Groundbreaking New Research Using Nasal Swabs for Lung Cancer Screening Launches
Region’s only dedicated cancer screening and prevention center introduces new initiative under the leadership of Dr. Kei Suzuki
Fairfax, VA—The Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center (8081 Innovation Park Drive) announced today a new research initiative under the direction of Kei Suzuki, MD, aimed at addressing potential gaps in current screening guidelines for lung cancer. The research is focused on using a new test - the nasal swab, to identify patients at high risk for lung cancer. In time, the research will be used to increase early detection, exploring whether contemporary thresholds for screening consideration should be altered or expanded to include more or different at-risk adults.
In March 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce (USPSTF) updated its lung cancer screening guidelines - the first change since 2013 when the guidelines were introduced. As a result, the age for recommended screening was lowered to from 55 to 50 and the minimum pack per year smoking history was also decreased from 30 to 20. Even with the expanded screening criteria, only a small portion of those at risk of lung cancer are captured, highlighting the need for a better risk factor to identify those truly at risk of developing lung cancer.
At Inova Saville, lung cancer screenings now include an optional nasal swab test, similar to those used for COVID-19 testing, as an added tool to understand markers for the disease among qualifying patients already receiving a CT scan. The testing is simple to administer, and the goal is to identify those at high risk of lung cancer and encourage patients who are symptom free to consider receiving a scan. The process will build data points to address whether certain at-risk populations need to be added to the current guidelines.
Dr. Suzuki encourages anyone who is currently eligible for lung cancer screening to get screened, saying, “If more at-risk patients get screened, we can catch the cancer at a much earlier stage where we have better chance for cure. The current research will work to better identify those at risk for lung cancer so we can offer screening to a more appropriate population.”
Dr. Suzuki’s work is part of a large research cohort that is foundational to the Inova Saville mission. Conceived by Inova Schar Cancer Institute President, John Deeken, MD, and Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center Executive Director and Endowed Chair, Rebecca Kaltman, MD, the team at Inova Saville work to educate patients about the importance of cancer screening and early detection, offering cutting-edge technology and research, guiding patients on their cancer journey through education and compassionate care.
Patients do not need a physician referral to receive services at the new center. For more information or to make an appointment, visit inova.org/screenings or call 571-472-4724.
About Inova Health System
Inova is Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare – every time, every touch – to each person in every community we have the privilege to serve. Inova’s 20,000 team members care for patients through more than two million patient visits each year across an integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.
Inova’s five hospitals are consistently recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for excellence in healthcare.
Inova is home to Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its hospitals have a total of 1,936 licensed beds. More information about Inova can be found at www.inova.org.
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