ACRIN Trial Investigator Weighs In on CT Scans for Lung Cancer
As recent events have focused more attention on screening for lung cancer, the debate has increased over the efficacy of using a helical CT scan, according to an August 15 Associated Press article. According to the report, the scan can detect lung abnormalities as small as 5 millimeters, but can result in many false positives.
ACR member Denise R. Aberle, MD, the principal investigator for ACRIN Protocol 6654, told the Associated Press that the scan looks promising, but the data isn't there yet. The goal of ACRIN Protocol 6654 is to determine whether lung cancer screening using low-dose helican CT scans reduces lung cancer-specific mortality as compared to screening with chest radiographs. The protocol is being conducted in close coordination with the National Cancer Institute's Lung Screening Study and together the two studies comprise the National Lung Screening Trial, a landmark 8-year study that is the largest of its type.
"If it shows benefit, 'I would feel great, but won't recommend it until then,'" Aberle told the AP, adding that many of her peers are taking the same position at this time.
Click here to read the full AP story. To read more about ACRIN Protocol 6654, click here.