How electronic cigarettes may cause lung cancer through free radicals and inflammation
Official title: Electronic cigarette derived free radicals, oxidative stress and inflammation in lung cancer development
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11019698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using e-cigarettes might harm your lungs and potentially lead to lung cancer, by testing on mice to see how the chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can cause lung problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,464 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270608-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use e-cigarettes and are concerned about their lung health or cancer risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or have pre-existing lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on lung health, particularly their role in causing inflammation and oxidative stress that could lead to lung cancer. Using a chronic mouse model, the study examines how exposure to e-cigarette aerosol, which contains toxic substances like free radicals and acetaldehydes, can induce lung tumors. The research employs advanced imaging techniques and histopathological analysis to understand the mechanisms of cancer development associated with e-cigarette use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the cancer risks associated with e-cigarette use, potentially leading to better prevention strategies and public health policies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on e-cigarettes is relatively novel, previous research has established a strong link between tobacco smoking, oxidative stress, and cancer, suggesting that similar mechanisms may be at play with e-cigarette use.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zweier, Jay Louis — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zweier, Jay Louis
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.