Abstract
Over the past 10 years, there has been substantial progress in the study and implementation
of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The National Lung
Screening Trial, the recently reported NELSON (NEderlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings
ONderzoek) trial, and other European trials provide strong evidence for the efficacy
of LDCT to reduce lung cancer mortality. This has resulted in the United State's Preventative
Task Force and numerous professional medical societies adopting lung cancer screening
recommendations. Despite the general acceptance of the positive effect of screening,
low adoption and implementation rates remain nationally. In this article, the authors
discuss the evolution and current state of the evidence for LDCT screening for lung
cancer. The authors will also review the associated risks, cost, and challenges of
implementation of an LDCT screening program.
Keywords
lung cancer screening - low-dose computed tomography - lung cancer mortality - national
lung screening trial - nonsmall cell lung cancer
