RecruitingInterventional

Should low-dose CT be used instead of chest X-ray to screen patients for lung cancer when they have possible symptoms?

This study investigates if a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan is a better way to check for lung cancer than a standard chest X-ray (CXR) in people who have possible symptoms. Catching lung cancer early can greatly improve treatment success. While CXRs are common, they can miss some cancers. LDCT scans give more detail but are more expensive, involve more radiation, and might lead to extra tests for things that aren't serious. This project will gather information to see if a bigger study comparing these two options is possible. It will also ask for opinions from patients and healthcare staff to understand the full picture.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

900

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Lung cancer

What is this study about?

Lung cancer treatment works best when the disease is found early. Currently, doctors often use a chest X-ray to look for lung cancer. These X-rays are widely available and not too expensive. However, they can miss about one in five lung cancers, which can delay when someone starts treatment. There's another type of scan called a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. These scans provide much clearer and more detailed pictures of the lungs. The problem is, they are more costly, and because they show so much detail, they might pick up tiny things that aren't actually harmful, potentially leading to unnecessary extra tests or worry.

We don't yet know if switching from chest X-rays to low-dose CT scans for people with possible lung cancer symptoms is worth the extra cost and potential downsides. This early project aims to gather information to help decide if a larger study comparing these two ways of checking for lung cancer is a good idea. It will also explore whether the benefits of using LDCT, such as finding more cancers earlier, outweigh the potential drawbacks.

The study will also consider what patients and healthcare professionals think about these different screening methods. By collecting everyone’s views, the researchers hope to get a full understanding of how these scans affect people and the healthcare system, ensuring any future recommendations are well-rounded and practical.

Key takeaways

Compares low-dose CT scans with standard chest X-rays for finding lung cancer early.
For adults over 40 years old who have possible lung cancer symptoms.
Aims to see if early CT scans are worth the extra cost and detailed findings.
You'll have both a CT scan and a chest X-ray if you participate.
Will consider opinions from patients and healthcare professionals.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 40 or over who have been sent by their GP for a chest X-ray due to possible lung cancer symptoms. To participate, you must be referred by your GP to one of the approximately five hospitals taking part in the study.

You won't be able to join if you've had a CT scan of your chest in the last year, if you're currently coughing up blood, or if you're already being urgently checked for suspected cancer. Also, you can't join if you refer yourself or if your GP tries to refer you directly into the study; only the study team at participating hospitals can invite you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Has your GP referred you for a chest X-ray because of possible lung cancer symptoms?
Are you able to attend one of the hospitals taking part in the study?
Have you NOT had a CT scan of your chest in the last year?
Are you NOT currently coughing up blood?
Have you NOT been referred urgently for suspected cancer already?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll have both a low-dose CT scan and a standard chest X-ray at the hospital. These scans will help the researchers compare how well each method detects potential problems. The study will last from August 2024 to January 2027, but your direct involvement will likely be for the time it takes to have these two scans and for the study team to collect your information. There are no medications or special treatments involved, just the diagnostic scans and collection of information as part of your care.

Potential risks and benefits

While we can't promise you'll personally benefit, a low-dose CT might detect lung cancer earlier than a chest X-ray, potentially leading to quicker treatment and better outcomes. It could also offer reassurance if no cancer is found. The main risks are small: the CT scan gives a very low extra dose of radiation, which slightly increases your lifetime risk of cancer (about 0.009% compared to a general cancer risk of 50%). Also, the detailed CT scan might show harmless things (like small growths called lung nodules) that could lead to extra tests and worry, which is called 'overdiagnosis'. You are always free to leave the study at any time.

Locations (5)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, England
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bath, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, England
Queen Mary University of London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see if a low-dose CT scan is a better way to find lung cancer early in people with symptoms compared to a regular chest X-ray, and if a larger study is needed.

Who can take part?

Adults aged 40 or over who have been referred by their GP for a chest X-ray because of possible lung cancer symptoms at a participating hospital.

What exams will I have if I join?

You will have both a low-dose CT scan and a standard chest X-ray.

Is there any radiation involved?

Yes, both scans use a very small amount of radiation. The low-dose CT scan adds a tiny extra amount, which carries a very small additional lifetime risk of cancer.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Steph Kuunal

medley@leeds.ac.uk +44 (0)113 343 1454 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.