2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.04E.01 Use of Routine Brain Imaging Surveillance after Definitive Treatment for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

EP.04E.01 Use of Routine Brain Imaging Surveillance after Definitive Treatment for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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This study, conducted by researchers from various institutions including Stanford School of Medicine and the Veterans Health Administration, examines the use of routine brain imaging after treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the low prevalence of brain metastasis in early-stage NSCLC, routine brain imaging is common in the U.S., occurring in 12-25% of patients, yet little information exists on its use for post-treatment surveillance.<br /><br />The study included veterans diagnosed with Stage I-III NSCLC between 2008-2016 who received definitive treatment and survived at least 120 days post-treatment. It tracked brain imaging (CT or MRI) from 120 days to 5 years using claims data. Among 20,532 patients, 43% had brain imaging post-treatment. In a subset of 1,620 patients, 27% received any brain imaging, but 46% had recurrences or died, rendering them ineligible for surveillance.<br /><br />After excluding those with competing outcomes, 49% underwent brain imaging, with only 7% specifically for surveillance purposes. Of these, most scans were CTs (59%) occurring within the first year after treatment, predominantly in Stage I patients. Surveillance imaging showed a low rate of metastatic detection, with only 2% revealing recurrence.<br /><br />The study concludes that while brain imaging surveillance post-treatment is not widespread, the use of inappropriate imaging still imposes additional burdens and costs on the healthcare system. Emphasizing the need for clearer dissemination of surveillance appropriateness criteria could reduce unnecessary imaging without compromising patient care quality.

Asset Subtitle

Nicole Lin

Meta Tag

Speaker Nicole Lin

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

NSCLC

brain imaging

post-treatment surveillance

early-stage lung cancer

metastasis detection

healthcare costs

Stanford School of Medicine

CT/MRI scans

veterans study

surveillance criteria