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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States