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Integrating Tobacco Treatment Into Cancer Care: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Integrating Tobacco Treatment Into Cancer Care: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01871506
Enrollment
303
Registered
2013-06-06
Start date
2013-09-30
Completion date
2018-05-31
Last updated
2019-08-28

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Smoking Cessation

Brief summary

There are currently over 11 million cancer survivors in the U.S. and survival rates are increasing. Unfortunately, 10-30% of cancer patients are current smokers at the time of diagnosis, and many of these patients have elevated socioeconomic, medical, and psychosocial vulnerabilities. Documented risks associated with continued smoking following cancer diagnosis include decreased survival time; increased complications from surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; and increased risk of second primary tumors. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Public Health Service evidence-based tobacco treatment guidelines exist but have not been integrated into the cancer setting. This is a tremendous missed opportunity to address a modifiable risk factor. In recognition of this treatment gap, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored a conference in 2009 to address how to increase the readiness and capacity for delivery of tobacco treatment in Cancer Centers. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends identification, advice, and counseling of all smokers by their second oncology visit as a core quality indicator; however, currently only half of patients report being asked about tobacco use. Specific Aim: To conduct a randomized controlled comparative effectiveness trial of two strategies to promote smoking cessation in suspected or newly diagnosed cancer patients. Study Design: A multi-site randomized controlled comparative effectiveness trial will enroll 295 current smokers with suspected or newly diagnosed melanoma, lymphoma, thoracic, breast, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, head and neck, or gynecologic cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive Intensive Counseling (IC) or Standard Care (SC). Both groups will receive an initial motivational counseling session and 3 weekly follow-up counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment counselor, conducted in-person or by telephone. The IC arm has the option to also receive: * Smoking Cessation Medication: Up to a 12-week supply of FDA approved smoking cessation medication (Varenicline, bupropion, or combination NRT) at no cost to the participant. * Extended Counseling: An additional 4 biweekly and 3 monthly proactive counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment counselor (total of 11 counseling contacts). All participants will complete 1 baseline and 2 follow-up surveys, at 3 and 6 months. Self-reported abstinence will be biochemically confirmed at 3 and 6 months.

Detailed description

Specific Aims Aim 1: To compare the effectiveness of two tobacco treatments that are integrated into cancer care in producing tobacco abstinence at 6 months. Aim 2: To explore: a) mechanisms through which treatment promotes abstinence; b) subpopulations in which abstinence is promoted; and c) which aspects of treatment promote abstinence. Aim 3: To compare the incremental cost effectiveness (cost per quit) of two tobacco treatments. Exploratory Aim: To identify the percentage and associated characteristics of smokers who 1) enroll in tobacco treatment and 2) adhere to tobacco treatment.

Interventions

1. Initial counseling session: The initial counseling session will last approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted in-person or by phone by a tobacco treatment counselor. The session will be structured in a 5 As format and utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. 2. 3 Weekly Follow-up Counseling Sessions: SC Patients will be offered 3 weekly proactive follow-up sessions, concentrated on quitting and staying quit throughout cancer treatment. 3. Medication advice: The tobacco counselor will advise SC subjects to use smoking cessation medication to assist with their quit. Smoking cessation medication will not be provided by the study free of cost for SC subjects.

BEHAVIORALIntensive Counseling (IC)

The IC model includes all components of the SC as well as extended counseling support and up to 90 days of free FDA approved smoking cessation medication. 1. Extended counseling support: Participants in the IC group will be offered the same initial 4 counseling sessions as the SC group as well as 4 additional proactive biweekly sessions and 3 monthly booster sessions. 2. Smoking cessation medication: IC participants will be offered a 4-week supply of FDA-approved smoking cessation medication (varenicline, bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy) of their choice, with the option to renew the medication twice for up to 90 days of free medication. Participants are not required to take smoking cessation medication.

Sponsors

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
CollaboratorNIH
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
CollaboratorNIH
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Adult men and women may participate in this study if he/she meet the following requirements: 1. Current, new\* patient at one of our three participating study sites: Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI); 2. Currently with suspected or newly diagnosed cancer (thoracic, breast, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, head and neck, gynecologic, lymphoma, melanoma); 3. Has smoked a cigarette, even a puff, in the past 30 days; 4. Is willing to consider trying to quit smoking using counseling and/or smoking cessation medication; 5. Is English or Spanish speaking (MGH); English speaking (MSK; DFCI); 6. Has regular telephone access. \[\*Patients will be considered new and eligible under the following conditions: 1. if they are attending approximately one of their first 4 visits or are within approximately 3 months of the initial visit date with their primary oncologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) for suspected or recently diagnosed cancer; 2. if they come to the MGH, MSKCC, or DFCI for a second opinion, the patient opts to receive their cancer treatment at any of these institutions; 3. if they have a past cancer diagnosis, they are currently faced with a local and distant recurrence of tumors; 4. if they have been treated previously for other types of cancer, they are currently faced with a new form of cancer.\]

