Importance Of Smoking Cessation Research Articles

Smoking and survival after breast cancer diagnosis in Japanese women: A prospective cohort study.

The results of previous studies investigating whether there is an association between active smoking and risk of death among breast cancer patients have been inconsistent. We investigated the association between active and passive smoking and risk of all-cause and breast cancer-specific death among female breast cancer patients in relation to menopausal and tumor estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status. The present study included 848 patients admitted to a single hospital in Japan from 1997 to 2007. Active or passive smoking status was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The patients were followed until 31 December 2010. We used a Cox proportional-hazard model to estimate hazard ratios (HR). During a median follow-up period of 6.7 years, 170 all-cause and 132 breast cancer-specific deaths were observed. Among premenopausal patients, current smokers showed a non-significant higher risk of all-cause and breast cancer-specific death. A duration of smoking >21.5 years was positively associated with all-cause (HR = 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–8.20) and breast cancer-specific death (HR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.22–9.23, Ptrend = 0.035) among premenopausal patients. In premenopausal patients with ER+ or PR+ tumors, there was some suggestion that a longer duration of smoking was associated with higher risk of all-cause and breast cancer-specific death. Passive smoking demonstrated no significant risk. Our results suggest that a longer duration of active smoking is associated with an increased risk of all-cause and breast cancer-specific death among premenopausal patients, possibly with hormonal receptor-positive tumors. Breast cancer patients should be informed about the importance of smoking cessation.

Efficacy of a tobacco quitline among adult cancer survivors

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study (conducted 2010–2013) was to determine the efficacy of two common types of tobacco quitlines in adult cancer survivors who regularly smoked cigarettes. MethodAdult onset cancer survivors in Memphis, Tennessee (n=427, 67% female, 60% Caucasian) were randomized either to a Proactive (i.e., counselor-initiated calls) or Reactive (i.e., participant-initiated calls) quitline. Both conditions also received nicotine replacement therapy. The primary outcome was biochemically-verified (i.e., salivary cotinine) smoking cessation. ResultsWhile 12-month self-reported abstinence was consistent with other published studies of smoking cessation (22% and 26% point prevalence abstinence for Proactive and Reactive conditions, respectively), 48% of participants who were tested for cotinine failed biochemical verification, indicating a considerable falsification of self-reported cessation. Adjusted cessation rates were less than 5% in both intervention conditions. ConclusionOur results are consistent with other studies indicating that traditional smoking cessation interventions are ineffective among cancer survivors. Moreover, self-reports of cessation were unreliable in cancer survivors participating in a quitline intervention, indicating that future studies should include biochemical verification. Given the importance of smoking cessation among cancer survivors and low cessation rates in the current study, it may be necessary to design alternative interventions for this population.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00827866.

Practice Variation in Long-term Secondary Stroke Prevention in The Netherlands

Stroke guidelines emphasize the importance of adequate vascular risk factor assessment and management in transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke patients, but it is not clear how these guidelines are applied in routine clinical practice. The limited data that are available indicate that TIA and ischemic stroke patients often do not receive the recommended interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate practice variations in long-term secondary stroke prevention in The Netherlands. Between June and December 2013, an invitation for a web-based survey was sent to 90 Dutch neurologists with a special interest in stroke neurology. This web-based survey contained questions regarding the organization of outpatient care for TIA and ischemic stroke patients after initial hospital assessment, pharmacologic treatment, and nonpharmacologic strategies for long-term secondary prevention. In total, 84 (93%) neurologists completed the survey. Although nearly all respondents reported that they follow-up TIA and ischemic stroke patients after initial hospital assessment, the number of follow-up visits and the follow-up duration were variable. A similar variation was found in treatment targets levels for both blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Regarding nonpharmacologic strategies for long-term secondary stroke prevention, most respondents inform their TIA and ischemic stroke patients about the importance of smoking cessation. There is considerably less attention for the other lifestyle risk factors. We found considerable practice variation in long-term secondary stroke prevention. These variations may have an impact on the risk for stroke recurrence and cardiovascular disease in general.

Optimizing smoking cessation resource awareness among patients and providers.

