Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of head and neck cancer in the United States and a significant portion of head/neck cancer survivors continue to smoke even though smoking negatively impacts their clinical outcomes and increases chance of recurrence. Two tobacco chemicals, NNK and nicotine, are respectively responsible for the increased recurrence risk and tobacco addiction. Kava s properties as a proven anxiolytic and a potential carcinogen detoxifier warrant an investigation of its effects on the metabolism of these two tobacco chemicals among head/neck cancer survivors who continue to smoke. The results will identifying surrogate biomarkers and provide information regarding kava s potential as a future intervention to both promote smoking cessation and reduce carcinogenesis risk.~Primary Objective:~To explore the feasibility of recruitment of participants, adherence rate, acceptability of treatment and completion rate with 14 day dietary supplement kava treatment in head and neck cancer patients who continue to smoke.~To evaluate distribution of change in nicotine and NNK metabolism after 14 day kava treatment.~Exploratory Objective:~To evaluate distribution of change in mood after 14 day kava treatment. To evaluate prevalence of pain and pain medication use and distribution of change in pain and pain medication consumption after 14 day kava treatment.
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of head and neck cancer in the United States. Smoking cessation remains a challenge for many head/neck cancer survivors, indicating a need for development of more effective smoking cessation interventions. Kava's properties as a proven anxiolytic and carcinogen detoxifier warrant an investigation of its efficacy as an innovative smoking cessation aid. Kava may also influence carcinogen (NNK specifically) metabolism to help reduce carcinogenesis risk.