Exclusion criteria

In an effort to be as inclusive as possible, a patient will be excluded only if he/she: 1. Is NOT currently receiving or has no intentions to receive care at one of three participating cancer treatment centers: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI); 2. Is currently psychiatrically unstable or otherwise unable to provide informed consent as determined by study investigators or oncology clinician; 3. Is not English or Spanish speaking; 4. Is medically ineligible (as determined by their treating physician); 5. Has insufficient comprehension/literacy. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Participant inclusion/exclusion is not based on use of smoking cessation medication -- he/she may decide not to use any smoking cessation medication and still participate in the study. Patients deemed ineligible will be referred to the state quit line. Patients interested in participating in the study should contact the appropriate contact person, based on whether they are a current patient at the MGH, MSKCC, or DFCI.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 6 Months6 monthsNumber of participants with 7-day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6-month follow-up, assessed by biochemically confirmed saliva cotinine (\<15 ng/ml76, 82) or \<10 ppm expired air carbon monoxide (CO) for participants concurrently using NRT

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants With Continuous Tobacco Abstinence3 months to 6 monthsNumber of Participants with Continuous tobacco abstinence (between quit and follow-up) at 3 & 6 months
Number of Participants With Sustained Tobacco Abstinence6 monthsNumber of Participants with Biochemically confirmed repeated point prevalence abstinence at 3 & 6 months
Number of Participants With Self-reported 7-day Point Prevalence.6 monthsNumber of Participants with Self-reported smoking abstinence of at least 7 days
The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation PharmacotherapyTreatment Initiation to 6 month follow-upThe number of IT participants who used 1) smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (Y/N dispensed) 2) smoking cessation counseling (Y/N), 3) 1-2 4-week refills, 4) took 1-3 monthly booster sessions.
Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 3 Months3 monthsNumber of participants with7 -day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at 3-month follow-up, assessed by biochemically confirmed saliva cotinine (\<15 ng/ml76, 82) or \<10 ppm expired air carbon monoxide (CO) for participants concurrently using NRT
The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-2 4-week RefillsTreatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-upThe number of intervention participants who took 1-2 4-week refills of smoking cessation medication
The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-3 Monthly Booster SessionsTreatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-upThe number of IT participants who took 1-3 monthly booster sessions of smoking cessation counseling
Cost-effectiveness6 monthsThe cost of the standard of care treatment and the cost of the intensive treatment.
The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation CounselingTreatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-upThe number of intervention participants who used smoking cessation counseling during the study (Y/N)

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Between 11/25/2013 and 7/1/2017 4709 patients were screened for eligibility. 2659 were eligible based on screen criteria; 1808 did not complete the screen. Of the 851 who were approached to complete the screen, 405 were ineligible, 303 enrolled and were randomized, and 143 refused (84 refused consent and 59 did not complete the baseline survey)

Pre-assignment details

Of the 446 eligible for the study, 303 were randomized, 84 were eligible but refused consent (top 3 reasons: too upset, did not need help, had no time) and 59 were eligible but were not randomized because they did not complete a baseline survey.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Standard Treatment (ST)
Participants randomized to standard treatment will have the option to receive 4 behavioral counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment counselor and medication advice. Standard Treatment (ST): (1) Initial counseling session: The initial counseling session will last approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted in-person or by phone by a tobacco treatment counselor. The session will be structured in a 5 As format and utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. (2) 3 Weekly Follow-up Counseling Sessions: ST Patients will be offered 3 weekly proactive follow-up sessions, concentrated on quitting and staying quit throughout cancer treatment. (3) Medication advice: The tobacco counselor will advise SC subjects to use smoking cessation medication to assist with their quit. Smoking cessation medication will not be provided by the study free of cost for SC subjects.
150
Intensive Treatment (IT)
Participants randomized to intensive treatment (IT) will receive the same 4 initial behavioral counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment counselor as participants in the SC arm. IC participants have the option to also receive: * Extended Counseling: An additional 4 biweekly and 3 monthly proactive counseling sessions with a tobacco treatment counselor (total of 11 counseling contacts). * Smoking Cessation Medication: Up to a 12-week supply of FDA approved smoking cessation medication \[varenicline, bupropion, or combination NRT (patch + lozenge)\] at no cost to the participant. Intensive Counseling: The IT model includes all components of the ST as well as extended counseling support and up to 90 days of free FDA approved smoking cessation medication.
153
Total303

