The LEAD-Detect Study

The LEAD-DETECT study is a prospective lung cancer screening substudy embedded within the LEAD cohort. It aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a risk-prediction-based lung cancer screening approach in Austria and to provide evidence for the implementation of a national screening program. The study focuses on three key areas:

• Early detection of lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in individuals at increased risk.
• Identification and risk stratification of suspicious pulmonary nodules according to international screening guidelines.
• Detection of clinically relevant comorbidities associated with smoking and lung cancer risk, including emphysema and cardiovascular disease.

The LEAD-DETECT examination program comprises risk assessment using validated lung cancer prediction models, low-dose CT imaging of the chest, expert radiological evaluation of pulmonary nodules, and assessment of incidental findings and smoking-related comorbidities. Data generated through the study contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for integrated lung cancer screening and prevention in Austria.

Current status:

LEAD-DETECT was launched as Austria’s first prospective lung cancer screening pilot program. Participants aged 50–74 years with an elevated six-year lung cancer risk, identified within the LEAD cohort using the PLCOall2014 risk prediction model, were invited to undergo LDCT screening. To date, 378 participants have completed baseline screening examinations. High risk pulmonary nodules were detected in 4.7%. Besides that other morbidities such as empysema and coronary artey calcification have been found. The results demonstrate the potential of a risk-prediction-based screening strategy to identify individuals at risk for lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, providing important evidence for the future implementation of a national lung cancer screening program in Austria.

The next examinations will start in July 2026.