Lung cancer screening among current smokers: Expected benefits compared to or in combination with smoking cessation
Principal Investigator
Name
Hermann Brenner
Degrees
M.D., M.P.H.
Institution
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)
Position Title
Senior Scientist
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
MEM
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
MEM-8
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Apr 2, 2025
Title
Lung cancer screening among current smokers: Expected benefits compared to or in combination with smoking cessation
Summary
Lung cancer (LC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with approximately 2 million deaths in 2022. Evidence from randomized trials and meta-analyses indicates that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for former and current smokers who meet high-risk criteria can reduce LC mortality by about 20%. As a result, several countries have either implemented or are preparing to implement LDCT-based LC screening programs for high-risk populations.
However, for current (continuing) smokers within the target population of LC screening, smoking cessation may yield even greater preventive benefits. The willingness of current smokers to undergo LC screening to lower their mortality risk presents a unique "teachable moment", in which these current smokers may be more motivated to make serious efforts to quit smoking. Confronting them with robust, easy-to-understand metrics on the health benefits of smoking cessation, compared to and in combination with the benefits of LDCT screening, may be helpful to support such efforts.
However, for current (continuing) smokers within the target population of LC screening, smoking cessation may yield even greater preventive benefits. The willingness of current smokers to undergo LC screening to lower their mortality risk presents a unique "teachable moment", in which these current smokers may be more motivated to make serious efforts to quit smoking. Confronting them with robust, easy-to-understand metrics on the health benefits of smoking cessation, compared to and in combination with the benefits of LDCT screening, may be helpful to support such efforts.
Aims
1. Review and analyze pooled data: Quantify the health benefits of smoking cessation for heavy smokers using data from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Lung Study (MEM).
2. Review and analyze pooled data: Evaluate the impact of time to cessation on health metrics in former heavy smokers using data from the MEM.
3. Development and validation of a risk scoring tool for predicting mortality in current heavy male smokers aged 55 and older.
Health metrics include:
- Relative and absolute reduction of LC mortality
- Relative and absolute reduction of all-cause mortality
- Gain in life expectancy
Collaborators
N/A