REVIEW article
Front. Neuroimaging
Sec. Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation
Research Advances in Neuronavigated Target Localization for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Depression: From Standardization to Individualized Neuromodulation
Provisionally accepted
- 1Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
- 2The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
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Depression is a highly disabling mental disorder imposing a substantial burden on global public health. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), as a non-invasive physical treatment modality, demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety in treating depression. However, significant inter-individual variability in treatment response exists, with the reliability of target localization being a key factor influencing efficacy. Traditional non-neuronavigated localization methods (e.g., 5-cm rule, Beam F3 method), while operationally convenient, suffer from limited reliability due to failure to account for individual variations in brain anatomy (e.g., cortical folding) and functional connectivity patterns. In recent years, driven by advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and individualized treatment paradigms, neuronavigated localization methods based on clinical symptom subtypes and patient-specific brain structural/functional connectivity profiles have significantly enhanced localization reliability and personalization, offering novel approaches to overcome efficacy variability. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of action and standard treatment protocols of rTMS for depression, with a primary focus on research advances in target localization methodologies. It encompasses the principles, clinical applications, efficacy comparisons, and optimized integration of both non-neuronavigated and neuronavigated techniques across different populations (adolescents, elderly) and symptom subtypes. By critically analyzing current research achievements and challenges, this review aims to provide clinicians with theoretical foundations and practical references for optimizing rTMS treatment protocols, enhancing response rates, and advancing individualized neuronavigated protocols.
Keywords: Depression, Individualized Neuromodulation, Neuronavigated Targeting, Neuronavigation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Received: 11 Sep 2025; Accepted: 16 Dec 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Jiang, Fung and Cheng. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Pak Wing, Calvin Cheng
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