Reginald Munden

MD; MBA

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Principal Investigator

NLST (Learn more about this study)

201111-0037

Nov 29, 2011

The Outcome of Micronodules (<4mm) detected on CT in NLST participants

The general consensus from lung cancer screening trials is that small nodules (< 4-mm) do not develop into lung cancer or if they are lung cancer the progression is indolent enough such that one year follow-up is adequate. We propose to review all cases in which a micronodule was indicated to determine if any developed into lung cancer by evaluating all cases of micronodules detected on screening CTs and correlating with cases of confirmed lung cancer. We will also review all cases of diagnosed lung cancer to determine if micronodules were present on the screening CT.

NLST data and images will be reviewed for confirmation of micronodules and compared with [a] Pathologic diagnosis, [b] clinical and/or pathologic stage of cancer at diagnosis, [c] survival, [d] time to progression or time to second primary lung cancer to determine associations between nodules and overall outcomes.

Methods will include:
1. The CTs of participants in whom micronodules were described on C2 forms at any screen will be included.
2. All diagnosed lung cancers will be assessed for the proportion in which micronodules were described on C2 Forms.
3. All diagnosed cancers other than lung will be assessed for the proportion in which micronodules were described on C2 Forms