Sensory Tests of Cigarettes for Flavor Identification
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those with a history of medications known to interfere with the sense of smell.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cigarette smell test and Cigarette Taste Test for flavor identification?
Research shows that chronic smokers often experience changes in their ability to smell and taste, which can affect how they perceive cigarette flavors. Smokers, especially those who prefer menthol cigarettes, may have heightened taste sensitivity, which could influence their ability to identify flavors in cigarettes.12345
Is the sensory test of cigarettes for flavor identification safe for humans?
How does the sensory test of cigarettes for flavor identification differ from other treatments for flavor regulation in tobacco products?
This treatment is unique because it combines sensory and chemical analysis to determine the human odor difference threshold for flavor additives in tobacco, which is important for regulatory purposes. Unlike other treatments, it provides a simple and fast method to quantify specific flavor components, such as menthol, in tobacco products.168910
What is the purpose of this trial?
This clinical trial tests how well current daily smoking adults can identify flavors of cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes account for 31 percent of cigarettes sold in the United States. Flavors such as menthol play an important role in the start and continued use of tobacco products. Two ways users experience flavor is through smell and taste. Menthol has cooling and numbing properties that can increase perceptions of smoothness and reduce the perceived harshness of smoke. Menthol adds a taste and aroma commonly described as "minty". The effect of menthol flavoring on smoking behavior has been studied. Use of menthol cigarettes has been associated with greater nicotine dependence and is associated with both fewer quit attempts and lower odds of quit success. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration proposed to restrict the use of menthol as a flavor in cigarettes. Menthol has already been banned in Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union. In late 2022, a restriction on all flavored tobacco products went into effect in California (CA), prompting the tobacco industry to introduce substitute products that did not contain menthol. It is important to find out whether New York (NY) adult smokers who smoke menthol cigarettes can identify and characterize flavors in the same cigarette brand as sold in NY versus CA following the ban of menthol cigarettes in 2022.
Research Team
Richard J O'Connor
Principal Investigator
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults who smoke daily and are interested in participating in sensory tests to identify cigarette flavors. Participants should be current smokers with a regular habit, as the study focuses on their ability to detect menthol and other flavors through taste and smell.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Testing Sessions
Participants complete 3 testing sessions, each session lasting 1 to 2 hours and each session at least 48 hours apart but no more than 1 week apart. Sessions include the Brief Smell Identification Test, cigarette smell tests, and cigarette taste tests.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after testing sessions
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Cigarette smell test
- Cigarette Taste Test
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor