Hyungjin Kim

M.D., Ph.D.

Seoul National University Hospital

Clinical associate professor

NLST (Learn more about this study)

NLST-1301

Jul 26, 2024

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema in Participants of the National Lung Screening Trial

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema (CPFE) represents a clinical syndrome where the coexistence of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis in the upper and lower lung zones respectively, leads to a distinct pattern of compromised lung function and increased morbidity. Despite its significant impact on respiratory health, CPFE remains underexplored, particularly in the context of lung cancer screening. This gap is concerning given the heightened risk of lung cancer in individuals with CPFE compared to those with either condition alone. Addressing this deficiency in research could lead to more tailored screening strategies, potentially improving early detection rates and outcomes for this vulnerable population. This proposal seeks to investigate the prevalence and implications of CPFE in the National Lung Screening Trial cohort.

1. Study outcomes
- Incidence of lung cancer
- Lung cancer-specific mortality
- Non-lung cancer mortality
- All-cause mortality

2. Aims
- To evaluate the incidence of each study outcome in the NLST cohort, particularly within the CT arm.
- To assess the associations of CPFE with the study outcomes, in comparison to the groups with fibrosis alone, emphysema alone, and neither fibrosis nor emphysema.