Journal: Scientific reports
This study used a decision-analytic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of five lung cancer screening strategies in South Korea:
- No screening
- Chest X-ray (CXR)
- AI-assisted CXR
- Low-dose CT (LDCT)
- AI-assisted LDCT
Simulating cohorts based on age and smoking status, the analysis projected lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $32,409.9 per QALY.
Key findings:
- AI-assisted CXR showed a favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ($8,679–$10,030 per QALY) across all age groups, making it a cost-effective and scalable screening option.
- CXR alone was less cost-effective.
- LDCT-based strategies exceeded the willingness-to-pay threshold.
These results support integrating AI-assisted CXR into lung cancer screening programs to improve economic efficiency.