NLST

NLST or National Lung Screening Trial was a large-scale, randomized, controlled trial that aimed to determine whether screening with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) could reduce mortality from lung cancer compared to standard chest X-ray. The trial was conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).

Background[edit | edit source]

The NLST was initiated in response to the high mortality rate associated with lung cancer, which is often diagnosed at a late stage. The trial aimed to determine if early detection through low-dose CT scans could improve survival rates.

Methodology[edit | edit source]

The NLST enrolled 53,454 participants at 33 sites across the United States. Participants were aged 55 to 74 years and had a history of heavy smoking. They were randomly assigned to receive three annual screenings with either low-dose helical CT or standard chest X-ray.

Findings[edit | edit source]

The NLST found that participants who received low-dose helical CT scans had a 20% lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who received standard chest X-rays. This finding led to a change in screening recommendations for high-risk individuals.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The results of the NLST have had a significant impact on lung cancer screening guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT in adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

See Also[edit | edit source]

NLST Resources
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