Implementation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Smoking Cessation

What this study is about

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an alternative non-invasive treatment to help people quit smoking. rTMS uses a magnetic field to stimulate regions of the brain that are involved in addiction. The two brain regions that are stimulated are the insula and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which are involved in drug craving and decision-making, respectively. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn more about the feasibility of offering rTMS as a treatment in the Nicotine Dependence Clinic (NDC) to help daily smokers to quit smoking. The NDC is at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) at 1025 Queen Street West, in Toronto, Canada. Participants will be asked to come to CAMH to: * Complete surveys and optional interviews to learn more about their opinions and experiences with this treatment * Start a treatment course that includes 3 weeks of daily (Monday to Friday) rTMS sessions followed by 3 weeks of weekly rTMS sessions for a total of 6 weeks. Each session lasts about 25 minutes and is provided by an rTMS technician with medical supervision. Objectives • Learning about the feasibility of rTMS as a treatment option for patients in the NDC will help us improve the treatment when offering it in other clinics, which may help improve smoking quit rates and people's overall health.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Smoking cigarettes daily (self-reported)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Currently employed as a HCP (physician, social worker, occupational therapist, etc.) at the CAMH NDC
• Involved in the care of at least 1 patient who has received rTMS for smoking cessation

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Have any intracranial implant (e.g., aneurysm clips) or any other metal object within or near the head, excluding the mouth, that cannot be safely removed.
• Pregnant or intending to be pregnant during the study.
• A history of a primary seizure disorder, seizure associated with an intracranial lesion, recurrent seizures related to substance intoxication or withdrawal or recent seizure within the last 6 months.
• Taking any anticonvulsant medication unless it cannot be tapered or discontinued due to risk of clinical safety or destabilization, according to the participant or their referring physician.
• Taking benzodiazepines with dose equivalent or greater than lorazepam 2mg/day unless it cannot be tapered or discontinued due to risk of clinical safety or destabilization, according to the participant or their referring physician.
• Space occupying intracranial lesion.
• Acutely unstable medical, psychiatric, or substance use disorder comorbidity with safety concerns at the discretion of the PI or study physician.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• There are no exclusion criteria for HCP Participants

Where this trial is running

• Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Alexandra S, BScH · 416-535-8501 · rtms.smoking@camh.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06346028.