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Collins KK, Smith CF, Ford T, Roberts N, Nicholson BD, Oke JL. Adequacy of clinical guideline recommendations for patients with low-risk cancer managed with monitoring: systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 169:111280. [PMID: 38360377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this systematic review was to summarize national and international guidelines that made recommendations for monitoring patients diagnosed with low-risk cancer. It appraised the quality of guidelines and determined whether the guidelines adequately identified patients for monitoring, specified which tests to use, defined monitoring intervals, and stated triggers for further intervention. It then assessed the evidence to support each recommendation. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, we searched PubMed and Turning Research into Practice databases for national and international guidelines' that were written in English and developed or updated between 2012 and 2023. Quality of individual guidelines was assessed using the AGREE II tool. RESULTS Across the 41 published guidelines, 48 different recommendations were identified: 15 (31%) for prostate cancer, 11 (23%) for renal cancer, 6 (12.5%) for thyroid cancer, and 10 (21%) for blood cancer. The remaining 6 (12.5%) were for brain, gastrointestinal, oral cavity, bone and pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma cancer. When combining all guidelines, 48 (100%) stated which patients qualify for monitoring, 31 (65%) specified which tests to use, 25 (52%) provided recommendations for surveillance intervals, and 23 (48%) outlined triggers to initiate intervention. Across all cancer sites, there was a strong positive trend with higher levels of evidence being associated with an increased likelihood of a recommendation being specific (P = 0.001) and the evidence for intervals was based on expert opinion or other guidance. CONCLUSION With the exception of prostate cancer, the evidence base for monitoring low-risk cancer is weak and consequently recommendations in clinical guidelines are inconsistent. There is a lack of direct evidence to support monitoring recommendations in the literature making guideline developers reliant on expert opinion, alternative guidelines, or indirect or nonspecific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana K Collins
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Claire Friedemann Smith
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Tori Ford
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3BG, UK
| | - Brian D Nicholson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Jason L Oke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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O'Dowd EL, Tietzova I, Bartlett E, Devaraj A, Biederer J, Brambilla M, Brunelli A, Chorostowska J, Decaluwe H, Deruysscher D, De Wever W, Donoghue M, Fabre A, Gaga M, van Geffen W, Hardavella G, Kauczor HU, Kerpel-Fronius A, van Meerbeeck J, Nagavci B, Nestle U, Novoa N, Prosch H, Prokop M, Putora PM, Rawlinson J, Revel MP, Snoeckx A, Veronesi G, Vliegenthart R, Weckbach S, Blum TG, Baldwin DR. ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2023; 64:ezad302. [PMID: 37804174 PMCID: PMC10876118 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezad302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for lung cancer with low radiation dose computed tomography has a strong evidence base, is being introduced in several European countries and is recommended as a new targeted cancer screening programme. The imperative now is to ensure that implementation follows an evidence-based process that will ensure clinical and cost effectiveness. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force was formed to provide an expert consensus for the management of incidental findings which can be adapted and followed during implementation. METHODS A multi-European society collaborative group was convened. 23 topics were identified, primarily from an ERS statement on lung cancer screening, and a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to ERS standards. Initial review of abstracts was completed and full text was provided to members of the group for each topic. Sections were edited and the final document approved by all members and the ERS Science Council. RESULTS Nine topics considered most important and frequent were reviewed as standalone topics (interstitial lung abnormalities, emphysema, bronchiectasis, consolidation, coronary calcification, aortic valve disease, mediastinal mass, mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid abnormalities). Other topics considered of lower importance or infrequent were grouped into generic categories, suitable for general statements. CONCLUSIONS This European collaborative group has produced an incidental findings statement that can be followed during lung cancer screening. It will ensure that an evidence-based approach is used for reporting and managing incidental findings, which will mean that harms are minimised and any programme is as cost-effective as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L O'Dowd
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ilona Tietzova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Emily Bartlett
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Radiology, London, UK
| | - Anand Devaraj
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Radiology, London, UK
| | - Jürgen Biederer
- University of Heidelberg, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research DZL, Translational Lung Research Center TLRC, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, Riga, Latvia
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Faculty of Medicine, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marco Brambilla
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità di Novara, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Joanna Chorostowska
- Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Genetics and Clinical Immunology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dirk Deruysscher
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Walter De Wever
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, Radiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Aurelie Fabre
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Histopathology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mina Gaga
- Sotiria General Hospital of Chest Diseases of Athens, 7th Respiratory Medicine Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Wouter van Geffen
- Medical Centre Leeuwarden, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Hardavella
- Sotiria General Hospital of Chest Diseases of Athens, Respiratory Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- University of Heidelberg, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research DZL, Translational Lung Research Center TLRC, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Kerpel-Fronius
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Department of Radiology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Blin Nagavci
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ursula Nestle
- Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH Monchengladbach, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Nuria Novoa
- University Hospital of Salamanca, Thoracic Surgery, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Helmut Prosch
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Prokop
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Martin Putora
- Kantonsspital Sankt Gallen, Radiation Oncology, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Radiation Oncology, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marie-Pierre Revel
- Cochin Hospital, APHP, Radiology Department, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Giulia Veronesi
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Division of Thoracic and General Surgery, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Sabine Weckbach
- UniversitatsKlinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Radiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten G Blum
- HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring GmbH, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Berlin, Germany
| | - David R Baldwin
- University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham, UK
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3
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O'Dowd EL, Tietzova I, Bartlett E, Devaraj A, Biederer J, Brambilla M, Brunelli A, Chorostowska-Wynimko J, Decaluwe H, Deruysscher D, De Wever W, Donoghue M, Fabre A, Gaga M, van Geffen W, Hardavella G, Kauczor HU, Kerpel-Fronius A, van Meerbeeck J, Nagavci B, Nestle U, Novoa N, Prosch H, Prokop M, Putora PM, Rawlinson J, Revel MP, Snoeckx A, Veronesi G, Vliegenthart R, Weckbach S, Blum TG, Baldwin DR. ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2300533. [PMID: 37802631 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00533-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for lung cancer with low radiation dose computed tomography has a strong evidence base, is being introduced in several European countries and is recommended as a new targeted cancer screening programme. The imperative now is to ensure that implementation follows an evidence-based process that will ensure clinical and cost effectiveness. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force was formed to provide an expert consensus for the management of incidental findings which can be adapted and followed during implementation. METHODS A multi-European society collaborative group was convened. 23 topics were identified, primarily from an ERS statement on lung cancer screening, and a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to ERS standards. Initial review of abstracts was completed and full text was provided to members of the group for each topic. Sections were edited and the final document approved by all members and the ERS Science Council. RESULTS Nine topics considered most important and frequent were reviewed as standalone topics (interstitial lung abnormalities, emphysema, bronchiectasis, consolidation, coronary calcification, aortic valve disease, mediastinal mass, mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid abnormalities). Other topics considered of lower importance or infrequent were grouped into generic categories, suitable for general statements. CONCLUSIONS This European collaborative group has produced an incidental findings statement that can be followed during lung cancer screening. It will ensure that an evidence-based approach is used for reporting and managing incidental findings, which will mean that harms are minimised and any programme is as cost-effective as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L O'Dowd
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ilona Tietzova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Emily Bartlett
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Radiology, London, UK
| | - Anand Devaraj
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Radiology, London, UK
| | - Jürgen Biederer
- University of Heidelberg, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research DZL, Translational Lung Research Center TLRC, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, Riga, Latvia
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Faculty of Medicine, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marco Brambilla
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità di Novara, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Dirk Deruysscher
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Walter De Wever
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, Radiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Aurelie Fabre
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Histopathology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mina Gaga
- Sotiria General Hospital of Chest Diseases of Athens, 7th Respiratory Medicine Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Wouter van Geffen
- Medical Centre Leeuwarden, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Hardavella
- Sotiria General Hospital of Chest Diseases of Athens, Respiratory Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- University of Heidelberg, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research DZL, Translational Lung Research Center TLRC, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Kerpel-Fronius
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Department of Radiology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Blin Nagavci
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ursula Nestle
- Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH Monchengladbach, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Nuria Novoa
- University Hospital of Salamanca, Thoracic Surgery, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Helmut Prosch
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Prokop
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Martin Putora
- Kantonsspital Sankt Gallen, Radiation Oncology, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Radiation Oncology, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marie-Pierre Revel
- Cochin Hospital, APHP, Radiology Department, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Giulia Veronesi
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Division of Thoracic and General Surgery, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Sabine Weckbach
- UniversitatsKlinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bayer AG, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Radiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten G Blum
- HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring GmbH, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Berlin, Germany
| | - David R Baldwin
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
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Dunn BK, Woloshin S, Xie H, Kramer BS. Cancer overdiagnosis: a challenge in the era of screening. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2022; 2:235-242. [PMID: 36568283 PMCID: PMC9784987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
"Screening" is a search for preclinical, asymptomatic disease, including cancer. Widespread cancer screening has led to large increases in early-stage cancers and pre-cancers. Ubiquitous public messages emphasize the potential benefits to screening for these lesions based on the underlying assumption that treating cancer at early stages before spread to other organs should make it easier to treat and cure, using more tolerable interventions. The intuition is so strong that public campaigns are sometimes launched without conducting definitive trials directly comparing screening to usual care. An effective cancer screening test should not only increase the incidence of early-stage preclinical disease but should also decrease the incidence of advanced and metastatic cancer, as well as a subsequent decrease in cancer-related mortality. Otherwise, screening efforts may be uncovering a reservoir of non-progressive and very slowly progressive lesions that were not destined to cause symptoms or suffering during the person's remaining natural lifespan: a phenomenon known as "overdiagnosis." We provide here a qualitative review of cancer overdiagnosis and discuss specific examples due to extensive population-based screening, including neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer. The harms of unnecessary diagnosis and cancer therapy call for a balanced presentation to people considering undergoing screening, even with a test of accepted benefit, with a goal of informed decision-making. We also discuss proposed strategies to mitigate the adverse sequelae of overdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara K. Dunn
