Title:PLCO: Evolution of an Epidemiologic Resource and Opportunities for Future Studies
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Author(s): Amanda Black, Wen-Yi Huang, Patrick Wright, Tom Riley, Jerome Mabie, Sunitha Mathew, Lawrence Ragard, Sigurd Hermansen, Kelly Yu, Paul Pinsky, Philip C. Prorok, Neal D. Freedman and Robert N. Hoover
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cancer research, cohort, epidemiologic resource, PLCO, screening trial.
Abstract: The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), a large-scale,
multi-institutional, randomized controlled trial, was launched in 1992 to evaluate the effectiveness of
screening modalities for prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer. However, PLCO was additionally
designed to serve as an epidemiologic resource and the National Cancer Institute has invested
substantial resources over the years to accomplish this goal. In this report, we provide a summary of
changes to PLCO’s follow-up after conclusion of the screening phase of the trial and highlight recent
data and biospecimen collections, including ancillary studies, geocoding, administration of a new
medication use questionnaire, consent for linkage to Medicare, and additional tissue collection that enhance the richness
of the PLCO resource and provide further opportunities for scientific investigation into the prevention, early detection,
etiology and treatment of cancer.
