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early-lung-ct-screening

Title: Early Lung Cancer Detection via Low‑Dose CT Screening (Completed Project)
Timeline: September 2023 – February 2024
Location: Top One Research Group Clinics, West Palm Beach, FL

From September 2023 to February 2024, Top One Research Group conducted a preventive screening initiative enrolling 210 high‑risk, but otherwise asymptomatic adults (ages 50–80, USPSTF criteria) for no‑cost low‑dose chest CT scans. We identified early‑stage lung cancer in 6.7 % of participants and detected significant nodules in 18 %, including in individuals who were smokers yet considered “healthy.” All suspicious findings were reported within 48 hours, and oncology referrals occurred within 7 days. With 92 % rating their experience “Excellent” or “Very Good,” this study validates our capacity to deliver high‑impact, sponsor‑ready preventive screening models with rapid operational turnaround and high participant compliance.

Project Overview

Title: Discover the Power of Early Detection – Lung Cancer CT Screening
Timeline: September 2023 – February 2024
Location: Top One Research Group Clinics, West Palm Beach, FL
Participants Enrolled: 210 high‑risk individuals (ages 50–80, per USPSTF)
Status: Completed

Background & Rationale

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., primarily due to late-stage diagnoses. Studies show that low‑dose CT (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer mortality by ~20 % and increases 20‑year survival to over 80 % when cancers are caught early. However, less than 6 % of eligible individuals currently undergo this preventive screening. Our goal was to test the feasibility and impact of offering free LDCT scans to high-risk, asymptomatic adults—demonstrating that even “healthy” smokers often harbor undetected pathology, and that such programs can be scaled reliably in a research-clinic setting.

Objectives

Evaluate Screening Yield: Measure rates of early‑stage cancer and clinically significant nodules including among individuals without symptoms.
Assess Workflow Efficiency: Validate same‑day scan workflows and 48‑hour radiologist turnaround.
Gauge Participant Experience: Capture satisfaction, understanding of results, and compliance with recommended follow-up.

Study Design & Methodology

Recruitment & Consent: Adults aged 50–80 with a heavy smoking history were identified through primary-care and outreach. Participants were fully informed of screening benefits and potential risks.
Imaging Protocol: One-time low‑dose, non‑contrast chest CT was conducted per American Cancer Society screening guidelines.
Interpretation & Reporting: Thoracic radiologists reviewed scans within 48 hours. Results were securely delivered, with clear communication and coordinated follow-up.
Data Capture: HIPAA- and GCP-compliant forms logged participant risk profiles, imaging results, and clinical action.

Key Challenges & Solutions

Challenge	Solution	Sponsor Value
Reaching “Healthy” Smokers	Targeted education clarified that symptoms aren’t required for risk; partner referrals increased enrollment	Enabled broader preventive reach and higher-quality datasets
Managing Incidental Findings	Created standardized triage protocols with direct radiologist access	Streamlined decision-making and minimized care delays
Encouraging Follow-up	Used automated reminders and flexible scheduling → 95 % adherence	Maximized data completeness and downstream clinical impact

Outcomes & Impact

Detection Rate: 14 early-stage lung cancers (6.7 %) and 38 clinically significant nodules (18 %)—many in asymptomatic “healthy” smokers, emphasizing the preventive value of LDCT.
Timeliness: 100 % of scans completed and interpreted within the 48-hour benchmark.
Participant Satisfaction: 92 % rated their experience “Excellent” or “Very Good,” with high appreciation for speed, clarity, and free access.
Clinical Referrals: 100 % of cancer cases were referred to oncology within 7 days of diagnosis.

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

Preventive Screening Works: Many participants with serious findings felt “healthy,” highlighting the necessity of proactive screening.
Local Partners Accelerate Reach: Community health and cessation programs significantly increased enrollment efficiency.
Infrastructure Supports Scale: Secure portals, defined protocols, and automated tools maintain consistency as volume grows.

We're now preparing a multi‑site preventive screening study with enhanced educational materials and AI‑assisted nodule detection—offering sponsors a turnkey opportunity to scale impactful early detection efforts.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This study proved that community-based, no-cost preventive CT screening can reveal clinically relevant disease in high‑risk individuals long before symptoms arise—offering sponsors a powerful model for scalable early detection with built-in trust, speed, and satisfaction.