Improving understanding of lung cancer screening benefits and risks
Official title: Applying causal inference methods to improve estimation of the real-world benefits and harms of lung cancer screening
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10878888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well low-dose CT scans for lung cancer work in real life, especially for people aged 65 and older, to see if there are any differences in benefits and risks compared to those in clinical trials, and it aims to find ways to make screening easier and more effective for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $331,216 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277756-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 65 and older who are eligible for lung cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not eligible for lung cancer screening or those who are younger than 65 years may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the real-world effectiveness of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography, particularly focusing on how its benefits and harms may differ in the general population compared to clinical trial participants. The study aims to gather evidence that reflects the experiences of individuals eligible for screening, especially those aged 65 and older. By analyzing data on screening uptake and adherence, the research seeks to identify barriers to effective screening and improve patient outcomes. The ultimate goal is to provide clearer guidance on lung cancer screening practices that can be applied in everyday clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved lung cancer screening protocols that better reflect the needs and experiences of older adults, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that low-dose computed tomography can reduce lung cancer mortality, but this research aims to explore its effectiveness in a broader, real-world context, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lund, Jennifer — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lund, Jennifer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
-
Integrated approach to lung screening and quitting for African Americans
A multi-level program aims to boost LDCT lung cancer screening uptake and help African American smokers quit, with support from a comprehensive community-focused plan.
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Population health approach to boost lung cancer screening at community clinics
A large Utah project aims to help community clinics reach more eligible adults to get low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
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Group-based tobacco treatment for older adults after lung cancer screening
A study tests a group-based tobacco cessation program for older adults who are getting lung cancer screening to help them quit smoking.
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Personalized Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans
Aimed at improving who gets screened and how lung cancer is diagnosed among Veterans using personalized tools.
-
Proteogenomic framework to improve lung cancer screening with biomarkers
A biomarker-based approach aims to refine LDCT lung cancer screening so more cancers are caught early while reducing unnecessary procedures.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.