AI Insight
A randomized clinical trial conducted by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that a virtual smoking cessation program combining therapy and nicotine replacement medications nearly doubled quit rates among cancer patients who smoke. The intervention was tested in community oncology care settings through the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, with results showing approximately twice the quit rate at six months post-treatment compared to standard care. The program was well-utilized by participating patients, demonstrating feasibility in real-world cancer care environments.
Why it matters
Smoking during cancer treatment can reduce treatment effectiveness and worsen outcomes, making cessation critical for patient survival and quality of life. The virtual delivery model makes this evidence-based intervention scalable and accessible across diverse community oncology settings where most cancer patients receive care.
Understand the Science
A new study shows that a smoking cessation treatment program delivered in community oncology care settings can nearly double quit rates for patients with cancer who currently smoke. Investigators from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center led a randomized clinical trial for the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN), testing a treatment program that includes virtual therapy and nicotine replacement medications. Results, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, show that the intervention was well used and nearly doubled the quit rate at six months post-treatment.