85 Background: Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis, many patients continue to smoke during treatment, negatively affecting their outcomes and putting them at risk for secondary cancers. We witnessed that limited smoking cessation (SC) discussions were occurring among patients and providers (MDs/NPs) and hypothesized that this was partially due to the providers' lack of awareness of the current SC resources available. Methods: We surveyed the head and neck oncology (HNO) providers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to evaluate their awareness about existing SC resources within the community. We performed a 6-month chart review of active smokers to evaluate frequency of documented SC discussions in clinic, and developed several targeted interventions: we educated the HNO providers on available SC resources within the community; developed a SC resource teaching sheet for smoking patients; placed a provider alert page in exam rooms to remind the providers to discuss the SC teaching sheet with the patient; and built a SC discussion template in the electronic medical record to ease documentation. Four weeks post intervention we resurveyed providers and performed chart reviews of active smokers to reevaluate the frequency of SC discussion documentations. Results: Pre-intervention, only 13% of HNO providers were aware of SC resources available within the community and the mean SC discussion documentation was 33%. Post-intervention, 100% of HNO providers became aware of the SC resources available, and the mean SC discussion documentation increased to 76% at 7 weeks. Identification of active smokers in clinic increased from 2-5 smokers per week pre-intervention to 4-13 smokers per week post intervention. Eighty-eight percent of HNO providers felt the intervention prompted them to discuss SC with their patients. Conclusions: The limited number of SC discussions among patients and providers is at least partially due to unawareness of SC resources available within the community. Educating providers, and alerting them to their active smoking patients at the time of their clinic visits, successfully prompted providers to discuss the importance of SC, and empower patients with resources to help them quit.

Change in Smoking Habits After Having Been Screened for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

To study smoking habits among men with abdominal aortic aneurysm at screening at 65 years of age, and during follow-up, as a base-line study to evaluate future interventions. Nested case-control study. Between 2006 and 2011, 8150 65-year-old men (compliance 85%) were screened for AAA in Uppsala County, Sweden. Among 292 men with an aortic diameter of at least 25 mm, 77 were active smokers at the time of screening. At follow-up of smoking habits in 2012, 53 men (69%) participated in this study, 28 had an AAA of at least 30 mm and 25 a sub-aneurysmal aorta (SAA) 25-29 mm at baseline. For each case, one control was randomly selected, all active smokers with aortic diameter less than 25 mm at baseline, matched for age and year of screening. Telephone interviews were performed at a median 34 months (range: 4-67) after screening. Men with AAA had hypertension more often than controls (68% vs. 23%, p < .001). Men with AAA and SAA reported more smoking years than controls (p = .017). Cessation rate among patients with AAA did not differ significantly compared with men with an aorta less than 30 mm (29% vs. 15%, p = .159), but they had reduced their consumption of cigarettes/day significantly more than men with SAA and controls (-8.2 vs. -3.0 vs. -4.5, p = .030). Men with AAA recalled having been informed about the importance of smoking cessation at the time of screening more often (p = .031). There was no difference in growth of the AAA between those who continued, and those who quit smoking (2.03 vs. 2.01 mm/year, p = .982), but the study was not powered to study AAA growth. Although counselling in a normal healthcare setting had some effect, the results indicate a need to tailor interventions to further increase smoking cessation rates among men diagnosed with both AAA and SAA.

Capacity building and collaborative research on cross-national studies in the Asian region

To build capacity and collaborative research for future cross-national studies in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) region, priority research topics were identified and discussed at the April 2013 Conference to Promote Global Health in Taipei. These topics included: (1) neuroscience on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), led by Drs Linda Chang, Gene-Jack Wang, and Betty Tai; (2) ATS and mental health disorders, led by Drs Richard Rawson and Wilson Compton; and (3) HIV/HCV transmission and social networks, led by Drs Steven Shoptaw and Jacques Normand. Potential genetic studies spanning these topical areas as well as the importance of smoking cessation were further discussed, led by Dr Ming Li. Additional priority research topics were also identified: (4) drug use prevention; and (5) family involvement to improve treatment adherence and recovery. Workgroups on these topics will be formed to prioritize research questions within the respective topical area and to determine the next steps. The ultimate goal of these workgroups is to stimulate collaboration that will eventually lead to research studies addressing critical issues related to the rising substance abuse and HIV infection rates in many Asian countries and, at the same time, to advance the scientific knowledge of substance abuse and HIV infection.

