CT Screening For Lung Cancer Research Articles

Bone mineral density in lower thoracic vertebra for osteoporosis diagnosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening

BackgroundQuantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based lumbar bone mineral density (LBMD) has been used to diagnose osteoporosis. This study explored the value of lower thoracic BMD (TBMD) in diagnosing osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening.MethodsThis study included 751 subjects who underwent QCT scans with both LBMD and TBMD. 141 of them was selected for a validation. Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on LBMD using the ACR criteria (gold standard). TBMD thresholds were obtained using receiver operating characteristic curve. TBMD was also translated into LBMD (TTBMD) and osteoporosis was defined based on TTBMD using ACR criteria. The performance of TBMD and TTBMD in identifying osteoporosis was determined by Kappa test. The associations between TBMD- and TTBMD-based osteoporosis and fracture were tested in 227 subjects with followed up status of spine fracture.ResultsThe performance of TBMD in identifying osteoporosis was low (kappa = 0.66) if using the ACR criteria. Two thresholds of TBMD for identifying osteopenia (128 mg/cm3) and osteoporosis (91 mg/cm3) were obtained with areas under the curve of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. The performance of the identification of osteoporosis/osteopenia using the two thresholds or TTBMD both had good agreement with the gold standard (kappa = 0.78, 0.86). Similar results were observed in validation population. Osteoporosis identified using the thresholds (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 18.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.13–68.36) or TTBMD (adjusted HR = 10.28, 95% CI: 4.22–25.08) were also associated with fractures.ConclusionCalculating the threshold of TBMD or normalizing TBMD to LBMD are both useful in identifying osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening.

"ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer." E.L. O'Dowd, I. Tietzova, E. Bartlett, et al. Eur Respir J 2023; 62: 2300533.

"ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer." E.L. O'Dowd, I. Tietzova, E. Bartlett, et al. Eur Respir J 2023; 62: 2300533.

Comparison of Lung-RADS Version 1.1 and Lung-RADS Version 2022 in Classifying Airway Nodules Detected at Lung Cancer Screening CT.

Purpose To compare the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) version 1.1 with version 2022 classification of airway nodules detected at lung cancer screening CT examinations. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included all patients who underwent a lung cancer screening CT examination in the authors' health care network between 2015 and 2021 with a reported airway or endobronchial nodule. A fellowship-trained cardiothoracic radiologist reviewed these CT images and characterized the airway nodules by size, location, multiplicity, morphology, dependent portions of airway, internal air, fluid attenuation, distal changes, outcome at follow-up, and final pathologic diagnosis, if malignant. Sensitivity and specificity of Lung-RADS version 1.1 in detecting malignant nodules were compared with those of Lung-RADS version 2022 using the McNemar test. Results A total of 174 patients were included. Of these, 163 (94%) had airway nodules that were deemed benign, while 11 (6%) had malignant nodules. Airway nodules in the trachea and mainstem bronchi were all benign, while lobar and segmental airway nodules had the highest risk for lung cancer (17.2% and 11.1%, respectively). Of the 12 subsegmental airway nodules that were obstructive, three (25%) were malignant and nine (75%) were benign. Nodules with nonobstructive morphologies, dependent portions of airway, internal air, or fluid attenuation were all benign. Only 10 of the 92 (10.9%) patients with positive Lung-RADS by clinical report had cancer. Lung-RADS version 2022 resulted in higher specificity than version 1.1 (82% vs 50%, P < .001), without sacrificing sensitivity (91% for both). Conclusion Compared with the previous version, Lung-RADS version 2022 reduced the number of false-positive screening CT examinations while still identifying malignant airway nodules. Keywords: CT, Lung, Primary Neoplasms, Pulmonary, Lung Cancer Screening, Lung-RADS, Nodule Risk, Airway Nodule, Endobronchial Nodule © RSNA, 2024.

Radiologic Features of Nodules Attached to the Mediastinal or Diaphragmatic Pleura at Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer Screening.

Background Pulmonary noncalcified nodules (NCNs) attached to the fissural or costal pleura with smooth margins and triangular or lentiform, oval, or semicircular (LOS) shapes at low-dose CT are recommended for annual follow-up instead of immediate workup. Purpose To determine whether management of mediastinal or diaphragmatic pleura-attached NCNs (M/DP-NCNs) with the same features as fissural or costal pleura-attached NCNs at low-dose CT can follow the same recommendations. Materials and Methods This retrospective study reviewed chest CT examinations in participants from two databases. Group A included 1451 participants who had lung cancer that was first present as a solid nodule with an average diameter of 3.0-30.0 mm. Group B included 345 consecutive participants from a lung cancer screening program who had at least one solid nodule with a diameter of 3.0-30.0 mm at baseline CT and underwent at least three follow-up CT examinations. Radiologists reviewed CT images to identify solid M/DP-NCNs, defined as nodules 0 mm in distance from the mediastinal or diaphragmatic pleura, and recorded average diameter, margin, and shape. General descriptive statistics were used. Results Among the 1451 participants with lung cancer in group A, 163 participants (median age, 68 years [IQR, 61.5-75.0 years]; 92 male participants) had 164 malignant M/DP-NCNs 3.0-30.0 mm in average diameter. None of the 164 malignant M/DP-NCNs had smooth margins and triangular or LOS shapes (upper limit of 95% CI of proportion, 0.02). Among the 345 consecutive screening participants in group B, 146 participants (median age, 65 years [IQR, 59-71 years]; 81 female participants) had 240 M/DP-NCNs with average diameter 3.0-30.0 mm. None of the M/DP-NCNs with smooth margins and triangular or LOS shapes were malignant after a median follow-up of 57.8 months (IQR, 46.3-68.1 months). Conclusion For solid M/DP-NCNs with smooth margins and triangular or LOS shapes at low-dose CT, the risk of lung cancer is extremely low, which supports the recommendation of Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2022 for annual follow-up instead of immediate workup. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Goodman and Baruah in this issue.

Understanding Patient Barriers to Utilization of Low-dose CT Lung Cancer Screening in a High-risk Population

Understanding Patient Barriers to Utilization of Low-dose CT Lung Cancer Screening in a High-risk Population

Inadequate Uptake of USPSTF-Recommended Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening.

In 2023, Journal of Primary Care and Community Health published the results of 4 outstanding studies in which investigators aimed to explore and improve clinician and eligible individuals' knowledge of the rationale for lung cancer screening (LCS). Their results highlighted the underutilization of LCS, particularly for certain high risk populations, and the continued disparities in screening seen between groups of eligible individuals. Here, key findings from those 2023 Journal of Primary Care and Community Health reports, along with salient findings of other recent LCS reports, are discussed. The bases for the United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) LCS recommendations, barriers primary care providers face, the perspective of eligible individuals, importance of shared decision-making (SDM) and disparities between groups in LCS are reviewed along with potential strategies to ensure that more eligible individuals are offered LCS.

2.5D peritumoural radiomics predicts postoperative recurrence in stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Radiomics can non-invasively predict the prognosis of a tumour by applying advanced imaging feature algorithms.The aim of this study was to predict the chance of postoperative recurrence by modelling tumour radiomics and peritumour radiomics and clinical features in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Retrospective analysis of 190 patients with postoperative pathologically confirmed stage I LUAD from centre 1, who were divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort, with centre 2 added as external validation cohort. To develop a combined radiation-clinical omics model nomogram incorporating clinical features based on images from low-dose lung cancer screening CT plain for predicting postoperative recurrence and to evaluate the performance of the nomogram in the training cohort, internal validation cohort and external validation cohort. A total of 190 patients were included in the model in centre 1 and randomised into a training cohort of 133 and an internal validation cohort of 57 in a ratio of 7:3, and 39 were included in centre 2 as an external validation cohort. In the training cohort (AUC=0.865, 95% CI 0.824-0.906), internal validation cohort (AUC=0.902, 95% CI 0.851-0.953) and external validation cohort (AUC=0.830,95% CI 0.751-0.908), the combined radiation-clinical omics model had a good predictive ability. The combined model performed significantly better than the conventional single-modality models (clinical model, radiomic model), and the calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed high accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram. The combined preoperative radiation-clinical omics model provides good predictive value for postoperative recurrence in stage ILUAD and combines the model's superiority in both internal and external validation cohorts, demonstrating its potential to aid in postoperative treatment strategies.

