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Review
. 2022 Feb 16:14:637-645.
doi: 10.2147/CMAR.S293877. eCollection 2022.

The Future of Lung Cancer Screening: Current Challenges and Research Priorities

Amna Burzic  1 , Emma L O'Dowd  1   2 , David R Baldwin  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The Future of Lung Cancer Screening: Current Challenges and Research Priorities

Amna Burzic et al. Cancer Manag Res. .

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, primarily because most people present when the stage is too advanced to offer any reasonable chance of cure. Over the last two decades, evidence has accumulated to show that early detection of lung cancer, using low-radiation dose computed tomography, in people at higher risk of the condition reduces their mortality. Many countries are now making progress with implementing programmes, although some have concerns about cost-effectiveness. Lung cancer screening is complex, and many factors influence clinical and cost-effectiveness. It is important to develop strategies to optimise each element of the intervention from selection and participation through optimal scanning, management of findings and treatment. The overall aim is to maximise benefits and minimise harms. Additional integrated interventions must include at least smoking cessation. In this review, we summarize the evidence that has accumulated to guide optimisation of lung cancer screening, discuss the remaining open questions about the best approach and identify potential barriers to successful implementation.

Keywords: computed tomography; lung cancer; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

Professor David R Baldwin reports personal fees from MSD, AstraZeneca, BMS, and Roche, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

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