June 05, 2025
In a recent publication titled "The Present and Future of Lung Cancer Screening: Latest Evidence," published in Future Oncology, a team of experts, including Dr. Juan Gutiérrez Alliende, Dr. Ella A. Kazerooni, Dr. Philip Crosbie, Dr. Xueqian Xie, Dr. Ankur Sharma, and Dr. Joana Reis, summarize presentations and panel discussions from a webinar, “The Present and Future of Lung Cancer Screening: Latest Evidence and AI Perspectives.” The webinar provided the perspectives of experts from the United States, United Kingdom, and China on evidence-based recommendations and management in lung cancer screening (LCS), barriers, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI). With several countries now incorporating the utilization of AI in their screening programs, AI offers potential solutions to some of the challenges associated with LCS. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, making early detection and effective screening vital for improving patient outcomes (Gutiérrez Alliende et al., 2025).
One of the important messages from this collaborative work is the efficacy of Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT). Studies have demonstrated that LDCT reduces lung cancer-specific mortality in high-risk populations compared to traditional screening methods, such as chest X-rays. This evidence underscores the importance of adopting LDCT in lung cancer screening paradigms for high-risk populations.
In addition to discussing the effectiveness of LDCT, the article highlights the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in lung cancer detection. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they offer promising solutions to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of screening processes. By integrating AI into lung cancer screening programs, healthcare providers can address existing challenges and improve diagnostic capabilities, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Another important topic discussed in the publication is the issue of how health inequalities may affect uptake of lung cancer screening. In the US for example, members of high-risk groups may not have the means to attend LCS programs or may mistrust the healthcare system or the ability of LCS to offer a long-term survival benefit and therefore be hesitant to participate in screening programs. By addressing these inequities, we may be able to move closer to a healthcare system that prioritizes early detection and treatment for everyone, thereby potentially reducing the overall burden of lung cancer.
To delve deeper into these important topics, we invite you to read the full paper linked below. Additionally, you can watch the accompanying webinar, where the authors discuss their findings and share insights into the future of lung cancer screening.
References
Gutiérrez Alliende, J., Kazerooni, E. A., Crosbie, P. A. J., Xie, X., Sharma, A., & Reis, J. (2025). The present and future of lung cancer screening: latest evidence. Future Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2501516
