Summary

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) is currently the best method for the early detection of lung cancer, and evidence demonstrates that screening saves lives when the technology is used properly for a high-risk population. However, lung cancer screening is not ideal, and issues include a high rate of false-positive results, complications related to diagnostic procedures, radiation-related harms, and patient anxiety. This article discusses the search for biomarkers, exhaled breath analysis, and airway gene-expression profiling, among other topics.