Trial Information

National Lung Screening Trial A Randomized Trial Comparing Low-dose Helical CT With Chest Xray for Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVES:

- Compare whether screening with low-dose helical CT scan vs chest x-ray reduces lung
cancer-specific mortality in participants who are at high risk for developing lung
cancer.

OUTLINE:

NLST participants were randomized to either low-dose helical CT or chest x-ray in equal
proportions. A total of 53,454 participants were enrolled (26,722 in low-dose CT and 26,732
in chest radiography) at 33 screening centers across the United States. Screening was
offered three times (at baseline and two annual follow-up examinations). The primary
endpoint of the study was lung cancer mortality. The study arms were compared with regard to
overall mortality, lung cancer incidence, and screening-related complications.

All low-dose scanners and chest x-ray machines were certified for use and met NLST protocol
requirements and American College of Radiology guidelines. Low-dose CT acquisitions and
chest radiographs were interpreted by trained radiologists. Participants and their health
care provider were informed of study examination results. Participants with abnormalities
suspicious for lung cancer were contacted for information regarding diagnostic evaluation.
Medical records were collected on diagnostic evaluation, medical complications, and initial
treatment.

Participants were then contacted at least annually by mail or telephone.

The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) represents the union of two NCI-sponsored efforts,
the NCI Lung Screening Study and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).