Cigarette smoking causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. Smoking cessation is difficult, with the average smoker attempting to quit five times before permanent success. Moreover, the majority of smoking quit attempts result in relapse. Brain stimulation for smoke cessation is an exciting new area that builds on advancing neuroscience knowledge concerning the functional neurocircuitry of addiction. Cortical stimulation can now be performed non-invasively by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A few studies have shown that TMS can reduce cue-elicited craving in smokers. Previous research by our group has shown that a single session of 15 minutes high frequency (10 Hz) repetitive TMS (rTMS) at 100% motor threshold over the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (an area that is likely involved in inhibiting craving) can reduce cue-induced craving compared to sham TMS. However, methodological concerns surrounding these preliminary findings limit definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of TMS over a longer period of time. This R21 proposal will integrate more rigorous experimental conditions, a true double-blind methodology, MRI guided stimulation site and a longer-term follow-up assessment. Using rigorous double-masked methods and MRI guided stimulation site, we propose that using active rTMS or sham rTMS, to determine whether 10 sessions over a two week period consisting of 15 minute high frequency rTMS can reduce cue-induced craving and cigarette consumption for cigarette smokers. The project will also optimize rational rTMS parameters to make TMS to an efficacious treatment for nicotine dependence. In the two years of project, we plan to recruit 42 treatment-seeking nicotine- dependent cigarette smokers, both males and females of all ethnic and racial groups between the ages of 18 and 60 to participate in the study. The 42 participants will be randomly assigned to receive active prefrontal TMS or sham prefrontal TMS. The data from this R21 will provide the information needed for launching a definitive larger-scale investigation into potential clinical applications of TMS in smoke cessation. The results from this pilot will also likely supply substantial information about the utility of cortical stimulation for smoke cessation.

Public Health Relevance

Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern. A magnetic field applied to the outside of the skull can produce electrical activity in th brain without significant pain or the need for anesthesia. Sessions of magnetic stimulation or superficial stimulation that does not reach the brain will be used to determine if magnetic stimulation can reduce cue-induced craving and cigarettes consumption in adult nicotine-dependent cigarette smokers. This project may lead to a new therapy for smoking cessation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DA036752-01A1
Application #
8702776
Study Section
Neural Basis of Psychopathology, Addictions and Sleep Disorders Study Section (NPAS)
Program Officer
Kautz, Mary A
Project Start
2014-04-15
Project End
2016-03-31
Budget Start
2014-04-15
Budget End
2015-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Charleston
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29403