Nicotine & cancer

Executive Summary

Transdermal and oral exposure to nicotine could contribute to cancer, researchers state in the January Journal of Clinical Investigation. Phillip Dennis, NCI, et al., find "sustained exposure to nicotine might alter the phenotype of endothelial and/or epithelial cells in undetectable, premalignant lesions," suggesting long-term exposure to smoking cessation drugs such as patches, gum could be harmful. NRT marketers Pharmacia, GSK point to lack of clinical evidence drugs cause cancer. "Tobacco dependence experts agree that the risks of developing cancer from short-term NRT use to aid smoking cessation are insignificant compared to the risks of developing cancer from cigarette smoking," Pharmacia states...