As part of the HANSE lung cancer screening study (link), Dr. Kondrashova evaluated nearly 10,000 CT scans conducted at three study centers – in Hanover, Lübeck, and Großhansdorf. The aim was to examine the prevalence and spectrum of incidental findings as well as their impact on participant behavior and psychological burden. These incidental findings included, for example, liver, kidney, and thyroid anomalies, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), and other smoking-related lung diseases such as COPD. Notably, only 0.3% of screened individuals required invasive procedures due to such findings – although several malignant tumors were among them. At the same time, the study revealed significant differences in reporting and communication practices between the three centers. These differences affected not only the medical recommendations but also the participants’ perceived psychological burden.

“Invasive follow-up procedures resulting from incidental findings were rare in the study. However, there were significant differences between the centers in terms of reporting, communication, and recommendations for further measures,” explains Dr. Kondrashova. Her work convincingly demonstrates that the way incidental findings are communicated influences patient follow-up behavior and anxiety levels. Based on these results, she advocates for targeted and standardized communication of findings. Only clinically relevant incidental findings should be documented and communicated in order to avoid unnecessary follow-up exams, costs, and psychological stress.

The results make an important contribution to quality assurance in the upcoming German lung cancer screening program and underscore the need for clear standards in handling incidental findings. Many dedicated researchers as well as physicians contributed to the HANSE study at the BREATH site, which forms the basis for Dr. Kondrashova’s investigations. The study’s implementation in Hanover would not have been possible without the essential initiative and leadership of Prof. Dr. Jens Vogel-Claussen.

We warmly congratulate Dr. Rimma Kondrashova on this award and are delighted that her work provides valuable impulses for the further development of early lung cancer detection in Germany.

Text: BREATH/ AB

Photo: privat