Personalized treatments for quitting smoking
Official title: PISCES I: Precision Implemented Smoking Cessation Evaluation Study
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04604509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests different personalized ways to help people quit smoking by matching treatments like counseling and medications to their individual needs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2010 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 4, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04604509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals who smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day and are interested in quitting smoking.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not reside in Texas or those who are not currently smoking may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase IV trial investigates how to tailor smoking cessation treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and medications like varenicline and bupropion, based on individual characteristics. Participants are randomized into groups to receive different treatment regimens, with the aim of identifying effective personalized approaches for those struggling to quit smoking. The study also aims to develop a predictive algorithm to estimate the likelihood of quitting smoking based on baseline characteristics. This research could enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, personalized smoking cessation treatments that improve quit rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in personalized approaches to smoking cessation, suggesting potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Smoking 5 or more cigarettes, little cigars and/or cigarillos per day, on average, within the past 30 days preceding the screening visit and expired carbon monoxide (CO) ≥ 6 ppm and/or a urine Nic Check test \> 0 (or a reading of positive if an alternate nicotine test used) * Interested in treatment that might change smoking behavior or help them quit smoking * Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study * Provide informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures * Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached * Subjects must report current stable residence in the state of Texas and must not have plans to move out of state in the next 6 months. Stable residence is a domicile in which an individual can operate as if it were his or her own homestead and does not include shelters, halfway houses, treatment centers, or group homes * Be the only participant in their household currently receiving treatment on this protocol * Agree to be treated via telehealth (live audio-video conference and phone) and to be contacted via text and/or email * Willing to refrain from the use of other nicotine/tobacco products for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Current enrollment or plans to enroll in another smoking cessation program during the study time frame, including plans to use other smoking cessation medications (i.e., over the counter \[OTC\] or prescription medication for smoking cessation) or smoking cessation treatments * Serious or unstable medical or psychiatric disorder within the past 3 months, as determined by the study physician * Being pregnant, engaging in breast-feeding, or being of childbearing potential and engaging in sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy and is not protected by a medically acceptable, effective method of birth control while enrolled in the study, as determined by self-report. Medically acceptable contraceptives include: (1) approved hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, patches, implants or injections), (2) barrier methods (such as a condom or diaphragm) used with a spermicide, or (3) an intrauterine device (IUD). Contraceptive measures sold for emergency use after unprotected sex are not acceptable methods for routine use * Current use of certain medications: * Smoking cessation meds (last 7 days; e.g., bupropion, NRT, varenicline). Episodic use of NRT in the last 7 days may be considered if the participant agrees to only use study medication once randomized * Certain medications may be exclusionary and others are precautionary, to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by study physician (See Exclusionary/Precautionary Medication List, Appendix 5) * Daily use of opioids for 30 days or more on phone screen or at screening is exclusionary, however as needed (PRN) use is allowed (i.e., 3 out of 7 days per week or less or if more frequent use in less than a month's duration) * History of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to varenicline, NRT, or any component of these formulations as determined by the medical team * Self-report of a history or current diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder unless cleared by study physician * Current substance use disorder (Drug Abuse Screening Test \[DAST\] score \> 3 or use \>0 in the past year and refuses to refrain from use for the duration of the study; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test \[USAUDIT\] score \> 24) * Individuals who report depressive symptoms in the moderately severe or severe range on the Patient Health Questionnaire - Mood Module (PHQ-9) (scores of 15 or above); or who report current suicidal ideation on the PHQ-9 * Individuals who report anxiety symptoms in the severe range on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) (scores of 15 or above); or meet criteria for panic syndrome on the PHQ Panic module * Psychiatric hospitalization within 1 year of screening date * Any otherwise not specified medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the principal investigator and/or study physician * Participant considered by the investigator as unsuitable candidate for full participation in both the treatment and follow-up phases of the study
Where it's running
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Robinson — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Jason Robinson, PHD
- Email: nicotinestudy@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-745-3822
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Nicotine's Effects on Eye Movements in E-Cigarette Users
This study tests how nicotine from e-cigarettes affects eye movements and related behaviors in adults who regularly use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.
-
Tobacco and cannabis co-use: how young adults start, escalate, and maintain dual use
This project sees how 18–30-year-olds who use cannabis weekly start, escalate, and keep using either daily cigarettes or daily nicotine vapes.
-
Carcinogen and toxicant exposure among young adults who co-use e-cigarettes and cannabis
This project will measure nicotine, cannabis, and toxicant levels in blood and urine and compare use behaviors in 18–25-year-olds who primarily use e-cigarettes, cannabis, or both.
-
How menthol and cooling agents change the appeal of oral nicotine pouches
This test checks whether menthol, a synthetic cooling agent (WS-3), or both make oral nicotine pouches more appealing and better at relieving cravings for adult cigarette smokers.
-
Testing how well smokers can identify cigarette flavors
This study tests how well daily smokers can recognize different flavors in menthol cigarettes to understand how it affects their smoking habits.
-
Oral nicotine pouches versus patches and lozenges to reduce cigarette use in rural Appalachia
This compares oral nicotine pouches with nicotine patches and lozenges to see if they help adults in rural Appalachia who smoke cut down or quit cigarettes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.