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicStandard Treatment (ST)TotalIntensive Treatment (IT)
Age, Continuous58 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.5
58 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.7
58 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.9
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
4 Participants11 Participants7 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
146 Participants292 Participants146 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants3 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
17 Participants31 Participants14 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
131 Participants265 Participants134 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
150 participants303 participants153 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
83 Participants170 Participants87 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
67 Participants133 Participants66 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
9 / 1504 / 153
other
Total, other adverse events
17 / 15041 / 153
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 1500 / 153

Outcome results

Primary

Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 6 Months

Number of participants with 7-day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6-month follow-up, assessed by biochemically confirmed saliva cotinine (\<15 ng/ml76, 82) or \<10 ppm expired air carbon monoxide (CO) for participants concurrently using NRT

Time frame: 6 months

Population: Twenty participants were too ill or deceased to complete follow-up assessment. Given the study participant population of cancer patients, our trial was powered accounting for cancer deaths and reporting participants who were alive at follow-up assessment.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Standard Treatment (ST)Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 6 Months29 Participants
Intensive Treatment (IT)Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 6 Months51 Participants
Secondary

Cost-effectiveness

The cost of the standard of care treatment and the cost of the intensive treatment.

Time frame: 6 months

Population: Cost per quit (in dollars) are shown below.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Standard Treatment (ST)Cost-effectiveness638 dollars
Intensive Treatment (IT)Cost-effectiveness1144 dollars
Secondary

Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 3 Months

Number of participants with7 -day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at 3-month follow-up, assessed by biochemically confirmed saliva cotinine (\<15 ng/ml76, 82) or \<10 ppm expired air carbon monoxide (CO) for participants concurrently using NRT

Time frame: 3 months

Population: Twenty participants were too ill or deceased to complete follow-up assessment. Given the study participant population of cancer patients, our trial was powered accounting for cancer deaths and reporting participants who were alive at follow-up assessment.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Standard Treatment (ST)Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 3 Months28 Participants
Intensive Treatment (IT)Number of Participants With Biochemically Verified 7-day Point Prevalence Tobacco Abstinence at 3 Months46 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Continuous Tobacco Abstinence

Number of Participants with Continuous tobacco abstinence (between quit and follow-up) at 3 & 6 months

Time frame: 3 months to 6 months

Population: Twenty participants were too ill or deceased to complete follow-up assessment. Given the study participant population of cancer patients, our trial was powered accounting for cancer deaths and reporting participants who were alive at follow-up assessment.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Standard Treatment (ST)Number of Participants With Continuous Tobacco Abstinence26 Participants
Intensive Treatment (IT)Number of Participants With Continuous Tobacco Abstinence43 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Self-reported 7-day Point Prevalence.

Number of Participants with Self-reported smoking abstinence of at least 7 days

Time frame: 6 months

Population: Twenty participants were too ill or deceased to complete follow-up assessment. Given the study participant population of cancer patients, our trial was powered accounting for cancer deaths and reporting participants who were alive at follow-up assessment.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Standard Treatment (ST)Number of Participants With Self-reported 7-day Point Prevalence.42 Participants
Intensive Treatment (IT)Number of Participants With Self-reported 7-day Point Prevalence.54 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Sustained Tobacco Abstinence

Number of Participants with Biochemically confirmed repeated point prevalence abstinence at 3 & 6 months

Time frame: 6 months

Population: Twenty participants were too ill or deceased to complete follow-up assessment. Given the study participant population of cancer patients, our trial was powered accounting for cancer deaths and reporting participants who were alive at follow-up assessment.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Standard Treatment (ST)Number of Participants With Sustained Tobacco Abstinence17 Participants
Intensive Treatment (IT)Number of Participants With Sustained Tobacco Abstinence35 Participants
Secondary

The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-2 4-week Refills

The number of intervention participants who took 1-2 4-week refills of smoking cessation medication

Time frame: Treatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-up

Population: Only assessed intensive treatment arm

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Intensive Treatment (IT)The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-2 4-week Refills87 Participants
Secondary

The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-3 Monthly Booster Sessions

The number of IT participants who took 1-3 monthly booster sessions of smoking cessation counseling

Time frame: Treatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-up

Population: Only assessed intensive treatment arm

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Intensive Treatment (IT)The Number of IT Participants Who Took 1-3 Monthly Booster Sessions99 Participants
Secondary

The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation Counseling

The number of intervention participants who used smoking cessation counseling during the study (Y/N)

Time frame: Treatment Initiation to 6 Month Follow-up

Population: Only assessed intensive treatment arm

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Intensive Treatment (IT)The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation Counseling153 Participants
Secondary

The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapy

The number of IT participants who used 1) smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (Y/N dispensed) 2) smoking cessation counseling (Y/N), 3) 1-2 4-week refills, 4) took 1-3 monthly booster sessions.

Time frame: Treatment Initiation to 6 month follow-up

Population: Only assessed intensive treatment arm.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Intensive Treatment (IT)The Number of IT Participants Who Used Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapy122 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 24, 2026