March 27, 2026

expert reaction to systematic review of ecigs for stopping smoking

A systematic review published in Addiction looks at the use of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. 

Prof Peter Shields, Emeritus Professor of Medical Oncology at the Ohio State University, said:

“This is a high quality study updated from prior high quality studies showing consistent results.

“The evidence from Cochrane and others is very consistent.  Yet, in the U.S., this work is not being acknowledged and discussed whether it could change perceptions of the US public health community and national organizations interested in fostering smoking cessation in adults.  Too commonly, vaping is still viewed as something dangerous that should not be used as a smoking cessation tool – in fact the opposite is true.”

‘Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation: An overview of systematic reviews and evidence and gap map’ by Angela Difeng Wu et al. was published in Addiction at 00.01 UK time on Friday 27 March 2026. 

DOI: 10.1111/add.70388

Declared interests

Peter Shields: “In the past (>5 years ago) I have served as a consultant and expert witness in tobacco litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.”