Martin Mahoney, MD, PhD

An evaluation of Tar Wars, a tobacco-free intervention program aimed at fifth grade students, was completed. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by measuring changes in knowledge regarding the effects of tobacco use, student advocacy against tobacco in their families, reduced experimentation and reduced adoption of tobacco use behaviors. The study included approximately 1,400 fifth grade students who completed a baseline survey on tobacco use and attitudes regarding tobacco. Students were then exposed to the Tar Wars Program, followd by a short pre-test and then a follow-up survey conducted six months later.

A Phase I clinical trail was completed of an edible hepatitis B vaccine administered to RPCI health care workers, who previously had received the parenteral hepatitis B series. A randomized, double-blind study design was used to assess the antibody response to the transgenetically produced hepatitis B antigen administered via raw potatoes. Tolerability of the potato vehicle and immunologic response were the main scientific outcomes evaluated.