Assessment of interobserver concordance in radiomic tools for lung nodule classification, with a focus on BRODERS and SILA

While CT lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer-specific mortality, there are remaining challenges. Radiomic tools promiss to address these challenges, however, they are subject to interobserver variability if semi-automated segmentation techniques are used. Herein we report interobserver variability for two validated radiomic tools, BRODERS (Benign versus aggRessive nODule Evaluation using Radiomic Stratification) and CANARY (Computer-Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield). We retrospectively analyzed the CT images of 95 malignant lung nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum using BRODERS and CANARY. Cases were identified at Mayo Clinic (n = 45) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nashville/Veteran Administration Tennessee Valley Health Care System (n = 50). Three observers with different training levels (medical student, internal medicine resident and thoracic radiology fellow) each performed lung nodule segmentation. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.77, 0.98 and 0.97 for the average nodule volume, BRODERS cancer probability and Score Indicative of Lesion Aggression (SILA) which summarizes the distribution of the CANARY exemplars indicated good to excellent reliability, respectively. The dice similarity coefficient was 0.79 and 0.81 for the data sets from the two institutions. BRODERS and CANARY are robust radiomics tools with excellent interobserver variability. These tools are simple and reliable regardless the observer/operator’s level of training.

Retrospective Study of Pancreatic Lesions and Deaths from Pancreatic Cancer in a Large Cohort of Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer

Retrospective Study of Pancreatic Lesions and Deaths from Pancreatic Cancer in a Large Cohort of Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer

Abstract C121: Follow-up of moderate and severe coronary artery calcifications identified on lung cancer screening CT scans: An opportunity to improve cardiac health outcomes in Black men and women

Abstract Background: The USPSTF currently recommends lung cancer screening (LCS) by low-dose CT (LDCT) in those 50 to 80 years of age with 20+ pack-years of smoking who are currently smoking or quit smoking within the last 15 years. LCS LDCT often detects non-cancer related incidental findings, most commonly coronary artery calcifications (CAC). CAC is a measure of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, is higher in those with tobacco use, and may require additional clinical assessment after LCS. In the National Lung Screening Trial, reductions in all-cause mortality were stronger among Black than White participants undergoing LDCT. It was hypothesized that this may have been due to follow-up and treatment of incidental findings such as CAC during the trial. Methods: In this on-going observational study, we are evaluating clinical follow-up of moderate or severe CAC within 12 months of LCS among individuals undergoing baseline LCS at two Michigan health systems, one urban and one rural. We report here our initial findings for individuals with a baseline LCS LDCT at Henry Ford Health in 2018. Pearson Chi Square and McNemar’s tests were used to determine differences between race and sex groups and in change in statin use and cardiology visits (yes/no) pre- to post-screening. Results: Of 1,630 individuals (18% Black) with a baseline LDCT in 2018, moderate or severe CAC was documented in 154 (9.4%). Moderate or severe CAC prevalence was significantly higher among Black versus Non-Black ( 17.7 % vs 7.1%; p= &amp;lt;0.001) individuals and men versus women ( 11.7% vs 7.1%; p=0.002 ). Pre- to post-LCS increases in statin use (68.2% vs. 76.0%; p=0.02) and cardiology visits (25.9% vs. 50.7%; p&amp;lt;0.01) were observed, overall. Statin use did not differ by race, sex, or race-sex group in the pre- or post- periods. Cardiology visits were less common among Blacks (18.2% vs. 28.9%; p=0.14) and women ( 18.2% vs. 28.9%; p= 0.14) in the pre-LCS period with Black women (8.3%) being the least likely to have a cardiology visit before LCS. Post-LCS, the cardiology gap between Black and Non-Black individuals (43.6% vs. 55.6%: p=0.16) narrowed and was eliminated between women and men (53.6 % vs. 50%; p=0.67). This was due in part to a substantial uptick of cardiology visits post-LCS in Black females. However, Black men, were significantly less likely than Non-Black men (32.3 % vs 56.7% ; p=0.024 ) and Black women (32.2% vs. 62.5%; p=0.024) to have a cardiology visit post-LCS . Conclusions: Our study is on-going; however, preliminary results suggest that in addition to reducing lung cancer mortality, LCS provides an opportunity for CAC detection and its related management. LCS, if implemented equitably with comprehensive follow-up of incidental findings, may help to close gaps in cardiac care for Black individuals and women. Further investigation is needed to assess whether appropriate follow-up of CAC decreases cardiovascular risks for those undergoing screening. Citation Format: Christine Neslund-Dudas, Katie R. Zarins, Punith Shetty, Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow, Nada Al-Antary, Katie A. Latack, Vritti Gupta, Michael Simoff, Riley Draper, Samuel Wilcox, Kendra Worden, Kathy LaRaia, Kelly Hirko. Follow-up of moderate and severe coronary artery calcifications identified on lung cancer screening CT scans: An opportunity to improve cardiac health outcomes in Black men and women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C121.

