moreover, ITALUNG data indicated that screen-detected LCs are mostly already present at baseline LDCT, can present as lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces, and can be multiple. However, several issues of LC screening are still unaddressed. They include the annual vs. biennial pace of LDCT, choice between opportunistic or population-based recruitment. and between uni or multi-centre screening, implementation of CAD-assisted reading, containment of false positive and negative LDCT results, incorporation of emphysema. and CAC quantification in models of personalized LC and mortality risk, validation of ultra-LDCT acquisitions, optimization of the smoking-cessation intervention. and prospective validation of the biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Picozzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Donella Puliti
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Deliperi
- Radiodiagnostic Unit 2, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cisanello University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Romei
- Radiodiagnostic Unit 2, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cisanello University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Falaschi
- Radiodiagnostic Unit 2, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cisanello University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Pistelli
- Pulmonary Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Grazzini
- Division of Pneumonology, San Jacopo Hospital Pistoia, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
| | - Letizia Vannucchi
- Division of Radiology, San Jacopo Hospital Pistoia, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bisanzi
- Regional Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Zappa
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gorini
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Carozzi
- Regional Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Carrozzi
- Pulmonary Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Paci
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50100 Florence, Italy
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4
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Single CT Appointment for Double Lung and Colorectal Cancer Screening: Is the Time Ripe? Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102326. [PMID: 36292015 PMCID: PMC9601268 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Annual screening of lung cancer (LC) with chest low-dose computed tomography (CT) and screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) with CT colonography every 5 years are recommended by the United States Prevention Service Task Force. We review epidemiological and pathological data on LC and CRC, and the features of screening chest low-dose CT and CT colonography comprising execution, reading, radiation exposure and harm, and the cost effectiveness of the two CT screening interventions. The possibility of combining chest low-dose CT and CT colonography examinations for double LC and CRC screening in a single CT appointment is then addressed. We demonstrate how this approach appears feasible and is already reasonable as an opportunistic screening intervention in 50–75-year-old subjects with smoking history and average CRC risk. In addition to the crucial role Computer Assisted Diagnosis systems play in decreasing the test reading times and the need to educate radiologists in screening chest LDCT and CT colonography, in view of a single CT appointment for double screening, the following uncertainties need to be solved: (1) the schedule of the screening CT; (2) the effectiveness of iterative reconstruction and deep learning algorithms affording an ultra-low-dose CT acquisition technique and (3) management of incidental findings. Resolving these issues will imply new cost-effectiveness analyses for LC screening with chest low dose CT and for CRC screening with CT colonography and, especially, for the double LC and CRC screening with a single-appointment CT.
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Bonney A, Malouf R, Marchal C, Manners D, Fong KM, Marshall HM, Irving LB, Manser R. Impact of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening on lung cancer-related mortality. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 8:CD013829. [PMID: 35921047 PMCID: PMC9347663 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013829.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in the world, however lung cancer screening has not been implemented in most countries at a population level. A previous Cochrane Review found limited evidence for the effectiveness of lung cancer screening with chest radiography (CXR) or sputum cytology in reducing lung cancer-related mortality, however there has been increasing evidence supporting screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether screening for lung cancer using LDCT of the chest reduces lung cancer-related mortality and to evaluate the possible harms of LDCT screening. SEARCH METHODS We performed the search in collaboration with the Information Specialist of the Cochrane Lung Cancer Group and included the Cochrane Lung Cancer Group Trial Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library, current issue), MEDLINE (accessed via PubMed) and Embase in our search. We also searched the clinical trial registries to identify unpublished and ongoing trials. We did not impose any restriction on language of publication. The search was performed up to 31 July 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of lung cancer screening using LDCT and reporting mortality or harm outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors were involved in independently assessing trials for eligibility, extraction of trial data and characteristics, and assessing risk of bias of the included trials using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. Primary outcomes were lung cancer-related mortality and harms of screening. We performed a meta-analysis, where appropriate, for all outcomes using a random-effects model. We only included trials in the analysis of mortality outcomes if they had at least 5 years of follow-up. We reported risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and used the I2 statistic to investigate heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 trials in this review with a total of 94,445 participants. Trials were conducted in Europe and the USA in people aged 40 years or older, with most trials having an entry requirement of ≥ 20 pack-year smoking history (e.g. 1 pack of cigarettes/day for 20 years or 2 packs/day for 10 years etc.). One trial included male participants only. Eight trials were phase three RCTs, with two feasibility RCTs and one pilot RCT. Seven of the included trials had no screening