Testing how well smokers can identify cigarette flavors
Sensory Evaluation of Cigarettes Claiming Removal of Menthol as a Characterizing Flavor
This study tests how well daily smokers can recognize different flavors in menthol cigarettes to understand how it affects their smoking habits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06816459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the ability of current daily smokers to identify flavors in menthol cigarettes. It involves a consumer panel of adult smokers who will participate in a series of tests assessing their smell and taste perceptions of various cigarette products. Participants will complete three testing sessions, including the Brief Smell Identification Test and specific smell and taste tests for different cigarette samples. The study aims to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on flavor identification and its implications for smoking behavior.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-55 who are current daily smokers of factory-made menthol cigarettes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or who use other tobacco products concurrently may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how flavoring influences smoking behavior and dependence, potentially informing public health policies.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored the effects of menthol on smoking behavior, this specific approach to flavor identification in cigarettes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 21-55 years old * Current daily smoker of factory-made menthol cigarettes * General good health (assessed by self-rated health item) * Completion of Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) with no identification of deficits Exclusion Criteria: * Daily concurrent use of other tobacco products (e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco) * Known allergies to mint (peppermint, spearmint), menthol * Self-reported olfactory or taste deficits * Pregnant or nursing participants, as indicated by self-report * History of medications known to interfere with sense of smell * Positive diagnosis of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) within 10 days of enrollment * Current upper respiratory infection or sinus congestion (e.g., cold, flu, seasonal allergies) (by self report)
Where this trial is running
Buffalo, New York
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute — Buffalo, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard J O'Connor — Roswell Park Cancer Institute
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.