Dr Lazzaro on Lung Cancer Screening in High-Risk Individuals

Richard Lazzaro, MD, FACS, thoracic surgeon, RWJ Barnabas Health, discusses the advantages of standard low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans in lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, as well as future opportunities to integrate biomarker-based assays into screening protocols to improve early detection.

Low-dose CT scans are currently the only recommended screening test for identifying patients with lung cancer. Utilizing low-dose CT scans in lung cancer screening has proven to be an effective strategy, as it is both sensitive and reasonably specific, and minimized radiation exposure, Lazzaro begins. This approach has demonstrated benefit in reducing lung cancer mortality by approximately 20% and has enhanced survival rates individuals considered high risk, he states.

It is recommended that individuals 50 to 80 years of age who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years undergo low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer, irrespective of whether they are current smokers or former smokers, Lazzaro emphasizes. Notably, 20 pack years equate to smoking one pack of cigarettes daily for 2 decades, he explains. This screening approach aims to detect lung cancer at an early, asymptomatic stage, which may allow for more timely intervention.

Current research in lung cancer is also focused on harnessing the potential predictive and/or prognostic value of biomarkers for improving cancer diagnostics, Lazzaro continues. Assessment of biomarkers using liquid biopsies can reveal the distinct signatures of cancer cells, he details. Unlike routine tests, these assessments identify tumor cell DNA that has been shed and genes like EGFR. Obtaining this information provides an opportunity for early cancer detection and ongoing patient surveillance, Lazzaro says. The evolving landscape of biomarkers holds promise for predictive and prognostic applications, opening avenues to understand, monitor, and potentially intercept cancer development, he concludes.