Discussion
Enrolled cohort is representative of LCRT target
population
The target population of the LCRT biomarker is individuals
who meet USPSTF eligibility criteria for annual low
dose helical CT screening [2]. The enrollment criteria
for the LCRT study included both current and former
smokers, individuals with and without concurrent pulmonary
disease and/or respiratory exposures as well as
both subjects undergoing medically recommended bronchoscopy
(SOC group) and volunteers (SD group). At
the time of enrollment into the LCRT study, most subjects
(66 %) met USPSTF age and smoking pack-year eligibility
criteria (55–80 years of age, ≥ 30 pack years).
Additionally, most of those not eligible at enrollment
will be eligible for screening by the 2016 follow up time
point due to increased age, and this fraction is expected
to further increase at the 2018 follow up. Therefore, this
group is highly representative of the LCRT biomarker
target population.