August 8, 2022 – Representatives from the Diagnostics Working Group of the IASLC Early Detection and Screening Committee announced an effort to outline current barriers and opportunities for lung cancer screening in low- and low-income countries. intermediary and to propose directions, recommendations and future research strategies.

The Diagnostics Working Group of the IASLC Early Detection and Screening Committee currently has six members from low- and middle-income countries from four continents (Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Serbia, South Africa) and 11 members from high-income countries from three continents (Canada, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States). These countries provided country/region specific data and data from other countries were assessed by literature review, exploring the JTO Lung Cancer Worldwide manuscript series, official global epidemiological data and other sources. .

The working group meetings led to observations that, for a systematic assessment of the status of lung cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries, a comprehensive comparison of lung cancer incidence and Stage-specific mortality at diagnosis should be performed between low- and middle-income countries. – high-income and high-income countries.

“In addition, specific lung cancer risks in specific regions should be taken into account,” said Dr Milena Cavic, from the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. Dr. Cavic indicated that the factors that give rise to challenges in the implementation of LC screening include those of a political and financial nature, as well as the overloading of the health system with other programs and competing priorities, the rules of reimbursement and various population-specific risk factors. The availability of adequate infrastructure (CT scanners, qualified radiologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and radiation therapists, computed tomography and bronchoscopic biopsy services) and the availability of qualified health personnel for post-screening diagnostic workup were also determined as crucial factors.

The diagnostics working group determined that of its six current low- to middle-income countries, three (Brazil, China, and Colombia) had formal institutional lung cancer screening programs, while one had a regional pilot program. (Serbia). In the high-income country groups, members reported different forms of structured screening programs (national/regional population-based screening programs or research studies). To fully explore the prospects for implementing lung cancer screening in low- to middle-income countries, the cost-benefit ratio should be carefully assessed in each country, taking into account evidence and regional specificities. The ED&S committee has several initiatives underway that aim to address this issue.

“A broader discussion on this issue is important globally, both for low- and middle-income countries and for high-income countries. Many countries are considering introducing lung cancer screening, taking into account all governmental, health and population-specific parameters important to this delicate process, so evidence-based guidelines are most important. high importance,” said Dr. Cavic.

For more information: https://wclc2022.iaslc.org/

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