New therapy targets brain's reward system to help smokers quit
NCT ID NCT02697227
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a type of counseling called behavioral activation therapy, combined with a nicotine patch, helps people quit smoking. It focuses on smokers who have low reward sensitivity, meaning they get less pleasure from rewards. About 85 participants will receive either the new therapy or standard counseling, plus a nicotine patch, to see which helps them quit better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- nicotine patch
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a more effective smoking cessation approach for people who struggle due to low reward sensitivity.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (85 participants) and results may not apply to all smokers. The behavioral therapy component may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CIGARETTE SMOKER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Personalized nicotine patch dosing may boost quit rates
- A stronger nicotine patch might break the dual Smoking-Vaping habit
- Could a child's doctor visit spark a parent's quit-smoking journey?
- Quit smoking from your couch: teleconsultation put to the test
- Can a smartphone app help smokers quit for good?
- Financial incentives and counseling aim to help homeless veterans quit smoking