Using Saliva DNA Methylation to Identify High-Risk Individuals for Lung Cancer Screening A Study to Improve Lung Cancer Screening Selection Beyond Smoking History

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a new way to improve lung cancer screening by using DNA methylation markers found in saliva. Current screening relies on self-reported smoking history, which can be inaccurate due to recall bias and under-reporting, causing many lung cancers to be missed. This study focuses on stable epigenetic changes in genes like AHRR and F2RL3 as a reliable biological record of tobacco exposure, aiming to better identify individuals at high risk for lung cancer. Participants provide a small saliva sample that undergoes detailed genetic and methylation analysis using advanced techniques like whole-genome sequencing and methylation-specific PCR. The study compares these biological results with self-reported smoking data and professional interviews. Two groups are involved about 900 participants from a lung cancer screening trial and 150 volunteers aged 50 and older, including those with and without a history of smoking. During the study, saliva samples are collected and analyzed at a specialized genetics center. Researchers evaluate how well these markers predict smoking status and exposure length compared to traditional methods. The main outcome is DNA methylation measured over three years. The ultimate goal is to develop a saliva-based test to screen for lung cancer risk, allowing only high-risk individuals to receive low-dose CT scans. This approach could enhance early detection and make screening more efficient and cost-effective.

Methylated Biomarkers of Smoking as a Selection Tool in Participants for Lung Cancer Screening