Circuity-guided rTMS for tobacco use in Veterans: comparing insula and prefrontal targets
Official title: Circuity-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tobacco use in Veterans: A comparison of insula-rTMS and prefrontal-rTMS
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11183949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans quit smoking by comparing two brain targets to reduce cravings and smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01CX002810-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11183949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans who use tobacco and are eligible for rTMS-based treatment at a VA center.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unlikely to benefit may include those with contraindications to rTMS or those not seeking smoking cessation.
What this research studies
This research will use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to stimulate deep brain networks involved in smoking behavior among Veterans. Participants would receive guided stimulation over either the insula or the prefrontal cortex in a controlled setup to see which target best reduces urge to smoke and actual cigarette use. The study builds on prior findings that certain brain stimulation patterns can alter craving and consumption, aiming for a non-drug treatment option. Results could inform future therapies and personalized stimulation plans for tobacco use disorder in Veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer Veterans a non-pharmacological option to reduce cravings and quit smoking.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies indicate brain-stimulation approaches can reduce smoking behavior and cravings in some individuals.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xingbao — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Xingbao
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.