Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 3 Interventional Ages 22 to 65

Using brain connectivity to guide rTMS treatment for depression

Official title: Efficacy of Biomarker-guided rTMS for Treatment Resistant Depression

Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT04041479 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether using brain scans to personalize rTMS treatment can help people with severe depression who haven't responded to other treatments feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages22 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment348 (estimated)
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Stanford, California and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 17, 2021
Main results expectedApril 2027
Study endsAugust 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT04041479 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 to 65 with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least one antidepressant treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not experiencing major depressive disorder or those who have not failed previous antidepressant treatments 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 clinical trial investigates the use of biomarker-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. By employing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify brain network connectivity patterns that can optimize rTMS treatment outcomes. The trial will randomize 348 participants to receive either left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) rTMS based on their individual brain connectivity profiles. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of rTMS by tailoring the treatment to the specific biotype of each patient.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using brain connectivity patterns to guide treatment, but this specific approach is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 22 to 65 years
* Major Depressive Disorder (by M.I.N.I., Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V criteria)); Verification by evaluation by licensed study psychiatrist or psychologist
* At least moderately severe depression (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale greater than or equal to 18)
* Failure to respond in the current episode to at least 1 antidepressant medication at an adequate dose and duration as measured by a modified Antidepressant Treatment History Form. The Maudsley Staging Method will also be used to quantify treatment resistance.
* Any and all medication intended to treat depression or reduce symptoms of depression must be discontinued or maintained at the same daily dose for ≥ 4 weeks prior to enrollment and for the duration of the study
* Capacity to consent
* Written consent to allow communication between members of the research team and the patient's outpatient clinician(s) (psychiatrist, psychotherapist, nurse practitioner, primary care physician, or equivalent) as needed to ensure safety
* Ability to safely participate in MRI
* Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Imminent risk of suicide (based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
* Current depressive episode greater than or equal to 2 years duration
* Presence of primary psychiatric diagnoses other than MDD and/or comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or phobia (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder; MDD w psychotic features; primary psychotic illness; Bipolar I or II)
* DSM-5 defined addiction to, dependence on, abuse of, or misuse of any substance during the prior 12 months, excluding nicotine
* Evidence of cognitive impairment (MMSE score falling greater than or equal to 1 SD below the mean score for his or her age and education)
* Recent onset (within 8 weeks of screening) psychotherapy, including, but not limited to: any form of treatment, aid, or therapy that has intensively and extensively examined the patient's psychological history, including, but not limited to: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family-focused therapy
* Prior exposure to an adequate dose and duration of the TMS treatment protocol administered in this study during the current depressive episode.
* Participated in any clinical trial with an investigational drug or device within the past 6 weeks prior to screening
* History of neurosurgery to treat a neurological or psychiatric disorder
* Evidence or history of significant neurological disorder, including moderate-severe head trauma, stroke, Parkinson's disease or other movement disorder (except benign essential tremor), epilepsy, history of seizures, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or primary or secondary tumors within the central nervous system
* Implanted electronic devices and/or conductive objects in or near the head, including metal plates, aneurysm coils, cochlear implants, ocular implants, deep brain stimulation devices and stents
* Any implanted device that is activated or controlled in any way by physiological signals, including, but not limited to: deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and vagus nerve stimulators
* Patients with major depressive disorder who have failed to receive clinical benefit from Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) or are currently receiving these therapies.
* History of seizures (except juvenile febrile seizures) or any condition/concurrent medication that could notably lower seizure threshold
* Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, contemplating pregnancy within the length of the study or, in the opinion of the investigator, not adherent to a medically acceptable method of birth control
* History or presence of any disease, medical condition or physical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may compromise, interfere, limit, effect, or reduce the participant's ability to complete a treatment study lasting up to 21 weeks
* Abnormal bloodwork for electrolytes, thyroid and liver function
* Individuals who are taking \> 300 mg daily dose of bupropion in any formulation (immediate, extended, or slow-release)
* Individuals who are taking tricyclic antidepressants.

Where it's running

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Weill Cornell Medicine
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Conor Liston, MD, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
  • Study coordinator: Megan Johnson
  • Email: tmsinfo@med.cornell.edu
  • Phone: 646-962-2900

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Mindfulness‑augmented brain stimulation for treatment‑resistant depression

    This trial will test whether combining fast brain stimulation (iTBS) with a digital mindfulness program helps people with treatment‑resistant depression reduce symptoms and improve thinking.

    Recruiting Phase 2 University of California, San Diego · San Diego, California · NCT07512284

  • Adding ketamine to ECT for treatment-resistant depression

    This trial will test whether giving IV ketamine during ECT helps adults with treatment-resistant major depression get better faster and have fewer thinking problems.

    Recruiting Phase 3 Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele · Milan · NCT07088380

  • Maintenance treatment using rTMS for depression

    This study is testing if a type of brain treatment called rTMS can help people with hard-to-treat depression stay feeling better after their initial treatment.

    Recruiting at 3 sites University of California, San Diego · San Diego, California and 2 other locations · NCT06938841

  • Identifying brain biomarkers for treatment-resistant major depression using deep brain stimulation

    This study is testing if deep brain stimulation can help people with severe depression who haven't found relief from regular treatments by looking for brain signals that could predict their mood changes.

    Recruiting West China Hospital · Chengdu, Sichuan · NCT06542094

  • Using gamma oscillations to predict ketamine therapy outcomes in depression

    This study is testing if brain activity measured during ketamine treatment can help predict how well it will work for people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.

    Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 1 Texas A&M University · Houston, Texas and 1 other locations · NCT06480201

  • Understanding the impact of mood disorders and treatment responses

    This study is trying to learn more about how people with depression and bipolar disorder respond to treatment by talking to them weekly for up to 12 weeks to improve future care and predict how well medications might work.

    Recruiting National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Bethesda, Maryland · NCT06462196

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.