Boca Regional Initiates New Lung Cancer Screening Program
National study shows low-dose CT reduces lung cancer deaths by 20 percent
BOCA RATON, Fla. – October 31, 2011 – Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute (LCI) announced today that it has initiated a new low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung-cancer screening program following a recently published research study from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that detecting small lung cancers with low-dose helical CT (or spiral CT) reduces lung cancer specific mortality by 20 percent versus those who received standard X-rays. “The overall survival of lung cancer is poor mainly due to late detection,” says Joseph Kleinman, MD, medical director of Imaging Services at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Survival rates for lung cancer are generally lower than those for most cancers, with an overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer of about 16% compared to 65% for colon cancer, 89% for breast cancer, and over 99% for prostate cancer. “We now have a screening tool for lung cancer much like mammogram and colonoscopy screenings in finding breast and colon cancer,” said Louise Morrell, MD, medical director at the Lynn Cancer Institute. “Lung cancer is certainly a serious diagnosis yet if the cancer is found in the earlier stages, the prognosis can be much better. That’s what lung cancer screenings can do. Early detection can be critical to better survival.”
The Lynn Cancer Institute lung cancer screening is a comprehensive program that teams experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary and medical oncology and who have developed a step-by-step program to better detect, treat and educate high-risk individuals against lung cancer. The screening program is available to smokers between the ages of 55 to 74, with a 30 pack-a-year history and either are currently smoking or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. “Because of the advances in minimally invasive surgery and targeted radiation therapy, treatment of lung cancer should include a multispecialty evaluation including a thoracic surgeon specializing in oncology, and lung cancer specialists in radiation oncology and medical oncology” says Dr. Morrell.
The NLST was a randomized national trial involving 53,000 current and former heavy smokers without signs, symptoms or history of lung cancer. These individuals were randomly assigned to either a spiral CT scan, a very low dose CT scan of the chest, versus a regular chest X-ray. The results showed a dramatic improvement in lung cancer survival rates due to the detection of tumors at early stages. Spiral CT uses low-dose X-rays to obtain a high resolution in depth two-dimensional view of the entire chest, while a standard chest X-ray produces a single image of the whole chest in which anatomic structures overlie one another.
The clinical trial is the driving force behind the new program offered at LCI. Because this is a screening, individuals can come in as a self-referral if they meet the qualifications. Reports are available within five business days. Follow-up appointments for those with a positive screening CT will be scheduled to discuss results and create a personalized treatment plan. LCI also provides smoking cessation classes.
Through the thoracic multimodality clinic at LCI, the multidisciplinary team of physicians specializing in lung cancers is available to review each case, meet with patients, and develop an individualized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
“More people die from lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined,” says Dr. Morrell. “The advent of low dose CT chest examinations has altered the landscape of lung cancer screenings. We now have the ability to diagnose lung cancer at a more treatable and potentially curable stage. This is such a meaningful difference in the course of lung cancer today.”
For more information about lung cancer screenings or to schedule a chest CT, please call the Lynn Cancer Institute at 561. 955.6627.
About Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital
As an advanced tertiary medical center, Boca Raton Regional Hospital offers a host of state-of-the-art programs and technologies. One of its premier offerings is the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute (LCI) which houses the Hospital’s oncology, imaging, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical research and support services.
As the fifth largest cancer program in Florida, the LCI’s main campus is located at the Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion, a 98,000 square foot facility that opened in 2008. Besides its sophisticated architectural design, the Sandler Pavilion has been nationally recognized for its healing environment that has become a hallmark of the Lynn Cancer Institute through its use of open space, music, water displays, natural light and fine art.
About Boca Raton Regional Hospital - Medicine. Redefined.
Born out of community need in 1967, Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced tertiary medical center (www.brrh.com) with 400 beds and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in oncology, cardiovascular disease and surgery, minimally invasive surgery, orthopedics, women’s health and emergency medicine, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a Joint Commission Designated Primary Stroke Center.
Contact:
Marlene Moni, 561.955.5627
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
mmoni@brrh.com