Bayesian Neurobehavioral Phenotyping: From Mechanism Identification to Personalized Neuromodulation Treatments. R61 PHASE

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · May 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how individual differences in brain responses to emotional triggers can affect a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for people who smoke. Essentially, the researchers want to see if how our brains react to certain feelings influences how well this treatment helps with smoking cessation. If you or someone you know has been smoking at least five cigarettes a day and is between the ages of 21 and 60, you might be eligible to participate in this study.

Participants can expect to undergo some brain testing and take part in activities involving vaping from an e-cigarette. To join the study, individuals need to be able to follow instructions in English and have a stable home address. It’s important to note that there are some health conditions and recent treatments that may disqualify someone from participating, such as a history of seizures or certain mental health issues. Overall, this trial aims to personalize smoking cessation treatments by learning more about how our brains work in response to emotions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 21 to 60 years
• • 2. Report smoking on average, 5 or more cigarettes, little cigars and/or cigarillos per day, within the past 30 days preceding the screening visit.
• • 3. Expired carbon monoxide (CO) ≥ 6ppm and/or test positive for cotinine using a urine cotinine test on day of study visit.
• • 4. Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study.
• • 5. Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached.
• • 6. Subjects must report current stable residence. Stable residence is a domicile in which an individual can operate as if it were their own homestead and does not include shelters, halfway houses, treatment centers, or group homes.
• • 7. Meet safety criteria for EEG.
• • 8. Be willing to vape from an e-cigarette during specified tasks.
• • 9. Meet safety criteria for rTMS. Note that if a participant is not eligible for rTMS but is eligible for EEG, they may complete the EEG portion of the study.
• • 10. Willing and able to independently remove any metal from the neck and above for rTMS procedures (e.g., jewelry)
• • 11. Provides written informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures.
• • 12. Agrees to complete telehealth (live audio-video conference and/or phone) and in-person visits and to be contacted via text.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 13. rTMS exposure for treatment or research purposes in the last 6 months.
• • 14. History of seizure, epilepsy, syncope, fainting episode, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness.
• • 15. Presence or history of neurological disorders (migraine, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), increased intracranial pressure).
• • 16. History of brain surgery, implanted electronic device, metal in the head.
• • 17. Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes)
• • 18. History of or currently under medical care for myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.
• • 19. Reports vision problems that are not treated.
• • 20. Has a hairstyle not compatible with the EEG and unwilling to modify hairstyle (e.g., braids, ponytails, dreadlocks, non-removable hair extensions or wigs, etc.) to accommodate the EGG net that is required to be worn on the scalp during the experimental procedure.
• • 21. Reports current diagnosis or history of type I diabetes.
• • 22. Currently using insulin.
• • 23. Have undergone bariatric surgery.
• • 24. Currently being enrolled in a weight loss program.
• • 25. Takes any prescription or over the counter medications or supplements to control weight and/or appetite.
• • 26. Self-report a history of or current diagnosis of a mental health condition.
• • 27. Reports insomnia (\<4 hours sleep per night, in 3 or more nights per week in the last 3 months)
• • 28. Reports \<4 hours of sleep the day of the visit
• • 29. Reports using marijuana on a daily basis.
• • 30. Reports having used any other illicit drugs (other than marijuana) or prescription medications for non-medical reasons in the last 12 months.
• • 31. Currently receiving treatment for substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, or stimulants).
• • 32. Females who report averaging more than 7 alcoholic drinks, or males who report averaging more than 14 alcoholic drinks in a single week in the last 30 days.
• 33. Current use of certain medications (last 3 months):
• • Investigational drugs. Drugs of anti or pro-convulsive action. Medications with psychotropic effects (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics).
• • Medications known to increase risk of seizure Smoking cessation medication (e.g., Zyban, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Chantix). Nicotine replacement therapy with the intent to quit smoking (e.g., patches, gum, lozenge, pouches, etc).
• • 34. Being pregnant or lactating
• • 35. Self-reported noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
• • 36. Currently participating in any other research study.
• • 37. Any otherwise not specified medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.
• • 37. Any otherwise not specified medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.
• • 38. Subjects considered by the investigator as unsuitable for the study for reasons not otherwise stated.