Early detection of lung cancer in a high-risk population defined by pulmonary function testing, biomarker identification, and computerized tomography scanning

Southeastern Kentucky has one of the highest incidence of lung cancer in the United States, but researchers do not know why it is so common in this area. Risk factors for lung cancer include tobacco exposure, age, and the development of chronic obstructive lung disease. Using computed tomography (CT) scans to screen for lung cancer is a new tool in the fight against lung cancer (but it has not been proven to improve survival over no screening, yet). By picking up lung cancers in an earlier stage, we hope to improve the survival from this dreaded disease. This proposal plans to screen people at the highest risk of lung cancer--namely, those from Appalachian Kentucky who have certain risk factors for lung cancer:: a) they must be 55 to 75 years of age, b) have with poor pulmonary function (by breathing tests) and c) have smoked over a pack a day for 40 or more years (or equivalent). This study is trying to show that lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans in rural community hospitals, in a group of people at high risk for lung cancer is valid, feasible and effective for the early detection of lung cancer. We will also catalogue the relative type of masses found using CT scans in this group of people and collect biological specimens from them that will help in developing blood tests to detect lung cancer at even earlier stages in the future. The Marty Driesler Cancer Project is already an ongoing, community-based research intiative, with projects completed in lung cancer, esophageal and liver cancers. This proposal will continue the important work begun in by the Marty Driesler Project and ensure the success of CT screening in rural Kentucky. It will also allow people living in rural communities to participate in research that will directly improve their health.