Long cancer diagnostics 4 - IN - THE - LUNG - RUN

The NKI Center for Early Diagnostics is participating in a European pilot screening study for the early detection of lung cancer. This European research, 4-IN-THE-LUNG-RUN, is led by Erasmus Medical Center (EMC) in the Netherlands. Our Center’s role is to handle the CT scans of voluntary participants in and around Amsterdam.
A population screening program for the early detection of lung cancer is a new initiative. We aim to explore how such a program can be implemented and executed across Europe. The pilot study called 4-IN-THE-LUNG-RUN is instrumental in answering these questions.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer involves malignant cells in the lungs that divide uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. This tumor can grow within the lungs or spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.

Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest form of cancer. Approximately 1 in 5 cancer patients die from lung cancer, accounting for over 10,000 deaths annually in the Netherlands alone. Lung cancer is often detected at an advanced stage, such as stage IV.

Why a pilot population screening program?

A population screening program could help us detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, such as stage I. At this stage, there are often more treatment options available with favorable outcomes. Additionally, these treatments are usually less invasive for the patient.For questions and more information, including about potential voluntary participation in the study, we refer you to the 4-IN-THE-LUNG-RUN website. You can also call the I&O Research helpdesk for free at 0800-0191.