Contact: Will Sansom
Phone: 210-567-2579
E-mail: sansom@uthscsa.edu

A research study at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is assessing whether image-guided, robotically positioned transmissions of magnetic waves to the brain can improve the mood of individuals with major depression.

Fifteen San Antonio-area volunteers ages 18 to 70 with major depression are invited to undergo “transcranial magnetic stimulation” (TMS), a procedure that sends the waves through the scalp to the brain’s left frontal lobe. The research study includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) workups of each participant to ensure that the waves are pinpointed for optimum effect.

Pedro L. Delgado, M.D., Dielmann Distinguished Chair and professor and chairman in the Department of Psychiatry, is the co-principal investigator.
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The TMS and MRI procedures are performed at the Research Imaging Center on the Health Science Center’s Greehey Academic and Research Campus. Board-certified neurologist Peter T. Fox, M.D., professor and director of the Research Imaging Center, is the principal investigator. Board-certified psychiatrist Pedro L. Delgado, M.D., Dielmann Distinguished Chair and professor and chairman in the Department of Psychiatry, is the co-principal investigator.

Alternative to antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy
“There are mixed reviews about how effective TMS is for the treatment of depression, although most trials have shown some evidence of benefit,” Dr. Delgado said. “Image-guided, robotically positioned TMS could be a desirable alternative to the current federally approved depression treatments, which include antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy. It is less invasive. The purpose is to treat depression without medication, anesthesia or loss of consciousness.”

Patients awake during treatment
Before having electroconvulsive therapy, patients are placed under general anesthesia. TMS, by comparison, is not intended to produce a seizure and patients are awake during administration.

Peter T. Fox, M.D., professor and director of the Research Imaging Center, is principal investigator of the depression study evaluating the new magnetic wave technology.

Health Science Center’s robotic arm positioning system unique
Dr. Fox holds a U.S. patent on the modified TMS robotic positioning system, which he adapted from the NeuroMate™ robotic system. “Other centers provide TMS, but ours is the only center in the world that uses brain imaging and brain stimulation through a robotic arm,” he said. “No radiation is administered in this procedure, and there is no damage to tissues. Through use of a strong magnetic field, we stimulate target tissues to change the action potential of neurons.”

Magnetic waves sent through the scalp
The magnetic waves are delivered in pulses transmitted from a B-shaped coil through a mask on the scalp to the target region. Scientists do not know the exact mechanism of action by which TMS might affect mood.

Because neurons are arranged in columns in the brain, the Research Imaging Center engages in columnar aiming. “We believe the way to get the best effect is to align with the columns and stimulate the areas known to influence mood,” Dr. Fox said.

Imaging provided at no cost
Study participants are asked not to take antidepressant medication during the six weeks of TMS treatment. All study procedures are provided at no cost. No compensation is available. Study participation is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time.

TMS currently is not approved for the treatment of depression. This research study will help assess its applicability to the disease. All participants will receive active treatment.

To volunteer for the study
For more information, call the Behavioral Wellness (Be Well) Center for Clinical Trials in the Department of Psychiatry, 210-562-5400 or toll-free 888-255-6563.

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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is the leading research institution in South Texas and one of the major health sciences universities in the world. With an operating budget of $536 million, the Health Science Center is the chief catalyst for the $14.3 billion biosciences and health care sector in San Antonio’s economy. The Health Science Center has had an estimated $35 billion impact on the region since inception and has expanded to six campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. More than 22,000 graduates (physicians, dentists, nurses, scientists and allied health professionals) serve in their fields, including many in Texas. Health Science Center faculty are international leaders in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging, stroke prevention, kidney disease, orthopaedics, research imaging, transplant surgery, psychiatry and clinical neurosciences, pain management, genetics, nursing, allied health, dentistry and many other fields.