Delayed interval scanning is not associated with stage-shift at diagnosis: Preliminary results to support guidelines for lung cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: CHEST guidelines on lung cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic1 support delaying interval scans for 3-6 months. There is a concern that progression during this time could result in a higher stage at diagnosis. To determine the safety of this approach, we investigated whether time to interval scan was associated with disease stage at diagnosis. Method: The SUMMIT Study aims to assess the implementation of low-dose CT for lung cancer screening in a high-risk population and to validate a multi-cancer early detection blood test. Indeterminate nodules are followed up at 3 months. Participants with interval scans delayed to ≥4 months due to the pandemic and a comparison pre-pandemic group with scans performed at the target timeframe of 3-4 months were identified. Outcomes from cases referred for definitive assessment following interval scan were analysed. Results: Conclusion: Preliminary data does not suggest a shift to higher stage at diagnosis from delayed interval scans performed at 4-6 months. Whilst this must be validated with additional cases, if confirmed this evidence supports the safety of the CHEST guidelines for lung cancer screening during the COVID pandemic. 1. Management of Lung Nodules and Lung Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic CHEST 2020