Importance of Smoking Cessation in a Lung Cancer Screening Program.

Early detection of lung cancer and smoking cessation interventions can decrease lung cancer mortality, but information on the effectiveness and interaction between smoking cessation and lung cancer screening is sparse and inconsistent. This review aims to synthesize recent studies in two major areas of interest. First, we explore the interactions and potential for synergies between lung cancer screening programs and smoking cessation by summarizing reported changes in smoking behavior observed in major screening trials in the United States and Europe, as well as attempts to use smoking cessation interventions to augment the benefits from lung cancer screening programs. Second, we review the interaction between smoking habits and pre/post-operative pulmonary resection outcomes, including changes in smoking behavior post-diagnosis and post-treatment. Information from these areas should allow us to maximize benefits from smoking cessation interventions through the entire lung cancer screening process, from the screen itself through potential curative resection after diagnosis.

The Evils of Nicotine

As nearly 1 of 5 adult Americans are smokers, plastic surgeons should be familiar with the effect of smoking on perioperative risk, the importance of smoking cessation, and the tools to help patients quit. Cigarette smoke contains over 250 known toxins, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitric oxide, which all are known to impair wound healing, through multiple mechanisms. The relationship of smoking and delayed postoperative wound healing has been established in numerous prospective and retrospective cohort studies (level 2 and 3 evidence), and has been demonstrated across a wide range of surgical disciplines and procedures, including many common plastic surgical procedures. The ameliorating effects of cessation are supported by level 1 evidence, which suggests that the optimal duration of preoperative cessation is 4 weeks or longer. Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation medications are effective aids for quitting and should be familiar to plastic surgeons.

Abstract 4679: A novel assay to predict susceptibility to tobacco-induced disease.

Abstract Background: Tobacco misuse is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Tobacco-induced DNA damage is one of the main mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of cancer, stroke, heart and pulmonary diseases. Tobacco-induced DNA damage is modulated by genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as life-style choices, and is expected to be a major determinant of the individual susceptibility to tobacco-induced diseases. Technical limitations allow only a few types of DNA damage to be quantified in human samples. Recently, we filled a major methodological gap in the field of DNA damage by developing a novel and highly sensitive primer-anchored DNA damage detection assay (PADDA) to map and quantify in vivo levels of DNA damage. Aims: (1) To standardize PADDA for the detection of oxidative DNA damage, one of the main types of tobacco-induced damage. (2) To define the levels of persistent DNA damage in the oral mucosa of smokers. (3) To determine if persistent nucleotide damage at p53 co-localizes with tobacco-induced cancer mutational hotspots. Methods: To standardize the assay, PADDA was used on a high-throughput setting to quantify DNA damage in oral cell lines exposed to very low doses of hydrogen peroxide. DNA damage was mapped and quantified on the p53 gene by PADDA in oral epithelial cells collected from smokers and non-smokers by oral scrapings. The location of p53 nucleotide damage was compared with reported tobacco-induced p53 cancer mutational hotspots. Saliva cotinine levels were used to confirm smoking status. Data were analyzed by chi-square goodness of fit and exact non-parametric tests. Results: Our data documented PADDA's ability to detect dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in human oral cells. DNA damage was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Moreover, we documented for the first time that the persistent DNA damage in the oral mucosa of smokers has significantly higher mutagenic potential than that present in non-smokers and persists mainly at p53 nucleotides that are hotspots for mutation in tobacco-induced cancers. Conclusion: PADDA detects dose-dependent DNA damage response, a crucial test of its accuracy and a prerequisite for its use in biomonitoring. PADDA documents the extent of tobacco-induced DNA damage in vivo, and reinforces the importance of smoking cessation. Of major clinical importance, we show, for the first time, that tobacco-induced DNA damage persists preferentially in p53 nucleotides that are hotspots for mutation. Application of this assay to large series of smokers and former smokers has a major potential to establish biomarkers of susceptibility to tobacco-induced disease, which can guide preventive and diagnostic strategies. Funding: This work was supported by the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science &amp; Technology. Dr. Queimado holds a Presbyterian Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Otorhinolaryngology. Citation Format: Vengatesh Ganapathy, Wilbur K. Mills, Elangovan Thavathiru, Ilangovan Ramachandran, Leslie Chandler, Antonio Reis, Lurdes VF Queimado. A novel assay to predict susceptibility to tobacco-induced disease. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4679. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4679

