Zapping the brain to kick the habit: rTMS tested for smoking relapse

NCT ID NCT03865472

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to help current smokers quit and avoid relapse. Researchers are enrolling 206 right-handed smokers who smoke 5-25 cigarettes daily and want to quit within 30 days. The goal is to find the best dose of rTMS and see how well it works compared to a sham (fake) treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a non-drug brain stimulation method to help smokers quit and stay smoke-free for longer.

What could go wrong

This is an early dose-finding study, so the best dose and effectiveness are not yet known. Results may not apply to all smokers, and rTMS may not prevent relapse for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States