Pricing and cost-saving potential for deep-learning computer-aided lung nodule detection software in CT lung cancer screening

ObjectiveAn increasing number of commercial deep learning computer-aided detection (DL-CAD) systems are available but their cost-saving potential is largely unknown. This study aimed to gain insight into appropriate pricing for DL-CAD in different reading modes to be cost-saving and to determine the potentially most cost-effective reading mode for lung cancer screening.MethodsIn three representative settings, DL-CAD was evaluated as a concurrent, pre-screening, and second reader. Scoping review was performed to estimate radiologist reading time with and without DL-CAD. Hourly cost of radiologist time was collected for the USA (€196), UK (€127), and Poland (€45), and monetary equivalence of saved time was calculated. The minimum number of screening CTs to reach break-even was calculated for one-time investment of €51,616 for DL-CAD.ResultsMean reading time was 162 (95% CI: 111–212) seconds per case without DL-CAD, which decreased by 77 (95% CI: 47–107) and 104 (95% CI: 71–136) seconds for DL-CAD as concurrent and pre-screening reader, respectively, and increased by 33–41 s for DL-CAD as second reader. This translates into €1.0–4.3 per-case cost for concurrent reading and €0.8–5.7 for pre-screening reading in the USA, UK, and Poland. To achieve break-even with a one-time investment, the minimum number of CT scans was 12,300–53,600 for concurrent reader, and 9400–65,000 for pre-screening reader in the three countries.ConclusionsGiven current pricing, DL-CAD must be priced substantially below €6 in a pay-per-case setting or used in a high-workload environment to reach break-even in lung cancer screening. DL-CAD as pre-screening reader shows the largest potential to be cost-saving.Critical relevance statementDeep-learning computer-aided lung nodule detection (DL-CAD) software must be priced substantially below 6 euro in a pay-per-case setting or must be used in high-workload environments with one-time investment in order to achieve break-even. DL-CAD as a pre-screening reader has the greatest cost savings potential.Key points• DL-CAD must be substantially below €6 in a pay-per-case setting to reach break-even.• DL-CAD must be used in a high-workload screening environment to achieve break-even.• DL-CAD as a pre-screening reader shows the largest potential to be cost-saving.Graphical

Increased Utilization of Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer Screening at an Arkansas Community Oncology Clinic

BackgroundLow-dose CT (LDCT) is underused in Arkansas for lung cancer screening, a rural state with a high incidence of lung cancer. The objective was to determine whether offering free LDCT increased the number of high-risk individuals screened in a rural catchment area. MethodsThere were 5,402 patients enrolled in screening at Highlands Oncology, a community oncology clinic in Northwest Arkansas, from 2013 to 2020. Screenings were separated into time periods: period 1 (10 months for-fee), period 2 (10 months free with targeted advertisements and primary care outreach), and period 3 (62 months free with only primary care outreach). In all, 5,035 high-risk participants were eligible for analysis based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Enrollment rates, incidence densities (IDs), Cox proportional hazard models, and Kaplan-Meier curves were performed to investigate differences between enrollment periods and high-risk groups. ResultsPatient volume increased drastically once screenings were offered free of charge (period 1 = 4.6 versus period 2 = 66.0 and period 3 = 69.8 average patients per month). Incidence density per 1,000 person-years increased through each period (IDPeriod 1 = 17.2; IDPeriod 2 = 20.8; IDPeriod 3 = 25.5 cases). Cox models revealed significant differences in lung cancer risk between high-risk groups (P = .012) but not enrollment periods (P = .19). Kaplan-Meier lung cancer-free probabilities differed significantly between high-risk groups (log-rank P = .00068) but not enrollment periods (log-rank P = .18). ConclusionsThis study suggests that eligible patients are more receptive to free LDCT screening, despite most insurances not having a required copay for eligible patients.

Volume Doubling Times of Benign and Malignant Nodules in Lung Cancer Screening.

The purpose of this study was to measure the fractions of benign and malignant nodules in lung cancer screening that grow on follow-up, and to measure the volume doubling time (VDT) of those that grow. In this retrospective study, we included nodules from CT lung cancer screening in our healthcare network, for which a follow-up CT performed at least 2 months later showed the nodule to be persistent. The nodules were measured using semiautomated volumetric segmentation software at both timepoints. Growth was defined as an increase in volume by 25%. VDTs were calculated, and the fraction <400 days was recorded. Categorical variables were compared with Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables by the Wilcoxon test. The study included 153 nodules, of which 44 were malignant and 109 benign. Thirty (68%) of malignant nodules and 36 (33%) of benign nodules grew (P < 0.001). For growing nodules, VDT was 318 days for malignant nodules and 389 for benign nodules (P=0.21). For growing solid nodules, VDT was 204 days for malignant nodules and 386 days for benign nodules (P=0.01); of these, VDT was <400 days for 12/13 (92%) of malignant nodules and 15/26 (58%) of benign nodules. In conclusion, malignant nodules were more likely to grow, and solid malignant nodules grew faster, than benign nodules. However, there was substantial overlap between benign and malignant nodules. This limits the utility of volume doubling time in determining malignant nodules.