Increased Framingham 10-year CVD risk in Chinese patients with schizophrenia

Background & hypothesisSchizophrenia is associated with increased mortality rates, which has been attributed to the greater incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The Framingham risk score (FRS) is a widely-used age- and gender-specific algorithm to estimate 10-year CVD risk and vascular age. The main aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular risk profile in schizophrenia and examine the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a predictor of CVD risk. We hypothesized that patients with schizophrenia have an increased 10-year CVD risk. Methods83 Chinese patients with schizophrenia and 243 Chinese community controls were recruited. Their medical and smoking histories were obtained, and anthropometric parameters measured. All subjects provided fasted venous blood samples for lipid and glucose measurements. 10-year CVD risk and the difference between vascular and actual age (VAdiff) for each participant were computed using the FRS and compared between patients and controls. ResultsSchizophrenia patients had a higher mean 10-year CVD risk of 4.6%, as compared with 3.1% in controls, and a greater VAdiff of 4.6years vs. 0.6years. Both smoking and MetS contributed significantly to the 10-year CVD risk in patients with schizophrenia, with smoking having a greater effect than MetS on this risk. ConclusionThis study found a significantly elevated mean 10-year CVD risk and VAdiff in patients with schizophrenia compared with controls. Findings point towards the importance of smoking cessation and screening for MetS to decrease the excess CVD risk in patients with schizophrenia.

Aetiology, genetics and prevention of secondary neoplasms in adult cancer survivors

Second and higher-order malignancies now comprise about 18% of all incident cancers in the USA, superseding first primary cancers of the breast, lung, and prostate. The occurrence of second malignant neoplasms (SMN) is influenced by a myriad of factors, including the late effects of cancer therapy, shared aetiological factors with the primary cancer (such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol intake, and obesity), genetic predisposition, environmental determinants, host effects, and combinations of factors, including gene-environment interactions. The influence of these factors on SMN in survivors of adult-onset cancer is reviewed here. We also discuss how modifiable behavioural and lifestyle factors may contribute to SMN, and how these factors can be managed. Cancer survivorship provides an opportune time for oncologists and other health-care providers to counsel patients with regard to health promotion, not only to reduce SMN risk, but to minimize co-morbidities. In particular, the importance of smoking cessation, weight control, physical activity, and other factors consonant with adoption of a healthy lifestyle should be consistently emphasized to cancer survivors. Clinicians can also play a critical role by endorsing genetic counselling for selected patients and making referrals to dieticians, exercise trainers, and others to assist with lifestyle change interventions.

Smoking and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A small percentage of the population associates smoking with ocular disease. Most optometrists do not stress the importance of smoking cessation to their patients, and the centrality of smoking regarding the risk for ocular disease is not emphasized in optometric education. Age-related macular degeneration has strong epidemiological associations with smoking, and so serves as an appropriate model for the adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the eye. This article aims to provide basic scientific information to optometrists and optometry students so that they can better understand the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and provide education and support to their patients wishing to stop smoking.

Smoking Cessation in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Objective: Comprehensive treatment plans for oncology patients including tobacco smoking cessation interventions are essential, as smoking after the diagnosis of a smoking-related cancer negatively impacts many aspects of treatment in this patient population. The primary objective was to evaluate, through a systematic review, smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in cancer patients. Method: The literature was searched using Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library (inception to September 2011) by 3 independent review authors. Included studies described tobacco smoking cessation interventions with patients randomized to usual care or an intervention. The primary outcome measure was cessation rates. Two authors extracted data independently, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: Eight randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating smoking cessation interventions in the oncology patient population were identified. Pooled relative risks were calculated from 2 groups of RCTs of smoking cessation interventions based on follow-up duration. In both groups, the pooled relative risk did not suggest a statistically significant improvement in tobacco cessation compared to usual care. However, a subgroup analysis looking at newer combination interventions within the last 10 years yielded a statistically significant difference in smoking cessation rates. Conclusion: Despite the importance of smoking cessation in oncology patients, there are a paucity of studies. The review suggests that newer combination interventions involving both nonphamacological and pharmacological approaches, in the last decade, yield a statistically significant difference in smoking cessation rates compared to usual care.

