Dissolution of Phenanthrene in Lungs of Former and Non-Smokers
Official title: Investigating Vaped Phenanthrene Biomarkers in Former Smokers
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT07134426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether phenanthrene breakdown in the lungs differs between former smokers and people who never smoked to see if it links to higher lung cancer risk after quitting.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07134426 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 21 who are former daily cigarette smokers (quit 1–20 years ago) or non-smokers with no tobacco or nicotine use.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with current respiratory, cardiovascular, liver disease, cancer history, pregnancy, or adverse reactions to vaping may not benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study uses phenanthrene as a metabolic marker to compare lung processing in former cigarette smokers who quit 1–20 years ago with non-smokers who have never used tobacco. Participants may receive the D10-phenanthrene marker under an IND, but the drug itself is not being tested for treatment. The goal is to understand whether former smokers metabolize inhaled compounds through more harmful pathways, which could inform future cancer prevention or treatment strategies. The study does not involve a therapeutic intervention for cancer; it focuses on metabolism and exposure effects in the lungs. It is conducted at the University of Minnesota and targets adults who can safely participate under specified health criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could improve our understanding of lung cancer risk in former smokers and guide future prevention or early detection strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has used metabolic markers to study lung processing; this study explores a similar approach in a population with differing smoking histories, which is relatively novel for this specific marker.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \> 21 years of age * In good physical \& mental health * In stable physical \& mental health * Have tried vaping * Former daily cigarette smokers who quit 1-20 year ago * Non-smokers who have not used tobacco or nicotine products Exclusion Criteria: * Has any respiratory disease (ex - asthma, COPD, etc...) * Has/had high blood pressure * Has/had liver disease * Has/had cancer * Has experience negative effects when vaped previously * Pregnant or nursing
Where it's running
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephen Hecht — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Aleksandra Alcheva
- Email: alche003@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-422-8902
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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.