Clinical and functional connectivity outcomes of 5-Hz repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation as an add-on treatment in cocaine use disorder: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract BACKGROUND Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a global condition lacking effective treatment. Repeated magnetic transcranial stimulation (rTMS) may reduce craving and frequency of cocaine use, but little is known about its efficacy and neural effects. METHODS Using a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) [ NCT02986438 ], we sought to elucidate short- and long-term clinical benefits of 5-Hz rTMS as an add-on to standard treatment in CUD patients and discern underlying functional connectivity effects using magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-four randomly assigned CUD patients completed the 2-week double-blind acute phase [Sham (n=20, 2f/18m) and Active (n=24, 4f/20m)], in which they received 2 daily sessions of rTMS (5,000 pulses) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subsequently, n=20 CUD patients continued to open-label maintenance (2 weekly sessions for up to 6 months). Measures were acquired at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS Overall, 5-Hz rTMS plus standard treatment for 2 weeks significantly reduced craving and impulsivity in the Active group; decreased impulsivity correlated with improvements in functional connectivity in executive control and default mode networks. Clinical and functional connectivity effects were maintained for 3 months but they dissipated by 6 months. We did not observe reduction of positive cocaine urine tests, however, self-reported frequency and grams consumed for 6 months were reduced. CONCLUSIONS With this RCT we show that 5-Hz rTMS has potential promise as an adjunctive treatment for CUD and merits further research.