Learn About the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Lung Study
Summary
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Lung Study (MEM) was a randomized screening trial designed to test if lung cancer mortality rates could be reduced through the addition of regular cytomorphological screening of sputum to an annual chest x-ray screening regimen. The reported lung cancer mortality rates were similar between the two arms indicating the additional cytological screening did not result in a benefit. The follow-up of participants was of limited duration.
Study Years: 1971-1983
- Enrollment: June 10, 1974 to January 10, 1978
- Screening was phased out, starting in January 1982 and ending October 31, 1982.
- Participants were screened for five to eight years, depending on date of enrollment.
Randomized trial with two arms:
- Control: Single-Screen: Annual Chest X-Ray Only
- Intervention: Dual-Screen: Annual Chest X-Ray and four-monthly sputum cytology
Study Eligibility:
- Ages Eligible for Study: 45+ Years
- Sexes Eligible for Study: Male
- Smoked at least one pack of cigarettes per day (or this much within one year of enrollment)
- No history of respiratory tract cancer
Enrollment
Enrollment: 10,040
- 5,072 in Control: Single-Screen
- 4,968 in Intervention: Dual Screen
Total Study Population Demographics (10,040 Randomized and Eligible People):
- Age (years):
- Mean: 53.83
- Range: 41-85
- Median: 52
Schema
The Schema is a timeline of the study. It indicates start/end points, visits expected, major testing to be done, and any other information that is crucial to understanding how the study was completed.
Schema Description
Volunteers are recruited for the study. First, they complete a baseline questionnaire. Next, they are randomly assigned to either the single screen study arm or dual screen study arm. Participants in the single screen arm receive a chest x-ray annually, starting at baseline and continuing for 5-8 years. Over the same time period, they receive follow-up at four month intervals. Participants in the dual screen arm receive a chest x-ray annually and a cytology evaluation at four month intervals, starting at baseline and continuing for 5-8 years. Over the same time period, they receive follow-up at four month intervals.
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Volunteers
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Baseline Questionnaire
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Randomization
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Single Screen
- Month 0: Chest X-ray
- Month 4: Follow-Up
- Month 8: Follow-Up
- Month 12: Chest X-ray, Follow-Up
- Month 16: Follow-Up
- Month 20: Follow-Up
- Month 24: Chest X-ray, Follow-Up
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Dual Screen
- Month 0: Chest X-ray, Cytology
- Month 4: Cytology, Follow-Up
- Month 8: Cytology, Follow-Up
- Month 12: Chest X-ray, Cytology, Follow-Up
- Month 16: Cytology, Follow-Up
- Month 20: Cytology, Follow-Up
- Month 24: Chest X-ray, Cytology, Follow-Up
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Repeat process pattern
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Study Activities Continued for 5-8 Years
Main Findings
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Screening for early lung cancer. Results of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering study in New York.
Melamed MR, Flehinger BJ, Zaman MB, Heelan RT, Perchick WA, Martini N
Chest. 1984 Jul; Volume 86 (Issue 1): Pages 44-53 PUBMED -
Early lung cancer detection: results of the initial (prevalence) radiologic and cytologic screening in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering study.
Flehinger BJ, Melamed MR, Zaman MB, Heelan RT, Perchick WB, Martini N
Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 1984 Oct; Volume 130 (Issue 4): Pages 555-60 PUBMED