NCT06284408 · Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Centralized Screening Unit (CSU) at Montefiore-Einstein
What this study is about
This study proposes to increase Lung-cancer screening (LCS) in the Bronx, New York. Despite strong evidence that Lung-cancer screening (LCS) can reduce Lung cancer (LCa) deaths, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) referral rates by clinicians are very low and there is poor adherence with LCS by patients.
View original scientific description
This study proposes to increase Lung-cancer screening (LCS) in the Bronx, New York. Despite strong evidence that Lung-cancer screening (LCS) can reduce Lung cancer (LCa) deaths, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) referral rates by clinicians are very low and there is poor adherence with LCS by patients. Both provider and patient barriers may be amenable to systemic improvements in support, coordination and infrastructure for screening. The investigator team hypothesizes that the implementation of a Central Screening Unit (CSU) that shifts routine workflow attributed to LCS (e.g., collection of smoking history, determination of eligibility, shared decision making and arranging follow-up) away from busy practices (usual care) and that offers patients an array of navigation and support services will increase the uptake of LCS guidelines and subsequent low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening scans in a low-income, predominately Hispanic and Black catchment area. The proposed study represents a unique opportunity to test this hypothesis in the context of the roll out of a CSU as a significant new component of the Montefiore-Einstein health system. The investigator team will examine whether and how the CSU facilitates LCS uptake and retention of patients. This study is powered to test whether CSU reduces proportion of late-stage lung cancer diagnoses in the Bronx, New York.
Interventions
OTHER
Centralized Screening Unit Implementation
The CSU provides a proactive and comprehensive population health approach to screening. This includes core functions of a) patient identification, b) contact, c) engagement, education and support, d) referral and navigation to LDCT screening, e) post screening follow-up, and f) retention
Primary outcome measures
Participant Referrals
Time frame: Approximately 2.5 years
The number of participant referrals by clinician for LCS by the CSU versus the number of clinician referrals will be assessed and reported.
Proportion of participants with early stage lung cancer (LCa)
Time frame: Approximately 2.5 years
The proportion of participants with early stage LCa disease (for the purposes of this study defined as any Stage 1 or Stage 2 LCa) amongst those who received LCS during the study period compared to those diagnosed in the general Einstein-Montefiore population during the same time period, including the 11 NYC RING clinics not in the trial, and the preceding 7 years (i.e., since LDCT has been available at MMC) will be assessed and reported.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Clinic level:
- a NYC RING affiliated clinic,
- Opt into and agree to research protocol; Patient level:
- Age 50-77 for participants,
- past or current smoker,
- 20+ pack-years tobacco,
- has quit smoking within the last 15 years,
- without chest CT within the past 12 months, and,
- no history of lung cancer or and at least 5 years since the diagnosis of any other malignancy
Exclusion criteria
- Clinic level:
- only treats pediatric patients,
- Opt out of research protocol; Patient level:
- Primary care provider instruction to not contact an individual for any reason. Any individual inadvertently contacted who does not meet these criteria will be excluded from the study.
Where
- The Bronx, New York
Collaborators
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations