Pre-treatment “Lung Cancer Imaging - Reporting and Data System” (LCI-RADS) and “Post-therapy Lung Cancer Imaging - Reporting and Data System” (pLCI-RADS): A narrative review of comprehensive synoptic reporting formats for lung cancer imaging

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ABSTRACT A synoptic reporting template is pivotal in influencing patient management by effectively and comprehensively communicating relevant imaging findings to the treating physician. Proper cancer image reporting requires two separate templates, one for recording baseline findings and the other for conveying the post-therapy response. However, no such separate reporting templates have been prepared to date. In this manuscript, through the synoptic reporting template 1 on “Pre-treatment Lung Cancer Imaging - Reporting and Data System (LCI-RADS)”, we intend to provide the tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage at the end of the report, with a provision for mentioning pertinent clinical/laboratory findings as well as information on the molecular testing. Through the synoptic reporting template 2 on “Post-therapy Lung Cancer Imaging - Reporting and Data System (pLCI-RADS),” we intend to describe the post-therapy response after comparison with the previous scan following surgery/chemotherapy/targeted therapy/immunotherapy/radiotherapy. Besides, the categories of post-therapy lung injury and follow-up recommendations will also be provided at the end of pLCI-RADS. Both LCI-RADS and pLCI-RADS will require acute (urgent) findings to be mentioned at the beginning of the report. We believe the implementation of these two comprehensive synoptic reporting templates will positively impact patient management. To prepare this review, we searched the internet using Google and referred to all the relevant articles and their references published in the preceding 25 years. In addition, we referred to the management guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, version 2.2022, for formulating the synoptic reporting formats.