Developing the science base for reducing tobacco harm

Abstract

The University of Minnesota Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center has been examining the multiple dimensions and the scientific evidence required to determine the feasibility of tobacco harm reduction as a means to reduce tobacco-related mortality and morbidity. Because of the complexity associated with exploring this area, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. The research components that have been of particular focus at our center include (a) developing and validating biomarkers of tobacco-related exposure and toxicity, (b) developing animal models and designing studies with humans to assess a variety of smoking reduction approaches and potential reduced exposure products, and (c) determining individual differences in response to these interventions and products. A description of the ongoing activities and challenges in these areas is provided, along with projected directions for the future.

A pilot randomized study of smokeless tobacco use among smokers not interested in quitting: Changes in smoking behavior and readiness to quit

“…Several analyses of Swedish smokers, in whom use of smokeless tobacco is prominent, suggest that self-selected use of smokeless tobacco is associated with increased cessation (Furberg et al, 2005(Furberg et al, , 2007Gilljam & Galanti, 2003). A better test of the influence of PREPs on smoking and cessation would be through randomized clinical trials, but few such studies exist (Hatsukami et al, 2008). In a recent study on Danish smokers (Tonnesen, Mikkelsen, & Bremann, 2008), 263 smokers were randomized to receive cessation counseling and/or smokeless tobacco.…”

“…Many researchers and public health officials question the overall population impact of PREPs (for reviews, see Hatsukami, Benowitz, Rennard, Oncken, & Hecht, 2006;Hatsukami et al, 2008;Pederson & Nelson, 2007). Whether PREPs are a viable or an unacceptable form of tobacco control is not yet known and is of crucial public health significance.…”

Impact of Smokeless Tobacco Products on Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Policy, Prevention, and Treatment

“…Smokeless tobacco products have also been collectively referred to as spit tobacco, because moist snuff or chewing tobacco may require spitting. 5 In the United States, however, the types of ST products have been evolving, such that tobacco companies are manufacturing spitless ST products (pouched moist snuff) and compressed tobacco lozenges. 5 ST products are manufactured through a wide variety of processes (finely ground/shredded tobacco or powdered tobacco).…”

Behavioral Oncology and the War on Cancer: Partnering with Biomedicine

“…For example, interdisciplinary research has led to the validation of novel biomarkers of tobacco harm, which are being applied to the study of new potentially reduced exposure tobacco products (16,17). Such efforts are being expanded to the international level to combat increased international marketing efforts of U.S. tobacco companies (18).…”