Validation of Multiparametric Models and Circulating and Imaging Biomarkers to Improve Lung Cancer EARLY Detection.

Validation of Multiparametric Models and Circulating and Imaging Biomarkers to Improve Lung Cancer EARLY Detection.

CLEARLY will focus on validation of a multifactorial "bio-radiomic" protocol for early diagnosis of lung cancer that combines circulating biomarkers and radiomic analysis. It will (a) assess the role of molecular and cellular biomarkers (exosomes, protein signatures, circulating tumor cells - CTCs, microRNA) and radiomic signature, as complementary to assist early detection of lung cancer by low dose computed tomography-LDCT, using bioinformatics techniques; (b) assess the prognostic role of CTCs including the role of cells epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and (c) standardize a method for genomic analysis of CTCs for early detection of treatment resistance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 55 years old and exposure to smoking more than 30 packs-year; which corresponds to 6-year risk of lung cancer, calculated according to the plco score (≥ 2%).
• Smoker or former smoker Former smokers must have ceased smoking within the 15 years prior to enrollment in the study.
• Absence of symptoms of lung cancer such as worsening of cough, hoarseness, hemoptysis and weight loss.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of lung cancer.
• Positive extrapulmonary cancer history in the last 5 years (excluding in situ tumors or skin epidermoid tumor).
• Performing a chest CT scan in the last 18 months.
• Severe lung or extrapulmonary diseases that may preclude or invalidate appropriate therapy in case of diagnosis of malignant pulmonary neoplasia.