Published online Jul 28, 2020. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v12.i7.130
Peer-review started: March 30, 2020
First decision: April 26, 2020
Revised: June 11, 2020
Accepted: July 1, 2020
Article in press: July 1, 2020
Published online: July 28, 2020
Lung cancer (LC) is still one of the most frequent cancers with a high related mortality. Their prognosis is directly proportional to the stage at the time of diagnosis. Seventy percent are currently diagnosed in advanced or locally advanced stage (higher than stage III), making a cure unlikely for the majority of patients. Developments in LC treatment are significant however they do not seem to be enough to reverse the current situation, at least, in a short period of time. Despite recent advances in treatment, primary prevention and early diagnosis appear to be the key to reduce the incidence and mortality of this disease. Many countries have developed LC screening programs based on the results of clinical trials published in recent years. The aim of this paper is to review the latest results of the NEderlands Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek and compare them with the findings of the National Lung Screening Trial. We address the question whether it is necessary to continue discussing the evidence regarding LC screening. In both trials, there is a clear impact on LC mortality but, with a modest reduction in over all mortality. Undoubtedly, the benefit of screening can be expected to grow as low-dose computed tomographys are performed over longer periods of time.
Core tip: In recent years, many publications have focused on primary prevention and Lung cancer (LC) screening. Currently, most scientific societies recommend some form of LC screening. However, implementation around the world has been slow, at least in part because of a continued controversy regarding some aspects of LC screening. The aim of this article is to analyze the recently published results of the NEderlands Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek study and compare them to those of the American National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). There is a clear impact on LC mortality in both trials, but only the NLST revealed a reduction in overall mortality (7%).