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
About this CDAS Project
Study
LSS
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
LSS-11
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Apr 28, 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.
Aims
1. Review and analyze pooled data: Quantify the health benefits of smoking cessation using data from the control group in the Lung Screening Study (LSS).
2. Review and analyze pooled data: Compare the benefits of smoking cessation and LDCT screening using data from former smokers in the control group and current smokers in the LDCT screening group in the LSS.
3. Review and analyze pooled data: Compare the benefits of combined smoking cessation and LDCT screening using data from former smokers in the control group and former smokers in the LDCT screening group in the LSS.
4. Review and analyze pooled data: Evaluate and compare the impact of time to cessation on health metrics between LDCT screened and non LDCT screened populations.
5. 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