Smoking risks are strongly dose-related. Lung cancer risks are shown to leap from 10-fold to 70-fold with increases of daily cigarette consumption. To reduce tobacco exposure and its corresponding hazards is a first step in transitioning resistant smokers who are unwilling or unable to commit to quitting. Traditionally, abstinence programs target the highly-motivated smoker ready to quit or take action. 80% of tobacco users, however, do not plan an attempt in the next six months. 50% will never quit. Reasons cited include unwillingness to forego the pleasure, discouragement with past failures, and intolerance of side effects. Occasionally, a """"""""chink in the armor"""""""" appears and smokers become open to seriously cutting back. Smoking reduction is increasingly recognized as a first step in moving refractory tobacco users toward harm reduction and later stages of change, including the ideal of abstinence. Smoking reduction may reach deeper into pre-contemplative and intransigent segments who are otherwise unresponsive. Success at achieving more limited goals may rebuild self-efficacy loss. This study will demonstrate a technological breakthrough that delivers a scheduled reduction regimen programmed to decrease to and maintain usage at 50% of baseline. Sophisticated biomarkers will verify reduction in uptake of carcinogens, toxins and nicotine.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
3R43CA088556-01S1
Application #
6455650
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1 (01))
Program Officer
Dresser, Connie M
Project Start
2000-08-25
Project End
2001-08-30
Budget Start
2000-08-25
Budget End
2001-08-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$15,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Lifetechniques, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
130475028
City
San Antonio
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78205