However, scientists are still searching for many of the biological mechanisms by which nicotine or other components of tobacco smoke exert their detrimental effect. This knowledge is critical to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. This in turn will allow for more targeted and tailored interventions to reduce the suffering of people with these diseases. Researchers are investigating better treatments for emphysema through interventions such as lung volume reduction, strengthening of respiratory muscles to improve gas exchange, and exercise regimens to improve lung capacity. These projects have the potential to improve the quality of life of millions of Californians.
Cigarette smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.
One approach is to lower cholesterol levels, which are elevated in smokers compared to non-smokers. Another approach was the successful attempt to find new drug treatments that help alleviate congestive heart failure by stimulating the heart muscle to contract more forcefully. Administration of dietary supplements containing fat-soluble antioxidants has promise as protection against cardiovascular disease. Research on novel cancer treatments has been supported from the very beginning of the program. Approaches have included efforts to employ the body's immune system to fight tumor growth, genetic alterations of cancer cells, as well as development of better radiation treatments, especially for head and neck cancers.