RTMS Targets Neural Circuits for Smoking Cessation

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · May 21, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people quit smoking using a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive method that stimulates specific areas of the brain and is already showing promise in treating depression and helping smokers. In this trial, researchers will use brain scans (MRI) to guide the TMS therapy to target the right brain circuits for smoking cessation.

To participate in the trial, individuals need to be between 22 and 70 years old, smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day, and have not received any substance abuse treatment in the past month. They should also be in stable physical and mental health and motivated to quit smoking. Participants can expect to undergo TMS treatment along with regular check-ins and assessments throughout the study. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, a history of significant mental health disorders, or those using other forms of nicotine or tobacco products may not be eligible for this trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • Be between the ages of 22 and 70 years old.
• • Smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day and have a carbon monoxide (CO) level \> 10 ppm indicative of recent smoking.
• • Have not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
• • Meet the criteria for tobacco use disorder as determined by DSM-5.
• • Be in stable mental and physical health.
• • If female, test non-pregnant and use adequate birth control.
• • Show no evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesions on MRI.
• • Be willing to provide informed consent.
• • Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.
• • Be motivated to quit smoking (based on responses of "very likely," or "somewhat likely" in the motivation questionnaire).
• • Exclusion Criteria
• • Current moderate to severe substance use of any psychoactive substances other than nicotine or caffeine, as defined by DSM-V criteria.
• • Contraindications to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbital or intracranial cavity, or having claustrophobia).
• • Contraindication to rTMS.
• • History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorders affecting the brain.
• • History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
• • Unstable cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea.
• • Lifetime history of major Axis I disorders such as: bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, suicidal ideation or major depression.
• • Self-report of \>21 standard alcohol drinks per week in any week in the 30 days prior to screening.
• • Use of other forms of nicotine delivery, such as nicotine patches, electronic cigarettes, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and nicotine lozenges.
• • Use of other tobacco products, including cigars, cigarillos, chew, snuff, and pouches/snus.
• • Previous treatment with TMS.