NIH-funded research R37 grant

Personalized Treatment for Thyroid Nodules

Official title: Thyroid Nodule Treatment Optimization: A Personalized Approach

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11179274 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2019
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$499,823
NIH project number5R37CA231957-07
Project IDNIH-11179274 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

This research is relevant for anyone with thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, as it seeks to optimize treatment strategies for the general population.

Less likely to help

Patients whose thyroid nodule treatment decisions have already been made and completed may not directly benefit from this specific modeling project.

What this research studies

Thyroid nodules are common, and while many are harmless, some are cancerous, leading to a challenge in deciding the right treatment. This project aims to create a detailed computer model that simulates individuals with both benign and cancerous thyroid nodules across the U.S. population. By using this model, researchers hope to discover personalized treatment plans that are most effective for each patient. The goal is to avoid unnecessary treatments for those with less aggressive cancers while ensuring aggressive cancers are identified and treated appropriately.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise and personalized treatment recommendations for thyroid nodules and cancer, potentially reducing overtreatment and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Few data exist on the impact of current clinical strategies for thyroid nodules, and conducting traditional clinical trials in this area is challenging, making this computer modeling approach a novel way to address the problem.

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.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11376160

  • Optimizing treatment for thyroid nodules using personalized approaches

    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.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-10799193

  • 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.

    Recruiting Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje · Skopje · NCT07617584

  • 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.

    Recruiting Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · Guangzhou, Guangzhou · NCT07488325

  • 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.

    Recruiting Minia University · Minya, Minya Governorate · NCT07428057

  • 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.

    Recruiting Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet · Copenhagen · NCT07370675

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.