Run the CareSearch lung cancer search filters

These three search filters were developed and validated by CareSearch as part of a joint project with Cancer Council Australia. They provide clinicians with an easy-to-use, standardised shortcut to high level evidence in the treatment of lung cancer.

General lung cancer search filter

High level evidence – all citations
High level evidence – English language only
High level evidence – free full text only (likely to limit the number of results)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) search filter

High level evidence – all citations
High level evidence – English language only
High level evidence – free full text only (likely to limit the number of results)

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) search filter

High level evidence – all citations
High level evidence – English language only
High level evidence – free full text only (likely to limit the number of results)

Each search applies:

  1. A ‘Humans’ limit (applies to Medline-indexed citations only)
  2. A methodological search filter which restricts results to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised controlled trials only. A search filter variant offering an optimal balance between search sensitivity and specificity was chosen in preference to one with maximal sensitivity (See: Search filters for MEDLINE in Ovid syntax and the PubMed translation. HIRU, McMaster University).

Last updated 14 May 2026