RTMS Targets Neural Circuits for Smoking Cessation

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Tobacco Use, Cigarette Smoking

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04903028

Run by

Medical University of South Carolina

People needed

64

Starts

2021-05-15

Expected to finish

2027-04-04

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-16

Who can join

Age: 22 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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).

You may not qualify if…

• 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.

Where it is running

• Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (enrolling)
• Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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