Reward Sensitivity and Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation

Running, not enrolling · Phase 4 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Tobacco Use Cessation

In brief

The goal of this clinical research study is learn if varenicline or the nicotine patch can help people with different types of emotion and attention levels to quit smoking.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02162849

Run by

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

People needed

204

Starts

2015-12-14

Expected to finish

2028-02-28

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-16

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age: 18-75 years old
• Smoking 5 or more cigarettes, Little cigars and/or cigarillos per day, on average, within the 2 months preceding the screening visit and expired CO ≥ 6ppm (if ≤ 5, then NicAlert Strip >2).
• Interested in treatment that might change smoking behavior
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study
• Provide informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures
• Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached
• Be the only participant in their household

You may not qualify if…

• Standard criteria for transdermal nicotine and varenicline smoking cessation trials will be used.
• Exclusion criteria will include the following:
• Within the month immediately preceding the screening visit, use of any form of tobacco products other than cigarettes, little cigars and/or cigarillos on 3 or more days within a week if the individual refuses to refrain from such tobacco use during the course of the study.
• Current enrollment or plans to enroll in another smoking cessation program in the next 12 months
• Plan to use other nicotine substitutes (i.e., OTC or prescription medication for smoking cessation) or smoking cessation treatments in the next 12 months
• Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP greater than 180 or DBP greater than 110)
• Reports diagnosis of seizure disorder or a history of neurological illness or closed head injury that in the opinion of the PI feels that it would affect the results of the EEG
• History of severe kidney disease (e.g. chronic or acute kidney failure) with creatinine clearance below 30 and/or severe liver disease with liver tests over 4 times the upper normal level.
• Laboratory evaluations (kidney and liver) outside normal limits and of potential clinical significance in the opinion of the investigator
• Serious or unstable disease within the past 3 months
• History (last 3 months) of abnormal heart rhythms, cardiovascular disease (stroke, angina, heart attack) may result in ineligibility. These conditions will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Study Physician.
• Current use of certain medications: (1) Smoking cessation meds (last 7 days), i.e., Wellbutrin, Bupropion, Zyban, NRT, Chantix, (2) Certain medications to treat depression (last 14 days), i.e.
• MAOIs and Elavil (Amitriptyline), (3) A case by case determination will be made by study physician for medication on precautionary list, i.e. nitroglycerin, or (4) Daily use of opioids for 30 days or more on phone screen or at screening is exclusionary however PRN use is allowed (i.e., 3:7 days per week or less or if more frequent, use less than a month's duration.) --Meet criteria for the following psychiatric and/or substance use disorders as assessed by the MINI: items C (current manic or hypomanic episode only), I (alcohol abuse - Alcohol Addendum-past 6 months only; current alcohol dependence), J (substance abuse - Substance Abuse Addendum - past 6 months only; current substance dependence), K (current/lifetime psychotic disorder or current/lifetime mood disorder with psychotic features).
• Individuals who meet criteria for non-exclusionary psychiatric disorders that are considered clinically unstable and/or unsuitable to participate as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.
• Individuals rated as moderate (9-16) to high (17 or greater) on suicidality as assessed by Module B of the MINI. --Psychiatric hospitalization within 1 year of screening date. --A positive urine pregnancy test during the screening period. Women who are two years postmenopausal, or who have had a tubal ligation or a partial or full hysterectomy will not be subject to a urine pregnancy test. --Pregnant, breast-feeding or of childbearing potential and is not protected by a medically acceptable, effective method of birth control while enrolled in the study. Medically acceptable contraceptives include: (1) approved hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, patches, implants or injections), (2) barrier methods (such as a condom or diaphragm) used with a spermicide, or (3) an intrauterine device (IUD). Contraceptive measures sold for emergency use after unprotected sex are not acceptable methods for routine use. --History of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Varenicline, NRT, or any component of these formulations . --Any 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.
• Subject considered by the investigator as unsuitable candidate for receipt of an investigational drug, or unstable to be followed up throughout the entire duration of the study.
• Positive toxicology screen for any of the following drugs: cocaine, opiates, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines, methamphetamines, PCP, or THC.
• A. Participants with valid prescriptions for opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines or methadone will not be excluded. B. Participants failing the toxicology screen will be allowed to re-screen once. If they test positive again, they will not be allowed to return.
• Must not have visual problems that in the investigators opinion would interfere in the completion of the study assessments
• Unwilling to change hairstyle or remove a wig as necessary for the appointment to accommodate the net that is required to be worn on the scalp during the study procedure.

Where it is running

• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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