P1.15-04 Awareness, Understanding, and Follow Up of Women with Dense Breasts Identified on Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer

P1.15-04 Awareness, Understanding, and Follow Up of Women with Dense Breasts Identified on Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer

OA16.03 Taking A Health Systems Approach to Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening: A Bespoke Framework to Support Implementation

OA16.03 Taking A Health Systems Approach to Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening: A Bespoke Framework to Support Implementation

SAT199 Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenomas: A Case Series

Abstract Disclosure: B.K. Bowens: None. D. LaChance: None. M.K. Shakir: None. T.D. Hoang: None. Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a relatively common condition which affects 1-7 people per 1000. However, intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas (ITPA) have a prevalence of 1.3% to 6.7%. In this case series, we report 3 cases of ITPA. Case 1: 66-year-old male with a history of PHTP without intervention at initial diagnosis presented to Endocrinology several years after initial diagnosis due to an incidental thyroid nodule on routine CT lung cancer screening. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) level found to be 109.3 from a previous level of 80 (ref 10-55pg/mL) in the setting of mild hypercalcemia and osteopenia. Initial bedside thyroid ultrasound was suggestive of a right ITPA. Parathyroid scan, formal thyroid US and CT gated scan revealed a 1.5cm parathyroid adenoma (PA) posterior to the right superior aspect of the thyroid gland. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) was completed with PTH washout of 399.40 pg/mL. Right superior parathyroidectomy confirmed ITPA due to an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma Case 2: 44-year-old female presented with 9 months of fatigue and was diagnosed with PHPT. Her PTH level was 167 with a serum calcium of 10.9 (ref 8.5-10.4 mg/dL). CT SPECT with tech-99M sestamibi was positive for a right parathyroid adenoma. Explorative surgery did not localize parathyroid adenoma. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a 9mm hypoechoic lesion in the right inferior lobe with polar artery. FNA of this lesion was completed with PTH washout of 4737 pg/mL. Right hemi-thyroidectomy was completed with resolution of PHTP. Case 3: 54-year-old male with history of PHPT and carcinoma of the right kidney s/p nephrectomy presented with persistent hypercalcemia. Serum calcium of 10.2-11.0 mg/dL and PTH of 160-186 pg/mL. Thyroid US showed a 1.1cm hyperechoic, cystic nodule in the left inferior thyroid lobe. Sestamibi was consistent with ITPA. FNA of left thyroid mass with PTH washout of 2602 pg/mL. Parathyroidectomy with left thyroid lobectomy was completed with resolution of hypercalcemia. Discussion: PHPT is a common endocrinopathy with 85% of cases due to PAs, 15% due to parathyroid hyperplasia, and &amp;lt;1% due to carcinoma. ITPAs have an incidence of 1.3% to 6.7% and are due to improper embryologic migration. Sestamibi parathyroid scan allows for localization of PA and for minimally invasive procedures. Other imaging modalities include SPECT, US, SPECT-CT, and MRI. PTH washout with more than 101 pg/mL confirms the presence of parathyroid tissue or adenoma. Conclusion: This is a rare presentation of a common endocrinopathy. These patients were noted to have PHTP. Initial exploratory neck dissections did not localize. FNA and US were able to confirm IPTAs and hemi-thyroidectomy was needed for definitive management with resolution of PHTP. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Assessing eligibility for lung cancer screening using parsimonious ensemble machine learning models: A development and validation study.

