The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was a randomized controlled trial conducted by the Lung Screening Study group (LSS) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) to determine whether screening for lung cancer with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality from lung cancer in high-risk individuals relative to screening with chest radiography.
Approximately 54,000 participants were enrolled between August 2002 and April 2004. Data collection has ended, and information is complete through December 31, 2009. NLST has the ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00047385.
This website provides comprehensive access to NLST resources, including datasets, CT and pathology images, tissue microarrays, and a searchable database of research projects and publications.
Over 75,000 CT screening exams and more than 1,200 pathology images—sourced from approximately 500 of the 2,000 NLST lung cancer patients—are publicly available. These images, along with a limited set of clinical variables, can be accessed immediately through the NCI Imaging Data Commons (IDC) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). TCIA hosts pathology images in their original SVS format, while IDC offers harmonized DICOM files and includes organ and tumor segmentations for radiology images.
In addition to these public resources, the complete NLST dataset, including CT and pathology images, is available on this website. To request access via the Cancer Data Access System (CDAS), users must submit a formal application. The datasets include detailed information on participant demographics, screening results, diagnostic procedures, lung cancer outcomes, and mortality data.
For access to unique data elements, x-ray images, or biospecimens collected exclusively by ACRIN, users should refer to the ECOG-ACRIN website (see details below).
Learn About NLST
Get a detailed description of the trial, explaining how and what data were collected. The main findings of the trial and counts of cancers are available as well.
Learn More about NLST
Available Datasets
Get detailed documentation of the NLST data available on this website, including data dictionaries.
NLST DatasetsSubmit a NLST Project Proposal
To gain access to available NLST data and/or biospecimens, you must submit a project proposal. These are reviewed by NCI. If your project is approved, you will be required to complete a Data Transfer Agreement (and a Material Transfer Agreement, if applicable) before you will be granted access.
Available Project Proposals
There are three types of NLST projects. Choose one to begin a new project proposal.
Resources
Explore NLST resources from other websites.
As referenced above, please note that NLST was administered by two separate groups: the Lung Screening Study group (LSS), and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).
Images
Get information about the NLST low-dose helical CT scan image collection. See Images page for more information.
CT and pathology images, along with a limited set of clinical variables, can be accessed immediately through the NCI Imaging Data Commons (IDC) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). TCIA hosts pathology images in their original SVS format, while IDC offers harmonized DICOM files and includes organ and tumor segmentations for radiology images.
For x-ray images, select "Contact Us" at the ECOG-ACRIN website. By completing the form and choosing the subject of "Data Sharing", the pertinent ECOG-ACRIN staff members (including the Data Sharing Administrator at Biostatistics Center) will be notified of the request and will respond to the investigator within 48 working hours.
To obtain the CT and pathology images on an external hard drive, submit a request through this website. See the Images page for more information.
Biospecimens
A tissue resource (microarrays and dna cores) for lung cancer was created from tissue resected as part of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. These specimens are available through the PLCO Etiologic and Early Marker Studies Program (EEMS). More information about the materials available and protocol of collection is available in the Biospecimens Collected section, and to learn about the approval process for acquisition see the PLCO EEMS Application page section.
ACRIN biospecimens, including blood, urine, and sputum collected at the screening exams, and tissue from participants diagnosed with lung cancer may be requested by selecting "Contact Us" at the ECOG-ACRIN website. By completing the form and choosing the subject of "Data Sharing", the pertinent ECOG-ACRIN staff members (including the Data Sharing Administrator at Biostatistics Center) will be notified of the request and will respond to the investigator within 48 working hours.
ACRIN-Only Data
Availability of additional ACRIN data can be requested by selecting "Contact Us" at the ECOG-ACRIN website. By completing the form and choosing the subject of "Data Sharing", the pertinent ECOG-ACRIN staff members (including the Data Sharing Administrator at Biostatistics Center) will be notified of the request and will respond to the investigator within 48 working hours.
Approved Projects
View approved projects that used NLST data. Project summaries, aims, collaborators and more are available.
Browse 879 ProjectsPublications
Browse the complete list of published articles on NLST data, including authors, journal names, and more.
Search 389 Publications