as a comparison, and four trials had CXR screening as a comparator. Screening frequency included annual, biennial and incrementing intervals. The duration of screening ranged from 1 year to 10 years. Mortality follow-up was from 5 years to approximately 12 years. None of the included trials were at low risk of bias across all domains. The certainty of evidence was moderate to low across different outcomes, as assessed by GRADE. In the meta-analysis of trials assessing lung cancer-related mortality, we included eight trials (91,122 participants), and there was a reduction in mortality of 21% with LDCT screening compared to control groups of no screening or CXR screening (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.87; 8 trials, 91,122 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There were probably no differences in subgroups for analyses by control type, sex, geographical region, and nodule management algorithm. Females appeared to have a larger lung cancer-related mortality benefit compared to males with LDCT screening. There was also a reduction in all-cause mortality (including lung cancer-related) of 5% (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99; 8 trials, 91,107 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Invasive tests occurred more frequently in the LDCT group (RR 2.60, 95% CI 2.41 to 2.80; 3 trials, 60,003 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, analysis of 60-day postoperative mortality was not significant between groups (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.94; 2 trials, 409 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). False-positive results and recall rates were higher with LDCT screening compared to screening with CXR, however there was low-certainty evidence in the meta-analyses due to heterogeneity and risk of bias concerns. Estimated overdiagnosis with LDCT screening was 18%, however the 95% CI was 0 to 36% (risk difference (RD) 0.18, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.36; 5 trials, 28,656 participants; low-certainty evidence). Four trials compared different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using various measures. Anxiety was pooled from three trials, with participants in LDCT screening reporting lower anxiety scores than in the control group (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.43, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.27; 3 trials, 8153 participants; low-certainty evidence). There were insufficient data to comment on the impact of LDCT screening on smoking behaviour. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence supports a reduction in lung cancer-related mortality with the use of LDCT for lung cancer screening in high-risk populations (those over the age of 40 with a significant smoking exposure). However, there are limited data on harms and further trials are required to determine participant selection and optimal frequency and duration of screening, with potential for significant overdiagnosis of lung cancer. Trials are ongoing for lung cancer screening in non-smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Bonney
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Reem Malouf
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - David Manners
- Respiratory Medicine, Midland St John of God Public and Private Hospital, Midland, Australia
| | - Kwun M Fong
- Thoracic Medicine Program, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Thoracic Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Henry M Marshall
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louis B Irving
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Renée Manser
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Bartlett EC, Silva M, Callister ME, Devaraj A. False-Negative Results in Lung Cancer Screening-Evidence and Controversies. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:912-921. [PMID: 33545386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Identifying false-negative cases is an important quality metric in lung cancer screening, but it has been infrequently and variably reported in previous studies. Although as a proportion of all screening participants, false-negative cases are uncommon, such cases may constitute a substantial proportion of all lung cancers diagnosed (up to 15%) within a screening program. This article reviews the impact and causes of false-negative lung cancer screening tests, including those related to radiologic evaluation, nodule management protocols, and management decisions made by multidisciplinary teams. Following a review of data from international screening studies, this article discusses the controversies within the screening literature surrounding the definition and classification of a false-negative lung cancer screening test and how data on false-negative rates should be captured and recorded. Challenges, such as avoiding overly cautious surveillance of lung nodules while minimizing overdiagnosis and investigation of indolent or benign lesions, are considered. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to dealing with false-negative results in lung cancer screening are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Bartlett
- Department of Radiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Silva
- Section of "Scienze Radiologiche," Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matthew E Callister
- St James's University Hospital, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anand Devaraj
- Department of Radiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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7
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Inter-observer agreement on the morphology of screening-detected lung cancer: beyond pulmonary nodules and masses. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:3862-3870. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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8
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Mascalchi M, Comin CE, Bertelli E, Sali L, Maddau C, Zuccherelli S, Picozzi G, Carrozzi L, Grazzini M, Fontanini G, Voltolini L, Vella A, Castiglione F, Carozzi F, Paci E, Zompatori M, Lopes Pegna A, Falaschi F. Screen-detected multiple primary lung cancers in the ITALUNG trial. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:1058-1066. [PMID: 29607181 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.01.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Occurrence of multiple primary lung cancers (MPLC) in individuals undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has not been thoroughly addressed. We investigated MPLC in subjects recruited in the ITALUNG randomized clinical trial. Cases of cytologically/histologically proven MPLC detected at screening LDCT or follow-up CT were selected and pathologically re-evaluated according to the WHO 2015 classification. Overall 16 MPLC were diagnosed at screening LDCT (n=14, all present at baseline) or follow-up CT (n=2) in six subjects (4 in one subject, 3 in two and 2 in three subjects), representing 0.43% of the 1,406 screenees and 15.8% of the 38 subjects with at least one screen-detected primary lung cancer. MPLC included 9 adenocarcinomas in three subjects and a combination of 7 different tumour histotypes in three subjects. MPLC, mostly adenocarcinomas, are not uncommon in smokers and ex-smokers with at least one LDCT screen detected primary lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla E Comin
