For Lung Cancer, CT Scans Win Battle vs. X-RaysFor Lung Cancer, CT Scans Win Battle vs. X-Rays

In an x-ray vs. CT scan comparison study, researchers have found that advanced CT imaging can reduce lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers by 20%. The $250 million study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, yielded results that were "so conclusive that the study was terminated prematurely last week and letters were sent to all the participants advising them of the results."

November 4, 2010

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The results may represent the next step forward in treating lung cancer because chest x-rays have not been shown to be effective in indentifying tumors. Scientists behind the study are still parsing the data and would like to have an article prepared for publication within the next few months. NCI director Harold Varmus says that the research team will not make any recommendations about routine screening as a result of the study. Such recommendations, he says, should wait until the data have been analyzed—not to mention that they are typically made by groups such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. You may remember some recent guidelines from the group that caused a bit of a fuss. —Lawrence Lloyd

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