Results of initial low-dose computed tomographic screening for lung cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lung cancer is the largest contributor to mortality from cancer. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed that screening with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) rather than with chest radiography reduced mortality from lung cancer. We describe the screening, diagnosis, and limited treatment results from the initial round of screening in the NLST to inform and improve lung-cancer-screening programs.

Methods

At 33 U.S. centers, from August 2002 through April 2004, we enrolled asymptomatic participants, 55 to 74 years of age, with a history of at least 30 pack-years of smoking. The participants were randomly assigned to undergo annual screening, with the use of either low-dose CT or chest radiography, for 3 years. Nodules or other suspicious findings we

SUBMITTER: National Lung Screening Trial Research Team 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3762603 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature