Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography may substantially reduce the false-positive result rate, but sensitivity is also decreased, according to a study published in the 

Researchers from several states performed a study to assess the retrospective application of the Lung-RADS criteria to the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST).

The study included 26,722 participants (aged 55 to 74) who had undergone three annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. The subjects had at least a 30–pack-year history of smoking, and were current smokers or had quit within the past 15 years.

The results showed that 26,455 participants received a baseline screen and 48,671 screenings were performed after baseline.

The researchers concluded that while Lung-RADS may substantially reduce the false-positive result rate, sensitivity is also decreased. They suggest that the effect of using Lung-RADS criteria in clinical practice must be carefully studied.

News

 CT modality focus page provides information, videos, podcasts, and the latest news about industry product developments, trial results, screening guidelines, and protocol guidance that touch on the use of CT across the healthcare continuum, from various cancer screenings, such as lung and colon, to cardiothoracic imaging, to appendicitis, and more.

Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer following Lung-RADS criteria may reduce false positives, but it also decreases sensitivity.

	At baseline	After baseline
False-positive rate for Lung-RADS	12.8%	5.3%
False-positive rate for NLST	26.6%	21.8%
Baseline sensitivity for Lung-RADS	84.9%	78.6%
Baseline sensitivity for NLST	93.5%	93.8%

Lung-RADS Reduces False Positives, But Also Sensitivity