Comparing menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes for adult menthol smokers
Official title: The Impact of Menthol Flavoring on Switching in Adult Menthol Smokers
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT05555069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether menthol-flavored e-cigarettes help adult menthol smokers switch from regular cigarettes better than tobacco-flavored ones.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 8, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05555069 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who smoke at least 5 menthol cigarettes per day and are interested in switching to e-cigarettes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are actively seeking to quit smoking or have used other tobacco products recently may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates how effective menthol-flavored e-cigarettes are compared to tobacco-flavored ones in helping adult menthol smokers switch from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes. A total of 800 menthol smokers will be randomly assigned to use either flavor for 12 weeks, with follow-up extending to 26 weeks. The primary goal is to measure the rate of switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes at the 12-week mark.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective method for menthol smokers to transition away from combustible cigarettes, potentially improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success with e-cigarette interventions, but this specific comparison of menthol versus tobacco flavors is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 21 years of age * Smoke ≥ 5 cigarettes per day (CPD) * Smoke menthol cigarettes for ≥ 6 months * Verified smoker (CO \>5ppm) * Functioning telephone * Interested in switching to E-cigarettes Exclusion Criteria: * Interested in quitting smoking * Use of other tobacco products in past 30 days (i.e. cigarillos, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, pipes) * E-cigarette use on ≥ 4 of the past 30 days * Uncontrolled hypertension: BP ≥ 180(systolic) or ≥ 105 (diastolic) * Use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in the month prior to enrollment * Pregnant, contemplating getting pregnant, or breastfeeding * Plans to move from Kansas City during the treatment and follow-up phase * Another household member enrolled in the study
Where it's running
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Nollen, PhD — University of Kanas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tricia Snow
- Email: psnow@kumc.edu
- Phone: 816-398-8960
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Trauma-informed smoking cessation support during pregnancy
This project will test a trauma-informed smoking cessation program that combines the 4Rs with the 5As to help pregnant women who smoke and have histories of trauma.
-
Using an air quality monitor to encourage smoke-free homes for cancer patients
This study is testing if using an air quality monitor can help cancer patients who smoke create smoke-free homes and quit smoking.
-
A mobile game to help young people quit smoking
This study tests a smartphone game designed to help young people aged 16-25 quit smoking by using fun strategies and support over five weeks.
-
E-health intervention to reduce smoking exposure in children
This study is testing a new app for parents to help reduce secondhand smoke exposure for children under six years old and see if it improves their health.
-
Using brain stimulation and thinking strategies to reduce smoking cravings
This study is trying to see if using brain stimulation along with different thinking strategies can help moderate to heavy smokers feel less craving for cigarettes when they look at smoking-related images.
-
Switching to e-cigarettes for African American smokers
This study is testing whether switching to nicotine salt e-cigarettes can help African American smokers cut down on their cigarette use and reduce harm from smoking.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.