Risk-based screening for lung cancer is currently being considered in several countries; however, the optimal approach to determine eligibility remains unclear. Ensemble machine learning could support the development of highly parsimonious prediction models that maintain the performance of more complex models while maximising simplicity and generalisability, supporting the widespread adoption of personalised screening. In this work, we aimed to develop and validate ensemble machine learning models to determine eligibility for risk-based lung cancer screening. For model development, we used data from 216,714 ever-smokers recruited between 2006 and 2010 to the UK Biobank prospective cohort and 26,616 high-risk ever-smokers recruited between 2002 and 2004 to the control arm of the US National Lung Screening (NLST) randomised controlled trial. The NLST trial randomised high-risk smokers from 33 US centres with at least a 30 pack-year smoking history and fewer than 15 quit-years to annual CT or chest radiography screening for lung cancer. We externally validated our models among 49,593 participants in the chest radiography arm and all 80,659 ever-smoking participants in the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial. The PLCO trial, recruiting from 1993 to 2001, analysed the impact of chest radiography or no chest radiography for lung cancer screening. We primarily validated in the PLCO chest radiography arm such that we could benchmark against comparator models developed within the PLCO control arm. Models were developed to predict the risk of 2 outcomes within 5 years from baseline: diagnosis of lung cancer and death from lung cancer. We assessed model discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve, AUC), calibration (calibration curves and expected/observed ratio), overall performance (Brier scores), and net benefit with decision curve analysis. Models predicting lung cancer death (UCL-D) and incidence (UCL-I) using 3 variables-age, smoking duration, and pack-years-achieved or exceeded parity in discrimination, overall performance, and net benefit with comparators currently in use, despite requiring only one-quarter of the predictors. In external validation in the PLCO trial, UCL-D had an AUC of 0.803 (95% CI: 0.783, 0.824) and was well calibrated with an expected/observed (E/O) ratio of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.19). UCL-I had an AUC of 0.787 (95% CI: 0.771, 0.802), an E/O ratio of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.92, 1.07). The sensitivity of UCL-D was 85.5% and UCL-I was 83.9%, at 5-year risk thresholds of 0.68% and 1.17%, respectively, 7.9% and 6.2% higher than the USPSTF-2021 criteria at the same specificity. The main limitation of this study is that the models have not been validated outside of UK and US cohorts. We present parsimonious ensemble machine learning models to predict the risk of lung cancer in ever-smokers, demonstrating a novel approach that could simplify the implementation of risk-based lung cancer screening in multiple settings.

ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Swiss Pilot Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Study: First Baseline Screening Results.

This pilot study conducted in Switzerland aims to assess the implementation, execution, and performance of low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LDCT-LCS). With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Switzerland, the study seeks to explore the potential impact of screening on reducing mortality rates. However, initiating a lung cancer screening program poses challenges and depends on country-specific factors. This prospective study, initiated in October 2018, enrolled participants meeting the National Lung Cancer Study criteria or a lung cancer risk above 1.5% according to the PLCOm2012 lung cancer risk-model. LDCT scans were assessed using Lung-RADS. Enrollment and follow-up are ongoing. To date, we included 112 participants, with a median age of 62 years (IQR 57-67); 42% were female. The median number of packs smoked each year was 45 (IQR 38-57), and 24% had stopped smoking before enrollment. The mean PLCOm2012 was 3.7% (±2.5%). We diagnosed lung cancer in 3.6% of participants (95%, CI:1.0-12.1%), with various stages, all treated with curative intent. The recall rate for intermediate results (Lung-RADS 3,4a) was 15%. LDCT-LCS in Switzerland, using modified inclusion criteria, is feasible. Further analysis will inform the potential implementation of a comprehensive lung cancer screening program in Switzerland.

The radiology quality assurance process in the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial, and findings from the baseline round of low dose CT screening for lung cancer.

As lung cancer screening is rolled-out, there is a need to develop an effective quality assurance (QA) framework around radiology reporting to ensure optimal implementation. Here, we report a structured QA process for low-dose CT (LDCT) scans performed in the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial. Negative LDCT scans were single read after using computer-aided detection software. The radiology QA process included reviewing 5% of negative scans selected at random, and all cases with a subsequent diagnosis of extrapulmonary cancer or interval lung cancer not detected on the baseline scan. Radiologists were not informed of the reason for review and original radiology reports were scored as either "satisfactory", "satisfactory with learning points", or "unsatisfactory". From 6650 participants undergoing LDCT screening, 208 negative scans were reviewed alongside 11 cases with subsequent extrapulmonary cancer and 10 cases with interval lung cancer. Overall, only three reports were ultimately judged "unsatisfactory", 1% of randomly selected negative scans (n = 2/208) and one interval lung cancer scan (n = 1/10). Four out of a total of five cases judged "satisfactory with learning points" were related to oesophageal abnormalities where the participant was subsequently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. The described process attempts to minimise bias in retrospective review of screening scans, and may represent a framework for future QA of national screening programmes. This study describes a structured QA process for a lung cancer screening programme, involving blinded second-read of LDCT screening scans to ensure fair, constructive audit of clinical performance.