Role of low-dose spiral CT scan in lung cancer screening: A meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the value of low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) in screening for lung cancer. Methods: We searched for the relevant documentation from PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Cochrane and other databases from 1996 to 2010 to screen eligible literature according to the inclusive criteria. We gathered relevant literature for statistical analysis evaluated its scientificness and classified its quality. We used the random effect model to analyze data; to evaluate the value of LDCT in screening for lung cancer comprehensively by the likelihood ratio (LR), the pooled sensitivity, specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC curve) statistical indicators. Results: Totally 12 pieces of English literature was collected, with 9 independent researches and a total of 28 024 cases brought into the study. Heterogeneity test showed that the homogeneity of the study was good, which showed the quality of literature collected in this study was preferable; the value of the + LR was 3.35, -LR was 0.29, the weighted sensitivity was 0.735 (0.730-0.740), the specificity was 0.791 (0.747-0.830) and SROC area under the curve (AUC) was 0.847 3 by using LDCT in screening lung cancer. Conclusion: The reports of the most independent research on LDCT screening for lung cancer were consistent. Using LDCT to screen for lung cancer has a high value through the summary of relevant research results, but it still needs high-quality random control trial to assess its value in clinic more accurately.