NCT07050862 Personalized Brain Stimulation to Help Veterans Quit Smoking
| NCT ID | NCT07050862 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development |
| Condition | Tabacco Use Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 56 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2030-04-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 56 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-01 with a primary completion date of 2030-04-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Cigarette smoking is a significant public health concern for Veterans. Encouraging smoking cessation continues to be a top priority for the Veterans' Administration as Veterans who use tobacco experience negative health effects, including cancer, heart disease, and mental disorders. Despite the efficacy of current evidence-based pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for smoking cessation, alternative treatments are critically needed. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, US FDA-approved for smoking cessation. In this protocol, the investigators propose comparing the two rTMS protocols (standard TMS vs. precision TMS) to find a better treatment parameter for smoking cessation in Veterans. Identifying an efficacious rTMS protocol would benefit Veterans who want to quit smoking.
Eligibility Criteria
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
Contact & Investigator
Xingbao Li, MD MS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07050862 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Tabacco Use Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07050862 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07050862 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at xingbao.li@va.gov for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07050862 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Charleston, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07050862 clinical trial?
NCT07050862 is sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development. The principal investigator is Xingbao Li, MD MS at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC. The trial plans to enroll 56 participants.