A bupropion smoking cessation clinical trial for cancer patients.

Objective: Many cancer patients continue to smoke post diagnosis, yet there have been few smoking cessation trials for this population. Depression, which is prevalent among cancer patients, may be a barrier to cessation.

Methods: This double-blind placebo-controlled trial randomized 246 cancer patients to 9 weeks of placebo or bupropion, stratifying by pre-treatment depression symptoms.

Issues related to implementing a smoking cessation clinical trial for cancer patients.

Given high rates of smoking among cancer patients, smoking cessation treatment is crucial; yet limited data exist to guide integration of such trials into the oncologic context. In order to determine the feasibility of conducting smoking cessation clinical trials with cancer patients, screening and baseline data from a large randomized placebo-controlled pharmacotherapy trial were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to compare enrollees to decliners, describe program enrollees, and assess correlates of confidence in quitting smoking.