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Bertelli
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lapo Sali
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Maddau
- Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPO), Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Zuccherelli
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Picozzi
- Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPO), Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Carrozzi
- Cardiopulmonary Department, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Voltolini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Castiglione
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Carozzi
- Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPO), Florence, Italy
| | - Eugenio Paci
- Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPO), Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zompatori
- Radiology Department, Multimedica Group, IRCCS, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Andrea Lopes Pegna
- Pulmonology, Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Falaschi
- 2nd Radiology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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9
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Silva M, Sverzellati N, Colombi D, Milanese G, La Vecchia C, Galeone C, Marchianò A, Pastorino U. Pleural plaques in lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography: prevalence, association with lung cancer and mortality. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:155. [PMID: 29178853 PMCID: PMC5702182 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-017-0506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To report the prevalence of pleural plaques in a lung cancer screening trial by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and to test the association with incidence of lung cancer and mortality. Methods The LDCT of 2303 screenees were retrospectively reviewed with the specific aim of describing the prevalence and features of pleural plaques. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess asbestos exposure. Frequency of lung cancer, lung cancer mortality, and overall mortality were detailed according to presence of pleural findings. Statistical analyses included comparison of mean or median, contingency tables, and Cox model for calculation of hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Among male screenees, 31/1570 (2%) showed pleural abnormalities, 128/1570 (8.2%) disclosed asbestos exposure, 23/31 (74.2%) subjects with pleural plaques consistently denied exposure to asbestos. There was a trend for higher frequency of lung cancer among subjects with pleural plaques (9.7% vs 4.2%). Lung cancer in subjects with pleural plaques was always diagnosed in advanced stage. Subjects with pleural plaques showed HR 5.48 (95% CI 1.61–18.70) for mortality from lung cancer. Conclusions Pleural plaques are a risk factor for lung cancer mortality that can be detected in lung cancer screening by LDCT, also in subjects that are not aware of asbestos exposure. Trial registration NCT02837809 - Retrospectively registered July 1, 2016 - Enrolment of first participant September 2005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Silva
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy. .,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Sverzellati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Colombi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Milanese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Galeone
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Marchianò
- Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Pastorino
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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10
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Evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodule: size matters, but do not ignore the power of morphology. Insights Imaging 2017; 9:73-86. [PMID: 29143191 PMCID: PMC5825309 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-017-0581-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Subsequent to the widespread use of multidetector computed tomography and growing interest in lung cancer screening, small pulmonary nodules are more frequently detected. The differential diagnosis for a solitary pulmonary nodule is extremely broad and includes both benign and malignant causes. Recognition of early lung cancers is vital, since stage at diagnosis is crucial for prognosis. Estimation of the probability of malignancy is a challenging task, but crucial for follow-up and further work-up. In addition to the clinical setting and metabolic assessment, morphological assessment on thin-section computed tomography is essential. Size and growth are key factors in assessment of the malignant potential of a nodule. The likelihood of malignancy positively correlates with nodule diameter: as the diameter increases, so does the likelihood of malignancy. Although there is a considerable overlap in the features of benign and malignant nodules, the importance of morphology however should not be underestimated. Features that are associated with benignity include a perifissural location and triangular morphology, internal fat and benign calcifications. Malignancy is suspected in nodules presenting with spiculation, lobulation, pleural indentation, vascular convergence sign, associated cystic airspace, bubble-like lucencies, irregular air bronchogram, and subsolid morphology. Nodules often show different features and combination of findings is certainly more powerful. Teaching points • Size of a pulmonary nodule is important, but morphological assessment should not be underestimated. • Lung nodules should be evaluated on thin section CT, in both lung and mediastinal window setting. • Features associated with benignity include a triangular morphology, internal fat and calcifications. • Spiculation, pleural retraction and notch sign are highly suggestive of a malignant nature. • Complex features (e.g. bubble-like lucencies) are highly indicative of a malignant nature.
