RecruitingNot Applicable

Radiofrequency Ablation for Curative Treatment of Small Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Pilot Study

Canada30 participantsStarted 2026-02-05

Plain-language summary

This pilot, single-arm clinical study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a curative treatment for small, low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The study will enroll 30 adult patients (≥18 years) with biopsy-confirmed PTC measuring \<2 cm, who decline surgery or active surveillance, or who are transitioning from active surveillance to active treatment. Eligible participants will undergo ultrasound-guided RFA performed with curative intent at University Health Network. Patients will be followed for up to 12 months with scheduled clinical visits, neck ultrasounds, blood tests, voice assessments, and patient-reported outcome questionnaires. A biopsy of the ablation site at 6-12 months will be used to assess local cancer control. The primary objective is to determine the local cure rate and safety profile of RFA for low-risk PTC. Secondary objectives include evaluating post-ablation ultrasound features, patient-reported quality of life, and the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary thyroid RFA program within routine clinical practice. Results from this study will provide important preliminary data to inform future larger trials comparing RFA with surgery and active surveillance for selected patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer.

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: * Histologically confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by fine-needle aspiration (FNA -Bethesda V/VI ) or core needle biopsy. * Single or multiple lesions, each 2.0 cm in maximum diameter. * Intrathyroidal tumors (i.e., no extrathyroidal extension, no clinical/radiological evidence of nodal metastases, nor distant metastases). * Lesions located at a safe distance (\>2 mm) from critical structures (e.g., trachea, esophagus, carotid artery) or accessible with hydrodissection. * ≤T1b (i.e. \< 2cm maximal diameter), N0 or Nx, M0 (no clinical or radiological evidence of lymph node or distant metastasis). * Patients unfit for surgery due to comorbidities or who refuse surgery. * ≥18 years old * Not pregnant at the time of RFA. * Able to understand and voluntarily sign informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of lymph node involvement (clinically or radiologically suspicious or confirmed metastatic nodes) or distant metastasis (e.g., lung, bone). * Tumors with extrathyroidal extension * Tumors with extensive calcification * Tumors located within 2 mm of critical structures where RFA would pose an unacceptably high risk and where hydrodissection is not feasible. * Previous thyroid surgery or ablation (RFA, ethanol, laser, or microwave) at the index tumor site. * Known diagnosis of anaplastic, poorly differentiated, or other aggressive thyroid cancer variants. * Pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment. * Bleeding diathesis or use of ant…

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

Local Cure Rate of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) following Radiofrequency

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months.

Safety of the RFA procedure

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07376837

SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-31

Contact for this trial

Kateri Corr

416-500-5737 kateri.corr@uhn.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma trials