Smoking Status on Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The effect of smoking on prognosis among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is controversial, and data on the importance of smoking cessation or reductions were lacking. Smoking cessation or reductions could reduce the risk of adverse outcomes in patient after PCI. There were 19 506 consecutive patients who had undergone successful PCI between April 2004 and January 2010 followed. Extensive data, including self-reported smoking habits, were obtained at baseline and during follow-up. Compared with post-PCI quitters and persistent smokers, the nonsmokers and pre-PCI quitters were older and had a higher prevalence of comorbid factors such as hypertension and impaired left ventricle function. The adjusted hazard ratios for mortality were 2.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-3.30) for nonsmokers, 0.52 (95% CI: 0.32-0.84) for pre-PCI quitters, and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06-0.22) for post-PCI quitters, compared to persistent smokers. With respect to additional revascularizations, a higher risk was observed among the quitters (1.70 [95% CI: 1.40-2.08] for pre-PCI quitters and 1.59 [95% CI: 1.36-1.85] for post-PCI quitters) as well as the nonsmokers (1.40 [95% CI: 1.20-1.64]). Among persistent smokers, each reduction of 5 cigarettes/day was associated with a 72% decline in mortality risk (P < 0.001) but did not reach statistical significant for repeated revascularizations (0.80 [95% CI: 0.46-1.37], P = 0.4132). Despite a higher risk of revascularization, the cessation of smoking either before or after PCI is beneficial in all-cause mortality. The apparent smoker's paradox may be explained by the differences in baseline risk or the reduced sensitivity to adverse outcomes as well as the reluctance to seek medical help among smokers.

Pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis

Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH) is a relatively uncommon lung disease that generally, but not invariably, occurs in cigarette smokers. The pathologic hallmark of PLCH is the accumulation of Langerhans and other inflammatory cells in small airways, resulting in the formation of nodular inflammatory lesions. While the overwhelming majority of patients are smokers, mechanisms by which smoking induces this disease are not known, but likely involve a combination of events resulting in enhanced recruitment and activation of Langerhans cells in small airways. Bronchiolar inflammation may be accompanied by variable lung interstitial and vascular involvement. While cellular inflammation is prominent in early disease, more advanced stages are characterized by cystic lung destruction, cicatricial scarring of airways, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Pulmonary function is frequently abnormal at presentation. Imaging of the chest with high resolution chest CT scanning may show characteristic nodular and cystic abnormalities. Lung biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis, although may not be required in instances were imaging findings are highly characteristic. There is no general consensus regarding the role of immunosuppressive therapy in smokers with PLCH. All smokers must be counseled on the importance of smoking cessation, which may result in regression of disease and obviate the need for systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The prognosis for most patients is relatively good, particularly if longitudinal lung function testing shows stability. Complications like pneumothoraces and secondary pulmonary hypertension may shorten life expectancy. Patients with progressive disease may require lung transplantation.

Smoking kills, quitting heals: the importance of smoking cessation in COPD

Smoking kills, quitting heals: the importance of smoking cessation in COPD

Micronutrient Levels in Children Exposed to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke

