A groundbreaking study supported by the University of Florida Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UF CTSI) and funded through a Precision Health Pilot (UL1 TR001427, 08/01/2022 – 07/31/2023) suggests that kava could help reduce lung cancer risk caused by tobacco smoke.
Led by Dr. Chengguo Xing at the UF Health Cancer Center, researchers identified a genetic variation that may predict which individuals are most likely to benefit from kava intervention. The findings, featured on the cover of the September issue of Chemical Research in Toxicology, mark a major advancement in cancer prevention research.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with particularly high mortality rates in North Central Florida. This discovery could pave the way for more personalized prevention strategies, offering new hope to those at increased risk due to tobacco exposure.
