CompletedPhase 3

The Usefulness of Staining Lymph Nodes During Operations for Cancer Thyroid in Detecting the Nodes That Have Cancer

Egypt45 participantsStarted 2002-12

Plain-language summary

Detection of lymph nodes starting to be involved by cancer spreading from the thyroid gland during operation is useful. It saves the patient from having a second operation to remove these nodes later on when they become obvious. The problem is that there are many lymph nodes around the gland. The theory is that only one node will get the first spill of the tumour cells. In this study the investigators are trying to use an inert colored material to inject into the tumour. This should run in the same path as the tumour cells and should therefore stain the one lymph node that will be affected first should the tumour spread. The stained lymph node is excised and examined instantaneously for tumour affection. If it is found to be affected by the tumour, then the operation is extended to include removal of all its fellow lymph nodes. If it is found to be free from the tumour, then this patient does not have tumour spread.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient diagnosed to have differentiated thyroid carcinoma and has no detectable cervical lymphadenopathy. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous neck surgery, pregnancy and known hypersensitivity to the dye used.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The lymph nodes around the thyroid tumour will be removed and examined under microscopy in all study subjects to verify that the stained node is a true representative to the state of lymph nodes as regards tumour spread

Timeframe: the lymph nodes removed during the surgery will be examined the next day of the operation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00794053

SponsorUniversity of Alexandria

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2008-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Thyroid Cancer trials