Antioxidant micronutrients are the body's primary defense against the oxidative stress of secondhand smoke (SHS). Micronutrient levels have been associated with lung function; decreased levels of vitamin C and β-carotene have been associated with SHS exposure in children. We sought to determine the association between SHS exposure and micronutrient levels in children. Data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Serum cotinine levels were categorized into no (<0.015 ng/mL), moderate (0.015 to <2.0 ng/mL), and high (2.0-15.0 ng/mL) smoke exposure; t-tests determined associations between exposure and levels of micronutrients. Significant bivariate associations were tested further using linear regression. In all, 2,218 children, aged 6-18 years, were included (response rate of 82%); 17% had no, 76% moderate, and 7% high exposure. Children with no exposure had higher levels of vitamin A, C, and E, cis- and trans-β-carotene, and folate, while levels of vitamins B(6), B(12), and D did not differ. In regression analysis, higher cotinine levels were negatively associated with levels of vitamin C (β = -.03; p < .01), cis-β-carotene (β = -.04; p < .01), trans-β-carotene (β = -.7; p < .01), folate (β = -.5; p < .001) and vitamin A (β = -.6; p < .01). Children exposed to SHS have lower levels of antioxidants controlling for dietary and supplement intake. This antioxidant depletion may increase systemic inflammation and sensitivity to other oxidant stresses. Parents should be counseled on these specific risks from SHS exposure for their children, and the importance of smoking cessation and eliminating children's exposure to tobacco smoke.

The 2010 NICE COPD Guidelines: how do they compare with the GOLD guidelines?

The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced a 2010 partial update of its original 2004 Guidelines on COPD management. The definition of airflow obstruction has been altered to a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.7 and the severity of airflow obstruction has been similarly aligned with the Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline definition. However, patients with GOLD Stage 1 (i.e. FEV1 predicted ≥ 80%) must be symptomatic for a diagnosis of COPD to be made under the new NICE criteria. Recent large scale trials have resulted in a new inhaled pharmacotherapy algorithm which includes early use of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combination therapy for patients with an FEV1 < 50% predicted. In spite of an apparent emphasis on pharmacotherapy, both GOLD and NICE Guidelines emphasise that COPD is a multi-system disease requiring a multidimensional approach to treatment. In particular, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation is reiterated, the latter not only being of use in managing stable disease but also following hospital discharge.

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Using the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey: A Case-Case Study

We utilized data from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (NMHIS) to analyze the risk of SIDS and other infant deaths among women who smoke during pregnancy adjusting for potentially modifiable risk factors such as secondhand smoke exposure and breastfeeding. The following variables were assessed with respect to risk for SIDS and other infant deaths: smoking exposure, level of education, infant and maternal age, infant and maternal birthweight, maternal BMI, gender, secondhand smoke exposure, breast feeding, prenatal vitamins, WIC, multiple gestation, sleep apnea monitor prescription, sleep apnea incidents and maternal alcohol use. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify variables significantly associated with the odds of mortality from SIDS. Analysis utilized weighted estimates using SUDAAN 9.0.0 to adjust for design effects. A p-value <0.01 was considered statistically significant. Women who smoked during pregnancy were 1.83 times more likely to give birth to an infant that died from SIDS versus some other cause of death, OR (95%) = 1.83(1.33, 2.51). Other Race infants and Black infants were more likely to suffer SIDS mortality than White infants, but the result was not significant in the final model. Other modifiable risk factors, such as secondhand smoke exposure and breast feeding, were not significant predictors of SIDS mortality. Independent of sociodemographic variables and other potential risk factors for SIDS death, maternal smoking was associated with an increased risk of SIDS death versus other death. This study highlights the importance of screening all pregnant women for tobacco use and emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation to decrease the risk of infant death from SIDS.

Pemetrexed: Potential Role in the Adjuvant Chemotherapy of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is now established as a standard of care in the adjuvant treatment of resected stage II and stage IIIA nonsmall cell lung cancer, and seems reasonable also in resected stage IB when the primary tumor measures > or =4 cm. Several issues remain unresolved, however, including individualized selection of both the optimal platinum (cisplatin vs carboplatin), and the optimal nonplatinum drug; and identification of patients who will not need chemotherapy ("surgically cured"), as well as patients who cannot benefit because of inherently drug resistant disease. Furthermore, while efficacy remains a priority, it is also necessary to improve the management of toxicity, both because it may compromise dose intensity and because it carries a risk of morbidity and even mortality. Other issues, such as the role of postoperative radiotherapy, the choice between neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches, the role of targeted agents, and the possibility of harm and how it can be mediated, also merit serious attention. Finally the durability of benefit, the question of late toxicity, and the importance of smoking cessation are also open questions. I will discuss a potential role for pemetrexed in the adjuvant treatment of early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer with some of these issues in mind.