Vaping for Smokers' Cancer Risk
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore the differences in cancer risk between e-cigarette use and traditional smoking. Researchers will examine changes in oral cells to understand the potential cancer effects of e-cigarette use. Participants include smokers interested in switching to e-cigarettes, those who continue to smoke, and non-smokers who don't vape. Smokers who consume more than five cigarettes daily and want to try e-cigarettes (such as the NIDA Standard Research E-cigarette) or continue smoking might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research on smoking alternatives.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you have used any medication that affects the CYP450 2A6 enzyme.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for participants?
Research has shown that switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes might not increase cancer risk. One study found no significant cancer risk in individuals who had never smoked regular cigarettes but used e-cigarettes. This finding suggests that e-cigarettes could pose a lower cancer risk than traditional cigarettes.
However, e-cigarettes do expose users to some harmful substances, which can increase the risk of lung diseases and lead to nicotine addiction. Users might become dependent. While e-cigarettes may present a lower cancer risk compared to regular cigarettes, they still pose health concerns.
For those considering joining the trial, it is helpful to know that e-cigarettes have been extensively studied. However, like any new treatment, there are still aspects of their long-term safety to learn.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using the NIDA Standard Research E-cigarette (SREC) for smokers because it offers a potentially less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. Unlike smoking, which involves burning tobacco and inhaling over 7,000 chemicals, vaping with SREC eliminates combustion, thereby reducing exposure to many harmful substances. Additionally, vaping may help ease nicotine cravings without some of the severe health risks associated with smoking, offering a promising option for reducing cancer risk among smokers. This trial could reveal important insights into how switching to vaping impacts long-term health outcomes compared to continued smoking.
What evidence suggests that vaping might be an effective alternative for reducing cancer risk in smokers?
Research has shown that the NIDA Standard Research E-cigarette (SREC), which participants in the "Vapers" arm of this trial will use, might help reduce smokers' cravings. One study found that people who switched to the SREC experienced a much lower urge to smoke after six weeks. Additionally, current evidence suggests that vaping e-cigarettes does not significantly increase the risk of lung or other cancers for those who have never smoked regular cigarettes. These findings indicate that switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes might lower some health risks associated with smoking. However, it is important to note that the long-term effects are still under investigation.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ahmad Besaratinia
Principal Investigator
University of Southern California
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for smokers aged 22-55 who've smoked more than 5 cigarettes daily for over a year and want to switch to vaping, continue smoking, or remain smoke/vape-free. Participants must be able to consent and follow the study without major life disruptions. Those with severe mental illness, substance abuse, extreme body weight, recent pregnancy or drug use, certain medical conditions or treatments are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Collection of baseline oral cell samples and initial assessments
Intervention
Participants undergo a 3-month intervention with weekly compliance checks and bi-weekly oral cell sampling
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- NIDA Standard Research E-cigarette (SREC)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
University of California
Collaborator