When Smoke Lingers: Unraveling the Link Between Secondhand Smoke and Chemo Resistance

Did you know that head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and is all too common in Oklahoma? Researchers from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine are studying the impact of secondhand smoke exposure on cancer patients. They discovered that secondhand smoke exposure decreases the effectiveness of chemotherapy because it changes the expression of several proteins involved in drug resistance, limiting the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

“For patients with tobacco-related cancers, smoking cessation has been shown to improve survival…” according to Greg Krempl, M.D., FACS Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon “This study provides novel data that would suggest including family members in the smoking cessation plan to reduce secondhand smoke exposure during chemotherapy for head and neck cancer may improve outcomes.”

You benefit from comprehensive cancer treatments from OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, customized to each patient. Stephenson Cancer Center also offers access to a free tobacco cessation program to those who qualify.

Read more about the research from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine on how secondhand smoke decreases the effectiveness of chemotherapy.