Realities of Implementing Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer

Studies reveal high false-positive rates and more screening in low-risk patients.

Based largely on results of the 2011 National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines in 2013 recommended low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer in high-risk patients (NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 15 2014 and Ann Intern Med 2014; 160:330). Now, in two studies, researchers have examined the implementation of this recommendation.

In a demonstration project at eight Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, CT lung cancer screening was offered to 4246 high-risk patients (age range, 55–80; current smokers or smokers who quit <15 years previously; ≥30 pack-years of smoking; predicted life expectancy, ≥6 months), of whom 2106 underwent screening. Among those screened, 1257 had nodules, includin…

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Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

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Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

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Realities of Implementing Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer

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