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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Nov 11;29(11):8579-8590.
doi: 10.3390/curroncol29110676.

Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes Might Promote Tobacco Smoking Reduction Better Than Nicotine Delivery Devices: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial at 1 Year

Claudio Lucchiari  1 , Marianna Masiero  2   3 , Ketti Mazzocco  2   3 , Giulia Veronesi  4   5 , Patrick Maisonneuve  6 , Costantino Jemos  7 , Emanuela Omodeo Salè  7 , Stefania Spina  8 , Raffaella Bertolotti  9 , Derna Busacchio  3 , Gabriella Pravettoni  2   3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes Might Promote Tobacco Smoking Reduction Better Than Nicotine Delivery Devices: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial at 1 Year

Claudio Lucchiari et al. Curr Oncol. .

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the use of e-cigarettes to aid in quitting contributed to the increase in the pulmonary health of chronic smokers. The efficacy of e-cigarettes to support a successful smoking cessation attempt was also investigated. A total of 210 smokers (78 women) were enrolled in a screening program for the early detection of lung cancer and distributed in three arms: nicotine e-cigarette plus support, nicotine-free e-cigarette plus support, and support. Results showed that participants in the nicotine e-cigarette arm had a significant and fast decrease in daily cigarettes, but that later they resume smoking more than the other two groups. Conversely, participants in the other two arms showed similar daily consumption at the two evaluation points. Among abstinent participants, only 12.5% reported cough, while 48% of current smokers had pulmonary symptoms. Our study suggests that, in the long run, the use of a nicotine-free liquid may favor reducing smoking and could be considered a good option in a clinical setting.

Keywords: cancer screening; decision-making; e-cigarette; personality; smoking.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT Flow Diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in Cough related quality of life as measured by LCQ throughout the study.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in anxiety level as measured by HAD subscale throughout the study.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of quitters during the study by arm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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