Grantee: Irina Stepanov

Irina Stepanov, PhD

• University of Minnesota

Irina Stepanov, Ph.D., researches the mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in cancer risk in order to inform the development of novel approaches for identifying tobacco users who are at higher risk of developing cancer. In her studies, she collaborates with medical doctors, behavioral scientists, surveillance specialists, epidemiologists, educators, and tobacco control experts to address the complex issues of tobacco use and related exposures.

In her current study, "Nornicotine in smokeless tobacco as a precursor for carcinogen exposure," Dr. Stepanov is investigating the endogenous formation of the potent esophageal and oral carcinogen N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) from tobacco alkaloid nornicotine in smokeless tobacco users. The knowledge gained in this study will lead to the development of recommendations for the regulation of nornicotine levels in smokeless tobacco products in order to minimize exposure to NNN in smokeless tobacco users who are unable or unwilling to quit tobacco use.