Systematic review evaluating randomized controlled trials of smoking and alcohol cessation interventions in people with head and neck cancer and oral dysplasia

Background
Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of head and neck cancer and affect treatment outcomes. Interventions modifying these behaviours may improve post-treatment outcomes and survival. We systematically reviewed evidence of the effectiveness of smoking/alcohol interventions in head and neck cancer and oral dysplasia.
Methods
AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched for randomised controlled trials of smoking/alcohol interventions in people with head and neck cancer. A qualitative synthesis of the studies was conducted.
Results
Three RCTs were identified: two smoking interventions and one smoking and alcohol intervention. One intervention, comprised of a smoking intervention based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and pharmacologic management compared to usual care, reduced smoking prevalence.
Conclusion
Further research is required into the underlying mechanisms that lead to cessation and interventions that include both pharmacological and behavioural therapy. Future RCTs should include suitable control conditions and sufficient power to assess clinical outcomes.