Modern lung cancer screening capabilities using low-dose computed tomography

Currently, the most effective way to reduce mortality from lung cancer is early diagnosis of the disease. A study on lung cancer screening proved the effectiveness of the method using low-dose computed tomography. The US National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality with low-dose computed tomography, and other studies have confirmed its potential to reduce mortality by up to 39% and detect cancer at an earlier stage. Economic evaluations have generally supported the cost-effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography screening, particularly in combination with smoking cessation interventions for persons aged 55–75 years with significant history of smoking. However, many questions remain regarding the implementation of lung cancer screening, including how to select the optimal risk group, personalized screening intervals based on different risk levels, methods to improve the diagnostic distinction between malignant and benign disease in lung nodules., as well as treatment of undetermined nodules. This review addresses recent developments in lung cancer screening and provides an overview of the major unanswered questions regarding lung nodule detection.

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