New York Early Lung Cancer Action Project(NY-ELCAP)

Early Detection of Lung Cancer

Our first strategy employs early detection. State-of-the-art imaging facilities at Columbia University Medical Center include out patient high-resolution CT-scanning and MRI. The Kreitchman PET Center has the only whole-body PET scanner in the New York Metropolitan region. PET scanning can differentiate benign from malignant lesions and can also detect unsuspected metastases. Under CT-scan guidance, small suspicious lung lesions may either be percutaneously biopsied or excised using minimally invasive techniques.

NY-ELCAP: Research on Lung Cancer at Columbia University Medical Center

We currently are enrolling patients for study in the New York Early Lung Cancer Action Project(NY-ELCAP). To qualify for this study patients must be over the age of 60, with a 10 pack year history of smoking, no prior history of cancer (aside from non melanoma skin cancer), and be otherwise healthy to undergo surgery, should a nodule be detected. They must also have a referring physician who can follow up on any recommendations made. Patients who qualify for the study will receive a low dose screening CT scan of the chest at no cost. All subjects with an abnormal baseline CT scan (1-6 non calcified lung nodules) will have conventional thin section CT scanning through the nodule. Conventional management will then include empiric antibiotics, follow-up CT scans, PET scan, and biopsy or surgical removal of the nodule, depending on the characteristics of the nodule. Patients whose baseline CT scan is normal will have a subsequent low dose CT scan at one year, at no cost.

Patients who do not qualify for this study, but who are felt to be at high risk for developing lung cancer (previous or active smokers), can still undergo low dose screening CT scan at NYPH. This can be scheduled by calling 877.928.5864. The cost of the test is $316.36. Should an abnormality be found, then conventional high resolution CT scan of the nodule is necessary, which is reimbursed by all insurance carriers.

This CAT scan shows a lung nodule found by screening CAT scan. The patient, a 69 year old former smoker, requested that his primary care physician perform a screening CAT scan. The scan demonstrated a lesion in the left lower lobe. He then had a conventional CAT scan which confirmed a cavitary nodule. After several weeks of antibiotic therapy, the CAT scan was repeated, and the nodule had increased in size. The nodule was biopsied and found to be malignant. The nodule was resected; the pathology showed the cancer to be Stage I, and the patient has an excellent prognosis.