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

NCT ID NCT03865472

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Roswell Park Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

CIGARETTE SMOKER CURRENT EVERY DAY SMOKER CURRENT SMOKER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States

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