Zapping away stress and cigarettes: new hope for cancer survivors
NCT ID NCT05460676
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS could help cancer survivors who smoke feel less distressed and smoke fewer cigarettes. 43 participants used the device at home via telehealth. The main goal was to see if people found the device easy and comfortable to use.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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43 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Finished
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Jan 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 21-75 years old * Smoke ≥5 cigarettes per day and express interest in quitting smoking in next 30 days * Mild to moderate distress defined as K10 scores 10-35 * Self reported previous diagnosis of cancer * Psychotropic medication stable for ≥1 month prior to enrollment and throughout the trial, at the discretion of the study physician * Access to a reliable internet connection, able to use mobile device, and complete online questionnaires, competent in instrumental activities of daily living * Able to read and understand informed consent and questionnaires in English (WRAT-4 score≥85) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to effectively use study-provided supplies * Chronic non-compliance with study procedures * Changes in health information over the course of enrollment in the study which place the participant at higher risk for an adverse event (as determined by Study Physician or Principal Investigator; e.g. medication changes, invasive procedures) * Temporary or permanent obstructions to making contact between the electrodes and the scalp (e.g. wig that the participant is not willing to remove) * History of traumatic brain injury, brain metastases, seizure disorder, recent (\<5 years) seizure history, or a neurodegenerative disease or neurocognitive disorder associated with significant impairment (e.g. Parkinson's, Dementia) * Current severe major depressive disorder, lifetime history of psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder type I, or current suicidal ideation * Currently meets DSM-5 criteria for severe substance use disorder in the past 6 months for any psychoactive substance other than tobacco * Current suicidal ideation (as determined by the MINI) * Current use of prescription or over the counter smoking cessation medication, or primary use of non-combustible forms of nicotine/tobacco * Currently receiving intravenous chemotherapy or radiation treatments * Presence of metal objects in the head/neck * Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations * Self-reported pregnancy * Enrolled in group or individual therapy for smoking cessation that would be concurrent to intervention
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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
Locations
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Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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