LUNG SOLVE version 3
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Proof of concept study to begin developing image analysis tools using computed tomography (CT) data from lung cancer patients within The Scottish National Safe Haven
IRAS ID
193235
Contact name
Kev Dhaliwal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Abnormal findings within the lungs, such as small growths or nodules, are frequently detected on routine computed tomography (CT) scans. It is often difficult for doctors to decide using scan information alone whether or not such changes are due to cancer or scarring or other processes. Obviously such a decision has a huge impact on any further investigation and treatment that may be required.
Currently, many patients are required to undergo a period of observation which involves attending follow-up CT scans for up to 4 years in some extreme cases. This can be stressful for the patient and their family.
LUNG SOLVE aims to collect anonymised CT images and associated clinical data from current NHS Lothian patients with confirmed lung cancer attending Lung Cancer Clinics. The data will be stored securely in a Safe Haven analytical environment provided by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). Researchers working on the project will utilise the anonymised data to develop image analysis tools (algorithms) in order to quickly and reliably assess key imaging features in an automated manner.
This small project involving NHS Lothian patients, is an important proof of concept study that aims to generate proof of concept data for future work to develop algorithms on a larger data set. Our ultimate aim is to use computational methods to aid doctors in the decision making process with regards to the identification of benign (non-cancerous) disease.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1976
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion