Early lung cancer detection using low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer in smokers and former smokers, according to a Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) report published in German on 6 December in the Federal Gazette.
BfS researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 38 publications that included randomized controlled studies involving 70,000 people. The results showed evidence of a benefit of early detection with CT exams in heavy smokers. In a group of participants examined with low-dose CT, lung cancer mortality dropped by 15% compared with the control group.
Based on the evidence, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) will determine whether to issue an ordinance approving the use of low-dose CT for early detection of cancer in smokers and former smokers.
Further details are available from the website of the German Roentgen Society (DRG).
