A new way to help cancer patients who smoke quit using e-cigarettes.

A Novel Harm Reduction Approach for Oncology Outpatients who Smoke and Refuse Traditional Tobacco Treatment

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11057820

This study is looking at whether helping cancer patients who smoke switch to e-cigarettes is more effective than regular smoking help programs, and it’s for those who want to quit but haven’t found success with traditional methods.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057820 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to assist oncology outpatients who smoke and refuse traditional tobacco treatments. It aims to compare the effectiveness of switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes against standard care methods. The study will involve 208 participants who will be randomly assigned to either an e-cigarette switching program or a control group receiving standard tobacco treatment resources. By understanding the barriers and facilitators to implementing this approach, the research seeks to improve smoking cessation among cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are oncology outpatients who currently smoke and have refused traditional tobacco cessation treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or those who are already engaged in successful tobacco cessation programs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more appealing and effective method for cancer patients to quit smoking, potentially reducing their cancer risk and improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smokers, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer Burdencancer careCancer Causing Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.