A narrative review examined 27 studies involving lung cancer screening programs to understand how nodule features predict malignancy. The analysis looked at volume doubling time, size, and other characteristics to assess cancer risk. The review found that all malignant nodules had a volume doubling time under 200 days. Aggressive cancer types and advanced disease stages showed the shortest growth times. Never-smokers also exhibited faster nodule growth compared to ever-smokers. PET-CT positivity correlated with these shorter growth times.
The review noted that volume doubling time is a valuable indicator for assessing nodule malignancy risk. However, it should be integrated into multifactorial risk models rather than used alone. Standardizing how this measurement is reported could enhance early detection and reduce overtreatment. Digital tools can support this integration by enabling accurate, automated calculations. These tools improve measurement consistency and help incorporate volumetric data into advanced risk prediction models.
Healthcare professionals must receive proper training to use these tools effectively. The study design varied across the included research, and classification criteria were not uniform. Because of this variability, the findings should be viewed as supportive rather than definitive proof. This review does not establish cause and effect but highlights patterns observed in existing data.
