Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

HANSE - Holistic Implementation Study Assessing a Northern German Interdisciplinary Lung Cancer Screening Effort

The HANSE study is a pilot project in Germany to help figure out the best way to screen for lung cancer. Currently, Germany offers screening for other cancers, but not for lung cancer, even though it causes many deaths. This study looks at using a type of X-ray scan called a low-dose CT to find lung cancer early. Researchers want to see if such a screening programme can be properly set up and linked with existing hospital lung cancer services. They are also checking how to identify people most at risk, make sure quitting smoking is part of the plan, and set up clear quality checks for the scans and follow-up care. This research aims to provide evidence that a practical and effective lung cancer screening programme can be successfully introduced.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hannover Medical School

Enrolment target

12,100

Start

20 May 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

The HANSE study is a research project specifically designed for Germany. It's looking into how to create a practical and effective way to screen for lung cancer. You might already know that screening programmes exist for other cancers like breast or bowel cancer in the UK. These programmes aim to find cancer early when it's often easier to treat. Currently, there isn't a national screening programme for lung cancer in Germany, even though it causes a lot of deaths.

The main idea behind HANSE is to test if using a special type of X-ray scan, called a low-dose CT scan, can work as part of a screening programme. This scan uses very small amounts of radiation to look for early signs of lung cancer. The study is a "pilot" which means it's a smaller, early test to see if a bigger programme could be successful. They want to make sure it can be smoothly connected with the services already provided by certified lung cancer centres.

To make a lung cancer screening programme successful, the study needs to address several important points. This includes figuring out how to identify people who are most at risk of developing lung cancer, like current or former smokers. It also involves making sure that quitting smoking is encouraged and supported for those taking part. Finally, the study will help set up clear guidelines and quality checks for how the scans are done, how the results are interpreted, and what follow-up care people receive if something is found. All of this is crucial to make sure any future screening programme is safe and effective.

Key takeaways

HANSE is a German study exploring how to set up lung cancer screening.
It uses low-dose CT scans to find lung cancer early in people at high risk.
The study includes current or former smokers aged 55-79.
It aims to integrate screening with existing hospital services.
Participation could help shape future national screening programmes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 55 and 79. You would need to be a current smoker or have smoked in the past. To join as a screening participant, you would also need to meet specific smoking history criteria or have a calculated higher risk of developing lung cancer over the next six years. This is usually based on how much and how long you've smoked.

It's important that you are able and willing to read and sign a consent form, showing you understand what the study involves. There's also a separate group for people who are aged 55-79 and are current or former smokers, but whose lung cancer risk is considered low. If you fall into this group, you might be asked if the researchers can follow your health over many years to learn more about lung cancer development.

However, you wouldn't be able to join the study if you have another serious health condition that would make screening or treatment difficult. You also can't join if you've already had a chest CT scan in the last year, or if it's not safe for you to have a CT scan (for example, if you can't lie flat). Pregnancy would also exclude you. Finally, you need to be able to understand the study procedures, fill in questionnaires, and attend appointments.

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 between 55 and 79 years old?
Are you a current smoker or have you smoked in the past?
Have you had a chest CT scan in the past year? (If yes, you likely can't join)
Can you understand information about the study and sign a consent form?
Are you able to travel for appointments and lie flat for a scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll first be asked to read and sign a consent form to make sure you understand everything. You'll then have a discussion about your smoking history and health, and your risk of lung cancer will be assessed. If you're in the screening group, you'll undergo a low-dose CT scan of your chest. This is a quick and painless scan that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your lungs.

The involvement might also include filling out questionnaires about your health and lifestyle. Depending on the results of your scan, you might be asked for follow-up scans or further tests, as per the study's guidelines. For people in the lower-risk group, participation primarily involves allowing the researchers to gather information about your health over several years, initially through a mailed questionnaire and potentially through local health registries or a phone call if needed. The total duration of your participation will depend on which group you are in and whether any findings require further follow-up attention.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include finding lung cancer at an earlier stage, which might lead to more effective treatment options. You would also be contributing valuable information that could help establish a national lung cancer screening programme, potentially saving lives in the future. However, there are potential risks; the low-dose CT scan involves a small amount of radiation, and some people might experience anxiety if findings require further investigation, even if they turn out to be harmless. There's also the chance of finding something that wouldn't have caused problems, leading to unnecessary tests. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Verified postcode
Hanover, Germany
LungenClinic Grosshansdorf
Verified postcode
Großhansdorf, Germany
Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein
Verified postcode
Lübeck, Germany

Common questions

What is a low-dose CT scan?

It's a special X-ray scan that takes detailed pictures of your lungs using a very small amount of radiation, helping to find early signs of lung cancer.

Why is this study only for smokers or former smokers?

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, so the study focuses on this group to identify those most likely to benefit from screening.

Will I get my scan results immediately?

No, the scans need to be carefully reviewed by experts. You will be informed of your results according to the study's clear guidelines.

Is this a new treatment for lung cancer?

No, this study is about finding lung cancer early, not treating it. If cancer is found, you would discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Can I leave the study once I've joined?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your usual medical care.