Optimizing Personalized Lung Cancer Screening Policies: A Markov Chain Approach to Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Patients with Lung Nodules
Date
2024-03
Authors
Zhu Fainman, Emily
Su, Qiang
Liu, NaiJia
Wu, Ting
Zhu, YuFeng
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Volume Title
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Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer globally, including in China [1], are alarmingly high, with late-stage diagnoses resulting in a dismal five-year survival rate of 17.4% [2]. Early detection through screening is crucial, enabling timely intervention, particularly through definitive surgery, leading to significantly improved treatment outcomes [3]. This approach offers substantial benefits, including reduced mortality rates and enhanced quality of life. Furthermore, early detection alleviates disease-related symptoms, as many cases are asymptomatic initially [4]. Patients diagnosed early also have a higher likelihood of survival post-resection compared to those diagnosed at advanced stages [5]. Screening programs not only decrease the prevalence of advanced lung cancer but also mitigate treatment-related morbidity [6]. Moreover, screening initiatives can prompt lifestyle changes and smoking cessation [7], bolstering overall public health.
Utilizing low-dose CT scans (LDCT) for screening enables the identification of pulmonary nodules, offering a critical window for early diagnosis and intervention before symptomatic manifestation. However, lung cancer screening also presents potential risks, including false-negative and false-positive results, radiation exposure, overdiagnosis from incidental findings, ineffective detection of invasive disease, anxiety, and financial costs [8]. Therefore, it is crucial for lung cancer screening programs to carefully balance these potential risks against the benefits and choose the appropriate timing for intervention.
Despite the importance of such programs, there is currently no unified standard for lung cancer screening, leading to variations in guidelines among different medical and health institutions [9-12]. These variations extend to recommended ages for initiating and concluding screening. Consequently, within the clinical community, opinions diverge on the optimal lung cancer screening policies. While physicians are generally aware of existing guidelines, specific screening recommendations can vary significantly.
Description
Keywords
lung cancer, screenings, lung nodules, policies
Citation
Zhu Fainman, E., Su, Q., Liu, N., Wu, T., & Zhu, Y. (2024). Optimizing personalized lung cancer screening policies: A Markov chain approach to cost-effectiveness analysis for patients with lung nodules. Poster presented at the Health Scholar Showcase, Translational Health Research Center, San Marcos, Texas.