Outcomes of Positive and Suspicious Findings in Clinical Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening and the Road Ahead.

Abstract

RationaleFuture optimization of computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening (CTLS) algorithms will depend on clinical outcomes data.ObjectivesTo report the outcomes of positive and suspicious findings in a clinical CTLS program.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed results for patients from our institution undergoing lung cancer screening from January 2012 through December 2018, with follow-up through December 2019. All exams were retrospectively rescored using Lung-RADS v1.1 (LR). Metrics assessed included positive, probably benign, and suspicious exam rates, frequency/nature of care escalation, and lung cancer detection rates after a positive, probably benign, and suspicious exam result and overall. We calculated time required to resolve suspicious exams as malignant or benign. Results were broken down by subcategories, reason for positive/suspicious designation, and screening round.ResultsDuring the study period 4,301 individuals underwent a total of 10,897 exams. The number of positive (13.9%), suspicious (5.5%), and significant incidental (6.4%) findings was significantly higher at baseline screening. Cancer detection and false-positive rates were 2.0% and 12.3% at baseline versus 1.3% and 5.1% across subsequent screening rounds, respectively. Baseline solid nodule(s) 6 to <8 mm were the only probably benign findings resulting in lung cancer detection within 12 months. New solid nodules 6 to <8 mm were the only LR category 4A (LR4A) findings falling within the LR predicted cancer detection range of 5–15% (12.8%). 38.5% of LR4A cancers were detected within 3 months.ConclusionsModification of the definition and suggested workup of positive and suspicious lung cancer screening findings appears warranted.