How to participate in study on early detection of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
This is partly because the disease is more often found late. By the time symptoms are detected, the cancer may have spread, said Cape Cod Healthcare oncologist Peter Ward.
“It’s more difficult to cure the lung cancer in those advanced stages,” said Ward.
But if it’s detected early on, treatment is more likely to be successful. To that end, Ward will lead Cape Cod Healthcare’s participation in a new national clinical research study focused on early detection of lung cancer with just a blood test.
More about the study
Sponsored by Freenome Bio, the PROACT LUNG study will measure the accuracy of a screening blood test for lung cancer in current and former smokers 50 and older who are eligible for lung screening with a low-dose CT scan.
An estimated 20,000 participants from up to 100 sites across the U.S. will be enrolled in the study. Freenome Bio will use the data to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the blood test.
Cape Cod Healthcare is currently the only Massachusetts provider to join the study and was selected due to its lung cancer screening program via low-dose CT scan.
How does the blood test work?
The blood test will detect changes in DNA, RNA, and changes in the expression of proteins within the blood and use other data points with the help of artificial intelligence to detect patterns characteristic of early-stage lung cancer, said Ward.
Freenome Bio will analyze the blood samples for potential signs of the disease.
“We’ll follow these patients with repeat CT scans if needed. And if they are diagnosed with lung cancer, then the company (Freenome) can look back on the blood test that was drawn when they were first enrolled in the study and look for the patterns and protein expression and DNA and RNA expression,” said Ward.
Racial disparity focus of study
Black and Hispanic Americans will be a focus of the study, as they face disparities in early detection of lung cancer and survival rates compared to white Americans. According to the American Lung Association, Black individuals with lung cancer are 15% less likely to be diagnosed early and 16% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
“Socioeconomic factors may prevent patients from having insurance and not being able to see a primary care doctor who would be the person who would order such a screening test,” said Ward.
Who is eligible?
Patients eligible for a low-dose CT scan can participate in the study by having their blood drawn at a Cape Cod Healthcare facility within 45 days before their scan. They must also meet the American Cancer Society guidelines: between 50 to 80, a current or previous smoker, and have an at least 20-pack-year smoking history.
A 20 pack-year smoking history means if someone has smoked one pack a day for 20 years.
They must also have no history of cancer within the last five years. If a patient qualifies and chooses to participate, they will be offered the chance to enroll and schedule a blood draw along with their low-dose CT scan and receieve a stipend from Freenome Bio.
Cape Cod Hospital oncology research staff will contact the patient at the one- and two-year marks to inquire about any changes in health or lifestyle, new treatments, and test results.
If you want to participate
The PROACT LUNG study is one of several clinical trials that Cape Cod Healthcare’s Reilly Family Oncology Research Center is currently offering. Eligible individuals interested in participating in this study can learn more by calling 508-862-7284.
Cape Cod Healthcare is the only Massachusetts provider participating in the study.
Cape Cod Healthcare, based in Hyannis, operates two acute care hospitals, Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital, along with a homecare and hospice agency, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and a number of health programs.
Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X @zanerazz.
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