Using a Blood Biomarker to Distinguish Benign From Malignant Pulmonary Nodules

An estimated 1.5 million pulmonary nodules are identified in the United States annually, with a prevalence of malignancy of 5%, which rises to 25% by the time patients are referred to a pulmonologist.1,2 Current guidelines recommend evaluating the pretest probability of cancer for indeterminant pulmonary nodules using clinical experience and validated clinical risk prediction models to determine next steps in management.3 Low-risk nodules (probability of cancer, < 5%) are managed with surveillance, whereas those at higher risk undergo functional imaging, biopsy, or surgery.