ACR to Launch Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®)  Lung Cancer Screening Registry (LCSR) is expanding and will evolve into the Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry in late 2025.

The LCSR expansion will support diagnostic performance feedback on management of actionable incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) using current ACR Learning Network Recommendations Follow-Up Collaborative measures. These measures focus on the quality of radiology report recommendations and timely follow-up completion rates.

IPNs are the most common actionable incidental finding in radiology exams and have become more common as imaging resolution improves. Approximately half of patients with lung cancer found as an IPN are not eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS). An estimated 60% of patients with IPNs are lost to follow-up. 

In addition to the current performance feedback provided for LCS exams, the new Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry will help healthcare organizations improve management of IPNs through diagnostic performance feedback and benchmarking.

“Lung cancer screening and IPN programs are complementary pathways to detect lung cancer early in patients across different risk populations and insurance profiles when curative treatment is still possible,” said Ella Kazerooni, MD, National Radiology Data Registry (NRDR) Chair and Vice Chair, ACR Quality and Safety Commission.

“The new Lung Cancer Screening Registry module can help facilities track performance of IPN recommendation appropriateness and completion of follow up performance over time — informing areas for improvement —opening a second front to detect and treat lung cancer,” said Ben Wandtke, MD, Physician Lead, ACR Learning Network Recommendations Follow-Up Collaborative and Vice Chair, ACR Quality and Safety Commission.

“This added capability broadens the established LCSR into an Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry capable of helping radiologists and other physicians increase early lung cancer detection and save more lives,” said Judy Burleson, Vice President, Quality Management Programs, American College of Radiology.    

The new LCSR module is funded by a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grant overseen by the University of California at San Francisco and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies.