Laser Ablation of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
United States10 participantsStarted 2020-10-19
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to explore whether percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) is a safe and effective alternative to removing papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Papillary thyroid cancer documented by
* (a) Bethesda VI cytology,
* (b) Bethesda III, IV, V, or VI cytology AND BRAF V600E mutation, or
* (c) Bethesda V cytology AND high risk ultrasonographic features documented by either the ATA high suspicion or TIRADS 5 nodule characteristics
To ensure the majority of cases will be eligible based on criteria (a) or (b), we will enroll ≤ 2 patients based on criteria (c).
* Maximum diameter ≤ 13 mm
* Declined active surveillance
* The thyroid lesion must be primarily solid with ≤ 25% cystic compent
* No US evidence of extrathyroidal extension through the thyroid capsule
* No imaging evidence of lymph node metastasis
* Preserved contralateral vocal cord function prior to PLA
Exclusion Criteria:
* Thyroid cancer that is non papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)
* Thyroid lesion with \> 25% cystic component
* Lesion with US evidence of extrathyroidal extension through the thyroid capsule
* Clinical or ultrasonographic evidence of lymph node metastasis
* Pregnancy
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
1
Number of participants with complete thermal ablation