Personalized Brain Stimulation to Help Veterans Quit Smoking

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two rTMS protocols—a standard and a precision, image-guided dose approach—to see which better supports smoking cessation in veterans. Participants must be veterans who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day and meet stability criteria for medications and health status. The trial uses a non-invasive brain stimulation method to target neural circuits involved in craving and quitting, with an emphasis on individualized treatment parameters. Safety assessments and MRI compatibility are part of the protocol, given the use of imaging and TMS technology. Results will inform whether a personalized, dose-adjusted rTMS approach offers a meaningful advantage for veteran smoking cessation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran
* Individuals who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day and have a CO level \> 10 ppm indicative of recent smoking
* Those who have not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days
* Those who have been stable on psychotropic medications for at least three months
* For females, those who test non-pregnant and use adequate birth control
* Those who are willing to provide informed consent
* Those who can comply with protocol requirements and likely complete all study procedures
* Those who are motivated to quit smoking (based on responses of "very likely" or "somewhat likely" in the motivation questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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., metal in the skull, orbital or intracranial cavity, or claustrophobia)
* Contraindications to rTMS (history of a seizure or epilepsy)
* A 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
* Major Axis I disorders diagnosed according to DSM-V criteria, such as bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, or major depression

  * Regarding the Veteran population, the investigators will enroll smokers who have PTSD
* Current use of other forms of nicotine delivery, such as nicotine patches or electronic cigarettes
* Currently prescribed bupropion and/or varenicline

Where it's running

• Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Xingbao Li, MD MS — Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
• Study coordinator: Xingbao Li, MD MS
• Email: xingbao.li@va.gov
• Phone: (843) 577-5011

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.