Thyroid Artery Goitre Embolization Trial A Pilot Study Investigating Thyroid Artery Embolisation … (NCT07046546) | Clinical Trial Compass
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Thyroid Artery Goitre Embolization Trial A Pilot Study Investigating Thyroid Artery Embolisation as a Treatment for Large Thyroid Nodules
United Kingdom10 participantsStarted 2025-09-29
Plain-language summary
Large non-cancerous thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid gland) can cause pressure or discomfort in the neck or cosmetic issues. The standard treatment options include radiofrequency ablation, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Not all patients are suitable however for these treatments, some lumps are too large, or the patients are not fit enough for surgery.
Thyroid artery embolization (TAE) is a new minimally invasive technique (smaller incisions / cuts and shorter recovery time) performed under light sedation. It is used by other European Thyroid Centres, but it hasn't been used in the UK. Embolization means arteries supplying the thyroid gland are blocked by injecting small occlusive particles, like very fine grains of sand that can get stuck in small spaces, preventing blood from passing through. Blocking the thyroid arteries causes the gland to shrink. This provides symptom relief or controls an overactive gland.
We aim to undertake a TAE pilot study to explore the safety of TAE in a UK patient population. We are planning to recruit 10 eligible patients. We will also collect additional data (for example on pain, effectiveness, cost and health related quality of life) to inform a future larger trial comparing TAE to other treatment options.
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:
* The participant may enter the study if ALL of the following apply:
* Adults over 18 years of age willing and able to give informed consent.
* Symptomatic or cosmetically distressing benign nodular thyroid disease with or without intrathoracic extension and with or without hyperthyroidism. Or auto-immune hyperthyroidism (Graves disease).
* Single nodular goitre causing local mass effect warranting treatment or multi-nodular goitre
* TIRADS score 1, 2 and 3 nodules (benign or mildly suspicious) as assessed by ultrasound.
* FNA confirmed benign disease (x2 FNA Thy2 (benign) result required for TR3 nodules, 1x FNA if nodule classified TR2 or less). FNA performed on most high grade nodule or if equal grade then largest nodule.
* No enlarged / suspicious neck lymphadenopathy on ultrasound.
* Patient willing to undergo thyroid nodule embolization in preference to other viable treatment options after discussion with Consultant ENT surgeon and / or Consultant Interventional Radiologist. TAE can also be performed as a bridge to surgery, Radiofrequency ablation or Radioactive iodine. Patients may also be unsuitable or unfit for other treatment options.
* Patient able to lay on the angiography table flat with one or two pillows, and can lay comfortably with 30 degrees or less of head elevation for a minimum of two hours.
Exclusion Criteria:
* The participant may enter the study if ALL of the following apply:
* Adults over 18 years of age willi…
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.