Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tobacco Treatment in Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Report of a One-Week Treatment

Background Smoking cessation represents a significant opportunity to improve cancer survival rates, reduce the risk of cancer treatment complications, and improve quality of life. However, about half of cancer patients who smoke continue to smoke despite the availability of several treatments. Previous studies demonstrate that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) decreases cue craving, reduces cigarette consumption, and increases the quit rate in tobacco use disorder. We investigated whether 5 sessions of rTMS can be safely and efficaciously used for smoking cessation in cancer patients. Methods We enrolled 11 treatment-seeking smokers with cancer (> 5 cigarettes per day) in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled proof-of-concept study. Participants received 5 daily sessions of active 10Hz rTMS of the left DLPFC (3000 pulses per session) or sham rTMS, and were followed up for 1 month via phone assessments. Main outcomes included reductions in the number of smoked-cigarettes per day (primary) and craving (secondary). Adverse effects were reported daily by participants. Results Seven of 11 participants completed 5 sessions of rTMS over one week. Compared to sham treatment (n = 4), the active rTMS (n = 3) exhibited modest effects overtime on smoking (Cohen’s f 2 effect size of 0.16) and large effects on cue craving (Cohen’s f 2 = 0.40). No serious side effects related to rTMS were reported in the treatment. Conclusions Five sessions of daily rTMS over the left DLPFC might benefit cancer patients who smoke cigarettes. However, further evidence is needed to determine with more certainty its therapeutic effect and adverse effects for cancer patients who smoke cigarettes.