Tobacco cessation program for FDNY firefighters

Preventing Lung Cancer Through Tobacco Cessation at FDNY

Phase 4 Interventional Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT05997225

This study tests a new tobacco cessation program for firefighters to see if personalized support and medication can help them quit smoking better than standard methods.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAlbert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brooklyn, New York)
Trial IDNCT05997225 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to improve tobacco cessation rates among high-risk smokers enrolled in the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program. It compares an Enhanced Care intervention, which includes opt-out enrollment and tailored counseling based on lung function and CT screening results, to Standard Care. Participants will receive varenicline treatment starting four weeks before their target quit date. The goal is to engage smokers who have struggled with traditional cessation methods and to assess the effectiveness of this new approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are retired FDNY firefighters aged 50 and older who are current or recent smokers with a significant smoking history.

Not a fit: Patients with reduced renal function, active cancer treatment, or those who have recently used varenicline may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase tobacco cessation rates among high-risk smokers, improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that opt-out enrollment strategies can significantly improve engagement and cessation rates, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion

* Enrolled in FDNY WTCHP
* Retired
* Age ≥ 50 years old
* Self-reported current smoker on most recent questionnaire OR self-reported current smoker in the past 5 years
* 20 pack-year smoker OR 20-year smoking duration

Exclusion

* Reduced renal function\*
* estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 \[CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation (2021)\] at last WTC medical monitoring blood exam OR ICD10 codes for kidney disease: N04.9, N17.9, N18.9, Z94.0, E13.21, N18.9, I12.9, N00.9, N03.9
* Undergoing active cancer treatment, defined as being diagnosed on 1/1/2022 or later
* Clinical instability (e.g., hospitalization in last 3 months)
* Using varenicline in last 30 days†
* Endorsing suicidal ideations: moderate or high risk on C-SSRS
* Screened for alcohol use disorder AUDIT\>15

Where this trial is running

Brooklyn, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tobacco UseTobacco SmokingTobacco Use CessationWorld Trade Center Health Programoccupational medicinetobacco cessationlifestyle medicineopt-out treatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.