rTMS for Smoking Cessation
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Cigarette smoking is a significant public health concern. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that has already displayed remarkable potential for producing novel, non-pharmacological interventions for depression and cigarette smokers. In this study, investigators will use brain MRI to guide TMS therapy for smoking cessation.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude those with moderate to severe substance use of psychoactive substances other than nicotine or caffeine.
Is rTMS safe for smoking cessation?
Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is generally safe for humans, as it has been used in various studies for smoking cessation and other conditions like depression. Participants in these studies did not report significant safety concerns, and the treatment has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for smoking cessation.12345
How does the rTMS treatment for smoking cessation differ from other treatments?
The rTMS treatment for smoking cessation is unique because it uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, to reduce cravings and cigarette consumption. Unlike traditional methods such as nicotine replacement or medications, rTMS is non-invasive and targets brain circuits involved in addiction, showing promising results in increasing quit rates.13467
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for smoking cessation?
Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can reduce cigarette cravings and consumption. Studies found that rTMS significantly decreased the number of cigarettes smoked and increased the quit rate among smokers.468910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Xingbao Li, M.D
Principal Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-60 who smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily, want to quit smoking, and are in stable health. They must not have had substance abuse treatment recently or use other nicotine products. Pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions like severe heart disease, brain lesions, or metal implants that interfere with MRI scans cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 20 daily sessions of rTMS over 4 weeks, with functional MRI scans performed before the first TMS treatment, after session 10, and after the last session.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months after the last TMS session.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Active rTMS 10 Hz DLPFC
- Active rTMS 1 Hz mOFC
- Sham rTMS
Active rTMS 10 Hz DLPFC is already approved in United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Short-term smoking cessation
- Smoking cessation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator