Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is increasingly used for early lung cancer detection targeted to high-risk populations. Quantifying overdiagnosis, its potential harms, and economic consequences is important. We assessed the magnitude, harms, and economic impact of lung cancer overdiagnosis from LDCT screening in high-risk populations. We synthesized evidence from eight randomized trials involving 84,660 participants. LDCT may increase overdiagnosis compared to no screening (relative risk [RR] 1.05; 222 additional cases per 100 000 people screened; low certainty). Compared to chest x-ray (CXR), LDCT likely slightly increases overdiagnosis (RR 1.01; 63 additional cases per 100 000 people screened; moderate certainty). The proportion of overdiagnosed cancers is 0.07 (7000 more lung cancers overdiagnosed per 100 000 lung cancers detected; low certainty) when compared to no screening, and 0.01 compared to CXR (1000 more lung cancers overdiagnosed per 100 000 lung cancers detected; moderate certainty). In terms of cost, LDCT resulted in an additional societal burden of €2,026,422.00 per 100 000 individuals screened compared to no screening. The magnitude of overdiagnosis in LDCT screening is likely low compared to CXR.
Source: Molecular Oncology
Institutions: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Erasmus MC, Queen Mary University of London, Homerton University Hospital, Centre international de recherche sur le cancer, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,300
Funder: European Commission
Awards: G2872175397, G579810418
OpenAlex ID: W4416126838