2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.04D.03 Shifting Stages: Implications of a Global Pandemic on Cancer Care and A Multipronged Approach to Early Diagnosis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

EP.04D.03 Shifting Stages: Implications of a Global Pandemic on Cancer Care and A Multipronged Approach to Early Diagnosis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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The study conducted by the Montefiore Medical Center focused on addressing historically low rates of early-stage lung cancer diagnoses, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the institution formed an early-stage thoracic oncology team composed of thoracic surgeons and interventional pulmonologists. This multidisciplinary team emphasized lung cancer screening, incidental nodule management, and patient navigation, with the objective of impacting the stage distribution of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) diagnoses.<br /><br />The research involved a retrospective review of institutional data, comparing the stage at diagnosis pre-pandemic (2018-2020) and post-implementation (2021-2023). Statistical analyses, specifically chi-squared tests, were utilized to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.<br /><br />Results revealed an increase in Stage I lung cancer diagnoses from 26.7% in 2018 to 31.5% in 2023 and a significant decrease in Stage IV diagnoses from a peak of 51.2% in 2020 to 39.6% in 2023. These findings underscore the efficacy of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach in improving early detection and management of lung cancer, which is crucial in light of the shifts caused by the pandemic.<br /><br />The study also reported an increase in referrals to the lung nodule clinic and a rise in completed lung cancer screening tests, highlighting the positive impact of strategic interventions implemented by the cancer center. The research emphasized the importance of continued evaluation and refinement of cancer care strategies, suggesting further studies to explore trends influencing lung cancer diagnoses.<br /><br />In sum, the establishment of a dedicated team significantly improved early lung cancer detection rates, reflecting the necessity for contingency planning in healthcare systems, particularly during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asset Subtitle

Rajika Jindani

Meta Tag

Speaker Rajika Jindani

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

Montefiore Medical Center

early-stage lung cancer

COVID-19 pandemic

thoracic oncology team

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

lung cancer screening

multidisciplinary approach

stage distribution

cancer care strategies

healthcare systems