Safety and Effectiveness of Lung Cancer Screening Using Low-dose Computed Tomography Scan in High-risk Individuals: A Comprehensive Review

Sara Mohamadi; Rajabali Daroudi; Mohamadreza Mobinizadeh

doi:10.18502/htaa.v5i2.8008

Sara Mohamadi Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Rajabali Daroudi Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohamadreza Mobinizadeh National Institute for Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v5i2.8008

Keywords: Lung Cancer Screening, Health Technology Assessment, Low-dose CT Scan, Smoking, Safety, Clinical Effectiveness

Abstract

Context: Lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer mortality. Given the incidence and mortality of this disease, the implementation of preventive interventions is necessary. Objectives: The present study investigated the effectiveness of one of the most important interventions of lung cancer screening with lowdose computed tomography (LDCT) in high-risk individuals.

Evidence Acquisition: The present study was an applied study performed as a comprehensive review. For the assessment of safety, studies on the technical specifications of computed tomography scans and issues related to the safety of applying this device were searched using keywords in medical databases. For the evaluation of clinical effectiveness, a comprehensive review of health technology assessment studies, systematic review studies, and screening guidelines was performed.

Results: Based on 15 studies extracted for the safety issue, the diagnosis of harmless tumors, false positives cases and Unnecessary invasive complementary interventions, and possible negative effects of radiation exposure are discussable safety issues. Based on the synthesis of 16 studies on effectiveness, lung cancer screening intervention using LDCT was determined to reduce lung cancer mortality by 15 - 20% and mortality from other causes by 0 - 6%. Additionally, the incidence of this disease in its upper stages decreases significantly.

Conclusions: Lung cancer screening using LDCT does not threaten the health of individuals seriously and, in comparison to nonintervention is more clinically effective and will lead to a statistically significant reduction in lung cancer mortality and increase in the timely diagnosis of this disease.