The Influence of Fluticasone Inhalation on Intermediate Markers of Carcinogenesis in the Bronchial Epithelium of a High Risk Population : A Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomised Phase II Study

Bronchial epithelium exposed to cigarette smoke undergoes a series of histological changes that may ultimately lead to invasive cancer. In rats exposed to cigarette smoke inhaled corticosteroids reduce the number of lung tumors. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of fluticasone on premalignant lesions in volunteers with a smoking history of >10 pack-years and patients cured of head and neck cancer or lung cancer. Participants are screened for premalignant lesions by bronchoscopy and if these are present randomised to receive a powder inhalation device containing either fluticasone 500 μg or a placebo. After 6 months, biopsies are taken from the same locations. Efficacy of treatment is assessed by reversal of metaplasia/dysplasia; secondary end-points are reversal of increased p53 immunoreactivity and hTERT expression.