Optimizing treatment for thyroid nodules using personalized approaches
Official title: Thyroid Nodule Treatment Optimization: A Personalized Approach
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10799193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better treat thyroid nodules, which many people have, by using computer models to find the best personalized treatment options, so patients with harmless nodules can avoid unnecessary procedures while ensuring those with more serious conditions get the right care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,833 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA231957-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with thyroid nodules, particularly those with varying degrees of risk for malignancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with thyroid nodules who are not seeking treatment or those with advanced thyroid cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment strategies for thyroid nodules, which affect a significant portion of the U.S. population. By utilizing advanced computer models, the study aims to simulate different patient scenarios to determine the best personalized treatment options for both benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The goal is to reduce unnecessary treatments for patients with indolent conditions while ensuring that those with aggressive diseases receive appropriate care. This approach seeks to balance the health outcomes and resource utilization associated with thyroid nodule management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients with thyroid nodules, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving overall patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computer models for personalized medicine, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements in thyroid nodule treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cunningham, Carrie Elizabeth — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cunningham, Carrie Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Optimizing thyroid nodule care to reduce thyroid cancer burden
A doctor-scientist at a major university is exploring better ways to manage thyroid nodules in adults to lower the risk and impact of thyroid cancer.
-
Personalized Treatment for Thyroid Nodules
This project uses computer modeling to find the best ways to treat thyroid nodules and cancer, aiming to help many people in the U.S.
-
NIRAF-guided identification of parathyroids during thyroidectomy
A wearable near-infrared autofluorescence device is being tested to help surgeons find and protect the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery in adults.
-
Combining ultrasound and cytology whole-slide images to predict cancer risk in indeterminate (Bethesda III) thyroid nodules
This project will test whether a deep learning model that merges ultrasound pictures and cytology whole-slide images can better predict which Bethesda III thyroid nodules are cancerous.
-
Low calcium after thyroid removal
This project will see if clinical, lab, and surgical factors predict low calcium after thyroid surgery in adults treated at Minia University Hospital from 2014–2024.
-
Active monitoring for small Bethesda IV thyroid nodules
This program will try active monitoring with scheduled ultrasounds and clinic visits instead of immediate surgery for adults with a single Bethesda IV thyroid nodule under 2 cm.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.