The Use of Low-Dose Chest Computer Tomography in Screening of Lung Cancer in Georgia

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, including in our country, Georgia. Lung cancer is associated with smoking. Almost one-third of Georgia's population smokes. Several countries have implemented lung cancer screening programs with low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) with promising results. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the role of low-dose chest CT in screening lung cancer in high-risk individuals. Methods: A pilot study was launched, and between June 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, our institution, Todua Clinic, offered the Georgian population LDCT for screening of lung cancer in high-risk populations. The eligibility criteria included risk factors: tobacco smoking (>20 pack-years), former heavy smoking, and age>55 years. The images were interpreted and categorized according to LUNG RADS version 1.1. The multidisciplinary team was involved in further stratification and decision-making. Our institution's ethics committee approved the study. Results: Five of the screened individuals were diagnosed with lung cancer, and three patients had suspicious findings, needing closer follow-up (3 months) or PET/CT. In conclusion, important findings were reported in 27 individuals (11.2%); most were males (88.9%). Conclusions: The preliminary data from our pilot study show that low-dose chest CT can be used for screening lung cancer in an asymptomatic high-risk population group. Further results and better population recruitment are needed to prove this approach's mortality reduction and cost-effectiveness in Georgia.