ACR critiques ACS CT lung cancer screening plan

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is advocating for appropriate guidelines and practice standards regarding new recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS) for lung cancer screening using CT.

Criteria must be created and implemented to ensure that patients nationwide have access to quality care and can expect a similar benefit from these exams as demonstrated in clinical trials, according to ACR.

The organization is creating its own CT lung cancer screening guidelines to ensure that the exams are performed using appropriate personnel, equipment, and protocols, along with proper follow-up.

Recent research, particularly the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), has shown that CT lung cancer screening is appropriate when performed in the context of careful patient selection and follow-up, ACR said.

A cost-effectiveness analysis from NLST is scheduled for publication in the coming months to help determine and direct a CT lung cancer screening program.