RecruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Accelerated dTMS Smoking Cessation

This study is investigating a new brain stimulation treatment called accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) to help adults (aged 18-65) stop smoking. The aim is to see if a short, 5-day course of this treatment is practical and well-tolerated. Researchers will check if people find the treatment acceptable, if they stick with it, and if it helps them quit smoking. This is a Phase 2 study, meaning it's an early step to understand if the treatment shows promise before larger studies are done. The study will also look at how the treatment might affect cravings and how many cigarettes people smoke.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Enrolment target

Start

24 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Tobacco Use Disorder Addiction Nicotine

What is this study about?

Many people find it really hard to stop smoking, even if they want to. This study is testing a new approach called accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, or aTMS, to see if it can help adults kick the habit. It's a type of brain stimulation that uses magnetic pulses to gently encourage certain parts of the brain to work differently.

The main idea is to see if a short course of this treatment – just 5 days – is something people can manage and if they find it acceptable. The researchers want to know if people stick with the treatment and if it causes any problems. They're also keen to explore if it actually helps people stop smoking, reduces cravings, and cuts down the number of cigarettes they smoke. This is an early-stage study, so the focus is on understanding if this treatment is a good idea to explore further.

By taking part, you could help scientists learn more about new ways to support people who want to quit smoking. Your experience would be valuable in understanding whether this type of brain stimulation could be a helpful option in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is exploring a new brain stimulation treatment for smoking cessation.
It involves a 5-day course of treatment with follow-up over 6 months.
The aim is to see if the treatment is practical, safe, and helps people quit smoking.
You must be an adult smoker, motivated to quit, and not using other quitting aids.
Taking part helps research into new ways to help people stop smoking.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and currently smoke. You must have a strong desire to quit smoking within the next 30 days and be able to communicate in English. The research team will also check how dependent you are on nicotine.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already stopped smoking recently (in the last 3 months) or are already using other treatments to quit, this study might not be right for you. You also couldn't take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

The study also excludes people with certain medical conditions, especially those affecting the brain, or if you have a history of seizures. Some medications can also prevent you from joining. The study team will carefully check all health information to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you currently smoke and want to quit within the next month?
Are you able to speak and understand English?
Are you *not* pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy?
Do you *not* have a history of seizures or certain brain conditions?
Are you *not* currently using other methods to help you quit smoking?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll have a 5-day course of brain stimulation treatment. This will involve four short treatment sessions each day for those 5 days. You'll have regular check-ups and questionnaires to assess how you're feeling, how easy or difficult you find the treatment, and if it's helping you with smoking. The researchers will also follow up with you after the treatment finishes at 3, 5, 9, 13, and 26 weeks to see how you're doing. There are no specific medications provided by the study, but they will monitor your smoking habits.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include gaining support and trying a new approach to quit smoking, which might help you stop or reduce your tobacco use. You would also be contributing to important research that could help others in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though transcranial magnetic stimulation is generally considered low-risk. These might include temporary headaches, discomfort at the treatment site, or a very small risk of seizure. All risks will be fully explained before you decide to join. Remember, taking part in any study is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Verified postcode
Penetanguishene, Canada· Recruiting
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is 'brain stimulation'?

It's a gentle treatment that uses magnetic pulses directed at specific areas of the brain to encourage changes in how brain cells work, without surgery or medicine.

How long will I be in the study?

The main treatment phase is 5 days, but researchers will follow up with you for about 6 months after that to see how you're doing.

Will I have to stop my current smoking cessation aids?

Yes, if you are currently using other aids to quit smoking, you would not be able to take part in this study.

Is the treatment painful?

Most people feel a tapping sensation on their head during the treatment, which can be a bit uncomfortable but is usually not painful.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular medical care.

How to find out more

Florence Tang, MA

ftang@waypointcentre.ca 705-549-3181 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.