Identifying the best brain target for TMS to help smokers
Identify the Optimal TMS Target to Modulate Midcingulate Reward Activity in Smokers
This study is testing if a specific brain stimulation technique can help smokers by improving their decision-making and reducing cravings.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05766254 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to determine the most effective prefrontal-cingulate target for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance reward processing in nicotine-dependent individuals. It employs a randomized controlled design with three sessions, where participants will undergo neuroimaging to identify optimal TMS targets and then receive either active or sham TMS. The study will also assess the impact of TMS on decision-making and craving levels using various tasks and questionnaires. Participants will be required to abstain from smoking for a short period before each session.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are nicotine-dependent individuals aged 18 to 55 who are in stable mental and physical health.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or TMS, such as neurological disorders or pregnancy, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for nicotine addiction by enhancing reward processing and decision-making in smokers.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using TMS for nicotine dependence is being explored, this specific targeting methodology is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Nicotine dependent individuals (according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score). 2. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old. 3. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days. 4. Be in stable mental and physical health. 5. If female, test non-pregnant. 6. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI. 7. Be willing to provide informed consent. 8. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia). 2. Contraindication to rTMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \> 15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in the head, or pregnancy). 3. History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain. 4. History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment. 5. Life time history of mental disorders such as: Bipolar Affective disorder (BPAD), Schizophrenia, Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) or Dementia or Major Depression. 6. uninterruptable central nervous system medication
Where this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey
- Rutgers University - Newark — Newark, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Travis E Lalta, PhD — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: Travis E Baker, PhD
- Email: travis.e.baker@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 973-353-5485
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.