NCT07474974Recruiting
ipRGC as a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder
Illuminating Depression: ipRGC as a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 13 Oct 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
This research explores the potential of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), particularly intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs), as biomarkers for predicting response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We also aim to assess the impact of TMS treatment on RGCs and ipRGCs in TRD patients, investigating associations with clinical improvements and cognitive status. A clinical trial involving 44 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) will be conducted. All participants will receive rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Data will be collected pre- and post-intervention, as well as at a 2-month follow-up, using multiple outcome measures, including the post-illumination pupil response (PIPR). The project seeks to confirm the effectiveness of TMS and the potential of RGCs/ipRGCs as predictors of treatment response, thereby facilitating the development of personalized treatment strategies for TRD patients undergoing rTMS therapy.
- Status (registry)
- Recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 44 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 6 Mar 2026
- Start date
- 15 Mar 2026
- Primary completion date
- 30 Apr 2027
- Lead sponsor
- Polytechnic Institute of Porto
- Diseases
- Depression
- NCT number
- NCT07474974
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 44
- From 15 Mar 2026 to the primary completion date, 30 Apr 2027
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Prior rTMS treatment;
- Use of medications affecting iris mechanics or the autonomic nervous system.
Other illness
- Psychiatric disorders other than MDD;
- Systemic diseases affecting the eyes (e.g., diabetes mellitus);
- Ocular conditions;
- Neurodegenerative diseases;
- Major neurological illnesses;
Other
- Contraindications for TMS;
- Head injuries causing loss of consciousness;
- Current or past alcohol/substance dependence within 6 months;
Who the study is looking for
- Diagnosis of MDD, confirmed via the structured clinical interview;
- TRD type;
- Age between 18-65 years;
- Visual acuity of 20/32 or better.
Age in the registry: 18 years to 65 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RISE-Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Porto | Portugal | Recruiting |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.