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11
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Mets OM, Chung K, Scholten ET, Veldhuis WB, Prokop M, van Ginneken B, Schaefer-Prokop CM, de Jong PA. Incidental perifissural nodules on routine chest computed tomography: lung cancer or not? Eur Radiol 2017; 28:1095-1101. [PMID: 28986629 PMCID: PMC5811588 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Perifissural nodules (PFNs) are a common finding on chest CT, and are thought to represent non-malignant lesions. However, data outside a lung cancer-screening setting are currently lacking. Methods In a nested case-control design, out of a total cohort of 16,850 patients ≥ 40 years of age who underwent routine chest CT (2004-2012), 186 eligible subjects with incident lung cancer and 511 controls without were investigated. All non-calcified nodules ≥ 4 mm were semi-automatically annotated. Lung cancer location and subject characteristics were recorded. Results Cases (56 % male) had a median age of 64 years (IQR 59–70). Controls (60 % male) were slightly younger (p<0.01), median age of 61 years (IQR 51–70). A total of 262/1,278 (21 %) unique non-calcified nodules represented a PFN. None of these were traced to a lung malignancy over a median follow-up of around 4.5 years. PFNs were most often located in the lower lung zones (72 %, p<0.001). Median diameter was 4.6 mm (range: 4.0–8.1), volume 51 mm3 (range: 32–278). Some showed growth rates < 400 days. Conclusions Our data show that incidental PFNs do not represent lung cancer in a routine care, heterogeneous population. This confirms prior screening-based results. Key Points • One-fifth of non-calcified nodules represented a perifissural nodule in our non-screening population. • PFNs fairly often show larger size, and can show interval growth. • When morphologically resembling a PFN, nodules are nearly certainly not a malignancy. • The assumed benign aetiology of PFNs seems valid outside the screening setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onno M Mets
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Kaman Chung
- Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst Th Scholten
- Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter B Veldhuis
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Prokop
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bram van Ginneken
- Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia M Schaefer-Prokop
- Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Pim A de Jong
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Carozzi FM, Bisanzi S, Carrozzi L, Falaschi F, Lopes Pegna A, Mascalchi M, Picozzi G, Peluso M, Sani C, Greco L, Ocello C, Paci E. Multimodal lung cancer screening using the ITALUNG biomarker panel and low dose computed tomography. Results of the ITALUNG biomarker study. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:94-101. [PMID: 28387927 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Asymptomatic high-risk subjects, randomized in the intervention arm of the ITALUNG trial (1,406 screened for lung cancer), were enrolled for the ITALUNG biomarker study (n = 1,356), in which samples of blood and sputum were analyzed for plasma DNA quantification (cut off 5 ng/ml), loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability. The ITALUNG biomarker panel (IBP) was considered positive if at least one of the two biomarkers included in the panel was positive. Subjects with and without lung cancer diagnosis at the end of the screening cycle with LDCT (n = 517) were evaluated. Out of 18 baseline screen detected lung cancer cases, 17 were IBP positive (94%). Repeat screen-detected lung cancer cases were 18 and 12 of them positive at baseline IBP test (66%). Interval cancer cases (2-years) and biomarker tests after a suspect Non Calcific Nodule follow-up were investigated. The single test versus multimodal screening measures of accuracy were compared in a simulation within the screened ITALUNG intervention arm, considering screen-detected and interval cancer cases. Sensitivity was 90% at baseline screening. Specificity was 71 and 61% for LDCT and IBP as baseline single test, and improved at 89% with multimodal, combined screening. The positive predictive value was 4.3% for LDCT at baseline and 10.6% for multimodal screening. Multimodal screening could improve the screening efficiency at baseline and strategies for future implementation are discussed. If IBP was used as primary screening test, the LDCT burden might decrease of about 60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Maria Carozzi
- Regional Cancer Prevention Laboratory, ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bisanzi
- Regional Cancer Prevention Laboratory, ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Carrozzi
- Cardiopulmonary Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Falaschi
- Radiology Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Mario Mascalchi
- Radiodiagnostic Section, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Picozzi
