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Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Cocaine Use Disorder

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Cocaine Use Disorder

Status
UNKNOWN
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05857852
Enrollment
30
Registered
2023-05-15
Start date
2023-03-01
Completion date
2025-03-01
Last updated
2023-05-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cocaine Use Disorder, Cocaine Dependence, Cocaine Abuse, Ultrasound

Keywords

Substance Use Disorders, Chemically-Induced Disorders, Substance-related disorders, Cocaine Addiction, Cocaine

Brief summary

This study aims to understand the role of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound on craving levels for cocaine as evidenced by diagnostic imaging of the dorsal anterior insula (dAI) and subjective ratings. Data analysis will serve to show if 1) LIFU is safe and effective and to 2) examine the effects of LIFU on dAI BOLD activity and craving in response to cocaine cue-exposure. The study will screen 60 individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) to arrive at 30 enrolled subjects, based on a 2:1 screen/randomization ratio.

Detailed description

This is a randomized single-blind, active, sham-controlled study. This study will enroll thirty (30) individuals, aged 18 years and older, that meet the criteria for CUD. Participants will be recruited from the general population and will be asked to complete cognitive testing and measures, self-reported craving measures, and diagnostic exams including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). Participants will also undergo functional MRI which entails being shown cocaine-related photos at regular intervals. All participants will receive LIFU and sham interventions, but will be randomized to one of two sessions, and will return one month after the second session for an in-person follow-up. In total, there are five (5) in-person visits and two (2) phone calls to assess for adverse events, conducted over eight (8) weeks.

Interventions

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound administration to right dorsal anterior insula, in one of two sessions

DEVICESham LIFU device

Sham LIFU device administered in one of two sessions

Sponsors

University of Virginia
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Single-blind study

Intervention model description

At each of two intervention visits, participants will receive either LIFU or sham. At the completion of both visits, all participants will have received both, LIFU and sham.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Ages 18 years and older with a history of cocaine use disorder * Have a current (past 6 months) DSM-5 diagnosis of cocaine use disorder (4 or more symptoms) assessed using the MINI neuropsychiatric interview * Have a blood alcohol content by breathalyzer, equal to 0.000 when informed consent document is signed * Ability to abstain from cocaine use at key points during study * Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits and study procedures * Ability to lie down for extended periods of time for imaging tests * Will have reliable transportation throughout study * Will have a stable residence during the 2 weeks prior to randomization and not be at risk of losing housing in next 2 months * Must meet criteria to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Exclusion criteria

• Please contact PI or Study Coordinator for more details.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percent reduction in Bold Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD)% signal change in response to cocaine cue exposure8 weeksEvidence on MRI of BOLD activity in the dAI region
Decrease in average craving score by 25% for LIFU compared to sham8 weeksParticipant, subjective rating of cocaine-related craving
No evidence of neurological or other adverse events related to LIFU8 weeksMRI images will show congruity of brain data over course of study

Countries

United States

Contacts

Primary ContactTamika Braveheart, MA
ats3z@uvahealth.org434-243-0568
Backup ContactTracie Kostelac
TLK5D@uvahealth.org434-243-0563

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026