- US National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Member, The Lisa Schwartz Foundation for Truth in Medicine, Norwich, Vermont, USA
| | - Steven Woloshin
- The Center for Medicine in the Media, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Director, The Lisa Schwartz Foundation for Truth in Medicine, Norwich, Vermont, USA
| | - Heng Xie
- Beijing Biostar Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Barnett S. Kramer
- Member, The Lisa Schwartz Foundation for Truth in Medicine, Norwich, Vermont, USA
- Rockville, Maryland, USA
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5
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Loomans-Kropp HA, Umar A, Minasian LM, Pinsky PF. Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests: Current Progress and Future Perspectives. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:512-514. [PMID: 35253043 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-1387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer screening and early detection methodologies may lead to the detection of precancerous lesions or early-stage cancer. The development of blood-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests may aid in this challenge. Furthermore, MCED tests have the potential to address early detection gaps for cancers with and without screening modalities and lessen cancer disparities, but many unknowns remain. In this issue, Clarke and colleagues describe stage- and cancer-specific incidence and survival, derived from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program Data, stratified by race/ethnicity and sex. The investigators discuss the potential to identify earlier-stage cancers (stage shift) that could improve overall patient outcomes. In a simulation model, the authors found fewer cancer-related deaths when cancers were down-staged at the time of diagnosis. In this commentary, we discuss some unanswered questions in using MCED tests for screening, as well as what stage shifting may actually mean for patient outcomes. See related article by Clarke et al., p. 521.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans-Kropp
- Division of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.,Division of Cancer Prevention, Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Research Group, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Asad Umar
- Division of Cancer Prevention, Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Research Group, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lori M Minasian
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Paul F Pinsky
- Division of Cancer Prevention, Early Detection Research Group, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
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Mazzone PJ, Silvestri GA, Souter LH, Caverly TJ, Kanne JP, Katki HA, Wiener RS, Detterbeck FC. Screening for Lung Cancer: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest 2021; 160:e427-e494. [PMID: 34270968 PMCID: PMC8727886 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-dose chest CT screening for lung cancer has become a standard of care in the United States, in large part because of the results of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Additional evidence supporting the net benefit of low-dose chest CT screening for lung cancer, and increased experience in minimizing the potential harms, has accumulated since the prior iteration of these guidelines. Here, we update the evidence base for the benefit, harms, and implementation of low-dose chest CT screening. We use the updated evidence base to provide recommendations where the evidence allows, and statements based on experience and expert consensus where it does not. METHODS Approved panelists reviewed previously developed key questions using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome format to address the benefit and harms of low-dose CT screening, and key areas of program implementation. A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library on a quarterly basis since the time of the previous guideline publication. Reference lists from relevant retrievals were searched, and additional papers were added. Retrieved references were reviewed for relevance by two panel members. The quality of the evidence was assessed for each critical or important outcome of interest using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Meta-analyses were performed when enough evidence was available. Important clinical questions were addressed based on the evidence developed from the systematic literature review. Graded recommendations and ungraded statements were drafted, voted on, and revised until consensus was reached. RESULTS The systematic literature review identified 75 additional studies that informed the response to the 12 key questions that were developed. Additional clinical questions were addressed resulting in seven graded recommendations and nine ungraded consensus statements. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that low-dose CT screening for lung cancer can result in a favorable balance of benefit and harms. The selection of screen-eligible individuals, the quality of imaging and image interpretation, the management of screen-detected findings, and the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions can impact this balance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tanner J Caverly
- Ann Arbor VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jeffrey P Kanne
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Gerwen M, Cerutti JM, Rapp J, Genden E, Riggins GJ, Taioli E. Post-9/11 excess risk of thyroid cancer: Surveillance or exposure? Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:881-884. [PMID: 34157150 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
An excess risk of thyroid cancer has been reported in different World Trade Center (WTC)-dust exposed cohorts. Increased surveillance of these cohorts has been suggested as a potential explanation of this reported excess thyroid cancer risk leading to an increased diagnosis of earlier-stage thyroid cancers. However, the uncertainty to what extent surveillance or physician bias may be contributing to the reported incidence of thyroid cancer in WTC-dust exposed populations remains, highlighting the need to investigate a potential causal link between WTC dust exposure and thyroid cancer. Future studies are therefore indicated to investigate potential consequences of WTC dust exposure on the thyroid gland. Studies of the heavily exposed populations offer the possibility to better understand the mechanisms behind the exposure to a variety of environmental contaminants, and may provide useful insights into exposures harmful to the thyroid. These can be used in risk stratification when implementing screening in high-risk populations and may inform shared decision-making regarding the extent of thyroid cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Gerwen
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Janete M. Cerutti
- Division of Genetics Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Joseph Rapp
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Eric Genden
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
| | - Gregory J. Riggins
- Department of Neurosurgery Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Emanuela Taioli
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
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