Lung Cancer Trial Shows Screening At-Risk Groups Lowers Mortality Rates

A lung cancer screening trial in the UK has provided more support for lung cancer screening in identified high risk groups, according to a University of Liverpool press release.

The UK Lung Screening Trial (UKLS) study of single low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) indicates a reduction of lung cancer death of similar magnitude to major trials outside the UK, such as the US National Lung Screening Trial and the Dutch-Belgian NELSON trial.

Eligible patients between 50 and 75 years of age were assessed with a score for risk of developing lung cancer over 5 years. Between October 2011 and February 2013, UKLS researchers randomized 4055 high-risk participants to either a single invitation to screening with LDCT or to no screening.

Data were collected on lung cancer cases and deaths until February 29, 2020, through linkage to national registries, with the primary outcome showing mortality due to lung cancer. The researchers included the results in a random-effects meta-analysis to provide a synthesis of the latest randomized trial evidence.

There were 1987 participants in the intervention and 1981 in the usual care arms who were followed for approximately 7 years. Additionally, 86 cancers were diagnosed in the LDCT arm and 75 in the control arm. Thirty lung cancer deaths were reported in the screening arm, whereas 46 were reported in the control arm. In terms of lung cancer mortality, the benefit was seen in years 3 to 6 after randomization.

“These results add to the international evidence that low dose CT screening reduces the risk of death from lung cancer,” said professor Stephen Duffy, UKLS statistician, in a press release. “They also demonstrate that such screening can be made to work in the UK. Low dose CT can be added to the armory of potential tools for the control of lung cancer.”

REFERENCE

UK lung cancer trial shows screening at-risk groups lowers mortality rates. University of Liverpool. September 12, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2021/09/12/uk-lung-cancer-trial-shows-screening-at-risk-groups-lowers-mortality-rates/