Using e-cigarettes to help smokers during lung cancer screening

Assessing E-Cigarettes for Tobacco Harm Reduction in the Context of Lung Cancer Screening

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06472869

This study is testing whether giving free e-cigarettes to smokers during lung cancer screening can help them quit smoking and improve their habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06472869 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of providing complimentary electronic cigarettes to individuals who continue to smoke after cessation treatment in the context of lung cancer screening. Participants will switch from combustible cigarettes to the NJOY ACE e-cigarette for four weeks, and their tobacco use behavior and biomarkers will be monitored. The study aims to assess enrollment rates, completion rates, and the impact of e-cigarette use on smoking habits. Participants will be followed for an additional four weeks after the e-cigarette provision ends.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are smokers who have not quit after cessation treatment and are willing to switch to e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who plan to quit smoking within the next 30 days or have recently used smoking cessation treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help smokers reduce their tobacco use and potentially improve their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants who completed the Screen Assist study (NCT03611881) and self-reported smoking cigarettes at the end of the study were asked to complete a survey to ascertain their potential interest in participating in a research study to test the effects of switching from combustible cigarettes (CC) to electronic cigarettes (EC). Individuals who expressed interest in switching to EC on that survey were screened for eligibility for this pilot study
* Smoked ≥5 cigarettes/day in past month
* Smoking status at study entry confirmed by breath carbon monoxide (CO) ≥ 6ppm
* Willing to try switching from CC to EC for 4 weeks
* Owns a mobile telephone
* English speaking
* Willing to travel to the Massachusetts General Hospital campus for 3 in-person visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Plans to quit smoking and has set a quit date in the next 30 days
* Used smoking cessation treatment in the past 30 days
* Used EC on \>2 days in the past 30 days
* Hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, stroke, pneumonia or chronic pulmonary disease/asthma exacerbation in the past 1 month
* Not willing to abstain from smoking marijuana in the 24h before each study visit

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Electronic Cigarette UseSmoking, CigaretteNicotine DependenceTobacco Use Disorder
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.