Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment for depression. The investigators are continuing to learn how to optimize outcomes from rTMS treatment. The purpose of this research project is to use brain network connectivity patterns as measured by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to confirm a way to optimize the use of rTMS to treat depression. In addition, the study aims to gain a better understanding of how rTMS influences brain networks.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global disability, and approximately 30% of MDD patients are resistant to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is an FDA-cleared intervention with proven efficacy in treatment-resistant depression, but only 30-40% of these patients achieve remission after a single course. Other studies have shown that rTMS targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) is comparably effective, but biomarkers for informing target site selection do not exist. Diagnostic heterogeneity has been an obstacle to biomarker discovery efforts. Recently, we developed and validated an approach to diagnose four novel MDD subtypes or "biotypes' defined by resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns and predicting differing antidepressant responses at the individual level to rTMS. This pivotal trial will test a novel, biotype-guided treatment selection strategy motivated by the hypothesis that an individual patient's likelihood of responding to left DLFPC vs.DMPFC rTMS is determined in part by individual differences in 1) the degree to which their symptoms are driven by dysfunction in specific cerebral network targets comprising Valence Systems; and 2) the degree to which dysfunction in those targets can be modulated by stimulating the left DLPFC or DMPFC. Subjects (N=348; 174 from this site) will be randomized to receive a) biotype-guided rTMS targeting the DMPFC or left DLPFC; b) to a disconfirmation arm receiving rTMS targeting the opposite site; and c) to a third arm receiving FDA-cleared, standard-of-care rTMS targeting the left DLFPC, regardless of biotype. The dosage and method of delivery of rTMS for all arms are as follows: intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) will be delivered at 120% of the resting motor threshold. It will be administered in triplet 50 Hz bursts, repeated at 5 Hz with a duty cycle of 2 s on and 8 s off, for a total of 600 pulses per session and a total duration of 3 min 9 s. All patients will be assessed before and after treatment on a battery of fMRI, behavioral, and clinical assessments. The primary goal is to confirm the efficacy of a novel RSFC biomarker-guided approach to differential treatment selection in treatment resistant depression.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
348
iTBS rTMS targeting the DMPFC or left DLPFC
iTBS rTMS targeting the left DLPFC
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States
RECRUITINGWeill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGChange in depression, as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17)
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) is a 17 item clinician-rated measure of depression severity. Scores of 0-7 = Normal, 8-13 = Mild Depression, 14-18 = Moderate Depression, 19-22 = Severe Depression, ≥ 23 = Very Severe Depression
Time frame: Baseline and 1 Week Post Treatment (8-10 weeks)
Change in depression, as measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology (QIDS)
The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology (QIDS) is a 16 item self-report measure of depression severity. Scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.
Time frame: Baseline and Post Treatment (7-9 weeks)
Change in Resting State fMRI Connectivity
Calculated from Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan conducted while participant is awake but not completing any tasks in the scanner. Used to determine biotype of depression for treatment assignment and to determine if any changes in resting state connectivity have taken place post-TMS treatment.
Time frame: Baseline and after completion of treatment (7-9 weeks)
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