- Radiodiagnostic Unit, ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Peluso
- Regional Cancer Prevention Laboratory, ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Sani
- Regional Cancer Prevention Laboratory, ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Luana Greco
- Biologist, formerly at ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Paci
- Retired, formerly at ISPO-Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
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13
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Silva M, Pastorino U, Sverzellati N. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT in Europe: strength and weakness of diverse independent screening trials. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:389-400. [PMID: 28168954 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A North American trial reported a significant reduction of lung cancer mortality and overall mortality as a result of annual screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). European trials prospectively tested a variety of possible screening strategies. The main topics of current discussion regarding the optimal screening strategy are pre-test selection of the high-risk population, interval length of LDCT rounds, definition of positive finding, and post-test apportioning of lung cancer risk based on LDCT findings. Despite the current lack of statistical evidence regarding mortality reduction, the European independent diverse strategies offer a multi-perspective view on screening complexity, with remarkable indications for improvements in cost-effectiveness and harm-benefit balance. The UKLS trial reported the advantage of a comprehensive and simple risk model for selection of patients with 5% risk of lung cancer in 5 years. Subjective risk prediction by biological sampling is under investigation. The MILD trial reported equal efficiency for biennial and annual screening rounds, with a significant reduction in the total number of LDCT examinations. The NELSON trial introduced volumetric quantification of nodules at baseline and volume-doubling time (VDT) for assessment of progression. Post-test risk refinement based on LDCT findings (qualitative or quantitative) is under investigation. Smoking cessation remains the most appropriate strategy for mortality reduction, and it must therefore remain an integral component of any lung cancer screening programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Silva
- Section of Radiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - U Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - N Sverzellati
- Section of Radiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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14
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Rampinelli C, Calloni SF, Minotti M, Bellomi M. Spectrum of early lung cancer presentation in low-dose screening CT: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2016; 7:449-59. [PMID: 27188380 PMCID: PMC4877352 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-016-0487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The typical presentation of early stage lung cancers on low-dose CT screening are non-calcified pulmonary nodules. However, there is a wide spectrum of unusual focal abnormalities that can be early presentations of lung cancer. These abnormalities include, for example, cancers associated with 'cystic airspaces' or scar-like cancers. The detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT can be affected by the absence of intravenous contrast medium. As a consequence, endobronchial and central lesions can be difficult to recognize, raising the potential for missed cancers. Focal lesions arising within pre-existing lung disease, such as lung fibrosis or apical scars, can also be early lung cancer manifestations and deserve particular consideration as recognition of these lesions may be hindered by the underlying disease. Furthermore, the unpredictable growth rate of lung cancer, which ranges from indolent to aggressive cancers, necessitates attention to the wide spectrum of progression in lung cancer appearance on serial low-dose CT scans. In this pictorial review we discuss the spectrum of early lung cancer presentation in low-dose CT screening, highlighting typical as well as unusual radiological features and the varied growth rates of early lung cancer. Teaching Points • There is a wide spectrum of early presentations of lung cancer on LDCT. • Low radiation dose and the absence of contrast medium injection can affect lung cancer detection. • Lung cancer growth shows various behaviours, ranging from indolent to aggressive cancers. • Familiarity with LDCT technique can improve CT screening effectiveness and avoid missed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Rampinelli
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Marta Minotti
- School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellomi
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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