Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer Screening
(MAS-EXPAND Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve lung cancer screening by using low-dose CT scans (low-dose computed tomography) to detect cancer early in veterans. Researchers are expanding the screening criteria to include individuals with certain military exposures, COPD (chronic breathing problems), or a history of tobacco use and related cancers. They seek to determine if this broader approach more effectively identifies lung cancer and reduces the need for invasive procedures. Veterans who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes and have service-related exposures or respiratory issues might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers veterans the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance early detection and improve outcomes for others.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that low-dose computed tomography is safe for lung cancer screening?
Research has shown that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is generally safe for lung cancer screening. Large studies have found that LDCT can reduce lung cancer deaths by detecting the disease early, when treatment is more manageable.
LDCT uses less radiation than standard CT scans, making it a safer screening option. Although some radiation exposure occurs, it is minimal, and most individuals tolerate it well without serious side effects.
The main concern with LDCT is the possibility of false positives, where the scan might indicate cancer that isn't present. These findings can lead to additional tests, which might cause stress. However, no major harmful effects from LDCT itself have been widely reported.
Overall, LDCT is considered a safe and well-tolerated method for lung cancer screening, with the benefits outweighing the risks for those who qualify.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is unique for lung cancer screening because it offers a less invasive and safer approach compared to traditional high-dose CT scans or chest X-rays. Unlike standard methods, LDCT uses significantly lower levels of radiation, reducing potential risks for patients who need regular monitoring. Researchers are excited about this method because it has the potential to detect lung cancer earlier and more accurately, which could lead to better outcomes by catching the disease when it's most treatable.
What evidence suggests that low-dose CT is effective for lung cancer screening?
Research has shown that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening can significantly reduce lung cancer deaths. One large study found a 20% decrease in lung cancer deaths with LDCT screening. Another study reported a 24% reduction in lung cancer deaths among men who underwent CT screenings compared to those who did not. These findings suggest that LDCT effectively detects lung cancer early, potentially saving lives. Additionally, LDCT screening has been associated with a reduction in overall mortality, highlighting its broader health benefits. Participants in this trial will receive annual LDCT screenings for lung cancer.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer A Lewis, MD MS MPH
Principal Investigator
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Nashville Campus, Nashville, TN
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans who may be at risk for lung cancer due to factors like smoking, toxic exposures (such as asbestos or Agent Orange), family history of lung cancer, or certain lung diseases. Participants are mainly adults being seen at select VA medical centers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Annual Screening
Participants receive annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)
Biomarker Validation
Validation of a combination biomarker-based approach to manage screen-detected lung nodules
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after screening and biomarker validation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Low-dose computed tomography
Trial Overview
The study is testing whether expanding the criteria for low-dose chest CT scans helps find more cases of lung cancer in Veterans compared to current guidelines. It also looks at using blood tests (biomarkers) to better manage suspicious spots found on scans.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All study participants enrolled receive annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Industry Sponsor
Christopher Boerner
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
PhD in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley; BA in Economics and History from Washington University in St. Louis
Deepak L. Bhatt
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Medical Officer since 2024
MD from Yale University; MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Collaborator
Citations
Cost effectiveness analysis of low dose computed ...
This study evaluated the economic benefits, optimal starting age, and most appropriate screening strategy for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) ...
Evaluating the effectiveness of low-dose CT based lung ...
The recruitment of 1,716 high-risk individuals and three annual scan will generate longitudinal data on diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, referral success,.
Lung Cancer Screening With Low-Dose CT in the United ...
The findings of the landmark National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)—showing a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality when screening with low-dose CT (LDCT), ...
Screening for lung cancer with Low-Dose Computed ... - PMC
It found a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality (95% C.I.: 6.8 - 26.0, p = 0.004) and a 6.7% reduction in all-cause mortality (95% C.I.: 1.2 - 13.6, p= 0.02) ...
Low dose CT screening linked to reduced lung cancer ...
This means that lung cancer deaths were 24% lower in men who underwent CT screening compared with those who were not screened. Other key findings from the ...
Benefits and Harms in the National Lung Screening Trial - PMC
There is now definitive evidence that low-dose CT (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer mortality, derived from multiple randomized trials including the US ...
Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Statistics
Approximately 50% of lung cancers detected by LDCT are early stage. Number needed to be screened with LDCT to prevent one lung cancer death is 320 over 6.5 ...
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uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/home/getfilebytoken/ghbfx9e3A6jQEqVW26y8JvScreening for Lung Cancer With Low-Dose Computed ...
NELSON found a reduction in lung cancer mortality (IRR, 0.75. [95% CI, 0.61-0.90]; NNS to prevent 1 lung cancer death of 130 over 10 years of ...
Lung Cancer Screening With Low-Dose Computed ...
LDCT screening has the potential to avoid more than 8000 premature lung cancer deaths per year, but the true value of this intervention awaits ...
IASLC Provides Guidance for Screening Safety Measures - ILCN
Lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce lung cancer specific mortality,2,3 but its widespread implementation ...
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