Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Glasgow Low-dose CT and AI-based Diagnostics to Case Find Lung Cancer and Other Cardio-respiratory Long-term Conditions - Feasibility Study

This study, called GALACTIC-1, looks at new ways to find lung cancer early in people aged 55-74 who have smoked. Lung cancer can be serious if found late, so catching it early is key. It involves a quick, low-dose CT scan to check your lungs, along with simple heart and breathing tests. These extra tests aim to spot other health problems like heart disease or lung conditions such as COPD (emphysema) at an earlier stage, which could improve your overall health. We're also checking how well artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors read the scans. This research will help make future lung cancer screening in Scotland better for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

500

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

02 Sep 2028

Cancer

What is this study about?

Lung cancer is a serious illness, and finding it early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. This study is exploring a new, more complete way to look for lung cancer and other long-term health conditions at the same time. We know that a special type of X-ray called a low-dose CT (Computed Tomography) scan is really good at spotting early signs of lung cancer, even before you feel unwell.

But this study goes a step further. Alongside the quick and painless CT scan, you would also have some simple tests for your heart and breathing. These include a blood test, an ECG (which checks your heart's electrical activity), and a spirometry test (which measures how well your lungs work). The idea is that by doing all these tests together in one clinic visit, we might be able to find conditions like heart disease, lung conditions such as COPD (often called emphysema), and even early signs of weak bones (osteoporosis) much sooner, alongside checking for lung cancer. Catching these conditions early means you can start managing them sooner, which is often better for your health in the long run.

We're also looking at whether computer programs, known as artificial intelligence (AI), can help doctors interpret the CT scan results more efficiently. Your feedback, and that of NHS staff, will also be gathered to understand how this new screening approach feels for patients and how it works for healthcare professionals. The goal is to use all this information to help create the best possible lung cancer screening program across Scotland, making sure it's helpful and easy for people to access.

Key takeaways

A new study for early detection of lung cancer and other health issues.
Includes a quick low-dose CT scan plus heart and breathing checks.
Aims to find conditions like heart disease and COPD sooner.
For people aged 55-74 in South Glasgow who have smoked.
Helps shape future lung screening programs in Scotland.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who live in the South Sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. To take part, you need to be aged between 55 and 74 years old at the time you are invited.

You also need to have a history of smoking. This means either you currently smoke, or you used to smoke quite a bit (more than 20 'pack years' – which is a way of measuring how much someone has smoked over their lifetime) and you quit less than 15 years ago.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a CT scan of your chest in the last year, if you're pregnant, or if you have symptoms that might suggest lung cancer already. Also, if you have a current cancer (other than some very specific types like certain skin or treated breast/prostate cancers), or if your weight is too high for the scanner, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged between 55 and 74?
Do you live in the South Sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde?
Have you smoked a significant amount (20+ pack years) or are a current smoker?
Have you not had a chest CT scan in the last 12 months?
Are you able to lie flat for a short time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would come for a 'Lung Health Check' clinic visit. During this visit, you'll have a quick, low-dose CT scan of your chest. This scan uses a small amount of X-ray to take pictures of your lungs. You'll also have a blood sample taken, an ECG (a simple test to check your heart's rhythm), and a spirometry test (which involves breathing into a machine to check how well your lungs are working). All these tests happen during a single visit. The study is about seeing how practical it is to do these tests together, and looking at the information they provide. There is no medication involved in this study and the overall duration for your involvement would be limited to this single clinic visit and potentially a follow-up focus group or interview if you are invited and choose to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of finding early signs of lung cancer, heart disease, or other lung conditions that might not be picked up otherwise. Catching these problems early often means treatment can be more effective. There are some small risks, as the CT scan involves a very small amount of radiation, similar to what you'd naturally be exposed to over a few months. The other tests are generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a low-dose CT scan?

It's a special type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your lungs using a very small amount of radiation to help find problems early.

Will I get my test results?

Yes, if the doctors find anything that needs further attention, you will be informed and referred for specialist care as needed.

Does this study involve new medicines?

No, this study is about using existing diagnostic tests to check for health conditions, not about testing new medications.

How long does the clinic visit take?

The study aims to complete all tests within a single clinic visit, designed to be as efficient as possible.

What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?

You are absolutely free to withdraw from the study at any point, and it won't affect your normal medical care.

How to find out more

Clare Dolan

clare.dolan3@nhs.scot 0141 314 4328 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.