Key clinical point : A modeling study suggests that the low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening of high-risk adults is likely to be cost saving by shifting lung cancer diagnosis to earlier stages.
Major finding : LDCT screening would lead to a stage shift toward earlier diagnosis, with 43% more patients being identified at stage I or II. The estimated screening costs, at $35.6 million, avoid $42 million in treating later stages of the disease, resulting in a cost saving of $6.65 million.
Study details : Canadian researchers used a decision analytic modeling technique to compare the benefits of earlier diagnosis of lung cancer with the costs of screening in current and former smokers aged 55-74 years.
Disclosures: The study did not receive any funding. A Tremblay and D Steward reported ties with one or more pharmaceutical companies or health organizations. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Thanh NX et al. Expected cost savings from low dose computed tomography scan screening for lung cancer in Alberta, Canada. JTO Clin Res Rep. 2022 (Jun 2). Doi: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2022.100350