Actively Recruiting
RTMS Targets Neural Circuits for Smoking Cessation
Led by Medical University of South Carolina · Updated on 2026-04-16
64
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
307 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
RTMS Targets Neural Circuits for Smoking Cessation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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 indicating recent smoking.
- Have not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
- Meet the criteria for tobacco use disorder according to 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 questionnaire responses "very likely" or "somewhat likely".
You will not qualify if you...
- Current moderate to severe substance use of any psychoactive substances other than nicotine or caffeine, as defined by DSM-V.
- Contraindications to MRI such as metal in the skull or claustrophobia.
- Contraindications to rTMS treatment.
- History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular brain disorders.
- History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder causing brain lesions or significant impairment.
- Unstable cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe kidney or liver problems, or sleep apnea.
- Lifetime history of major psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, dementia, suicidal ideation, or major depression.
- Self-report of more than 21 alcoholic drinks per week in any week during the 30 days before screening.
- Use of other nicotine products like patches, e-cigarettes, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, or lozenges.
- Use of other tobacco products including cigars, chew, snuff, or pouches.
- Previous treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
Actively Recruiting
2
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
X
Xingbao Li, MD, MSCR, MS
CONTACT
R
Rebecca Keneally
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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