Effect of Sustained Smoking Cessation Counseling and Provision of Medication vs Shorter-term Counseling and Medication Advice on Smoking Abstinence in Patients Recently Diagnosed With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
RCT (303 smokers recently diagnosed with cancer at 2 centres in the US) found superior six-month biochemically confirmed quit rates for an intensive quitting assistance regimen vs standard care (34.5% vs 21.5%, OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.13-3.27).
Source:
Journal of the American Medical Association
SPS commentary:
A related editorial concludes that implementing intensive cessation counselling requires more than formulaic algorithms of treatment protocols. System-level change supported by patients, clinician groups, and cancer centres must occur, with provision of resources from payers and health care systems. In such an environment, clinicians can call on the best evidence from well-designed studies and use the art of medicine: the connection and empathy that foster patient trust and tailor treatments to each individual, devoid of stigma and judgment.