Developing a pan-European technical standard for a comprehensive high-quality lung cancer computed tomography...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening (LCS) is evidence-based.
• The European Council recommended a stepwise approach for LCS implementation in November 2022.
• Ensuring clinical and cost-effectiveness necessitates an evidence-based implementation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a technical standard for high-quality lung cancer screening programs.
• To guide the evidence-based implementation of recommended LCS programs.
• To provide a framework for effective and high-quality LCS initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Convened a collaborative European task force with members from multiple societies.
• Conducted a scoping review and systematic literature review to identify key topics.
• Developed 56 statements and identified areas for future research, with final approval from the ERS Scientific Advisory Committee.

Main Results:

• Identified key components for a comprehensive lung cancer screening program.
• Excluded topics like nodule management and incidental findings, addressed by separate guidelines.
• Focused on core screening processes, excluding interventions like pulmonary function measurement, but including smoking cessation.

Conclusions:

• A European collaborative group has developed a technical standard for LCS implementation.
• This standard serves as a timely contribution to the European Council's recommendation for LCS.
• The technical standard aims to ensure high-quality and effective lung cancer screening programs.