Non-Invasive Deep Brain Neuromodulation for Smoking Cessation

Summary

This study will develop novel low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) therapy to help people to quit cigarette smoking. Smoking is associated with cancers of the lung. Available smoking cessation methods help many to quit. However, for the many who continue to smoke despite the strong desire to quit and after exhausting existing therapeutic approaches, new treatment methods are needed. Without more effective treatment, many will continue to smoke, and our progress on cancer prevention through smoking cessation may decelerate as these associated cancer risks will remain. Brain imaging research has identified specific areas of the brain linked to severe nicotine addiction, but up to now there are no effective ways to directly target most of these deeper brain regions. LIFU is a new and safe method to modulate brain functions that can either inhibit overactive activity or restore normal activity levels. The purpose of this study is to provide a novel ultrasound-based neuromodulation strategy for smoking cessation in people who have difficulty to quit smoking despite numerous serious attempts in their lives. LIFU works by sending acoustic pressure modulating neural activity in the human brain.

Eligibility

Age range

20–60 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Device
  Low intensity focused ultrasound with active stimulations

  Participants will receive two LIFU sessions a week for 4 weeks.

• Device
  low intensity focused ultrasound with sham stimulations

  Participants will receive two LIFU sessions a week for 4 weeks.

Location