Researchers in Kansas City look at genetics, nicotine metabolism in youth vaping cessation program
Abbey Masonbrink, Pediatric Hospitalist, Children’s Mercy Kansas City; Stephani L. Stancil, Adolescent Medicine Clinician Scientist, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, and Assistant Professor, UMKC
Youth vaping has dramatically increased over the past decade, triggering concern about addiction and mental health, especially in marginalized youth. Masonbrink and Stancil of Children’s Mercy Hospital attempted to tackle the topic by looking at how genetics and nicotine metabolism impact young people who want to quit vaping.
The study’s direct impact integrated genetic testing results into vaping cessation programs that are specific to an individual. Larger implications empower healthcare providers with tools to support vaping cessation and enhance long-term outcomes in marginalized youth.
The vaping cessation program was funded, in part, by a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) in 2024 as part of Transforming KC: Health Outcomes Research Grants, a partnership between Blue KC and BioNexus KC.
Results
Research showed that some youth metabolize nicotine slowly, while others metabolize faster. With this data in hand, Masonbrink and Stancil developed treatment recommendations for each, plus scripts that healthcare providers can use with youth interested in quitting vaping.
Sample script: “You are predicted to clear nicotine from your body more slowly. This means nicotine hangs around in your body longer than average. This can impact how much nicotine you use and how often you crave it. Based on this information, your personal treatment recommendation is to slowly cut down on how much nicotine you use to give your body time to clear it and prevent relapse. You can do this by switching out your e-cigarette/vape device for a nicotine patch and chewing nicotine gum for any breakthrough cravings.”
A similar script for youth with fast nicotine metabolism recommended taking prescription drug varenicline to help quit.
Next steps
These scripts will become part of a future, prospective trial that evaluates the effectiveness of vaping cessation counseling for youth. The ultimate goal is for personalized counseling and cessation treatment to be integrated into the standard cessation approach for youth.
