Preference-based value of thyroid cancer treatments for small tumors
Official title: Preference-Based Treatment Valuation in Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11369995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant asks how patients feel about different PTMC treatments (watchful waiting, partial/total thyroidectomy, or radiofrequency ablation) and how those feelings affect overall care decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $284,358 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA293167-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with low-risk, sub-centimeter papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) considering active surveillance or treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not facing thyroid cancer or those not involved in decision-making about treatment options are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
For adults with very small, low-risk thyroid cancer, researchers will measure how people value different treatment experiences using patient-friendly questions. The project will compare feelings about surveillance, surgery, and energy-based ablation to create a clearer picture of which options patients prefer beyond survival. Findings will be used in a cost-effectiveness model to help doctors and patients choose the approach that aligns with patient values and real-world experiences. The work will involve discussions with patients, clinicians, and the general public to determine whose perspectives best reflect treatment value.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help doctors and patients choose treatments that better align with patient preferences and reduce unnecessary morbidity and costs.
How similar studies have gone: There is limited data on health-state utilities in PTMC; this project aims to fill that gap with primary preference data.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Yinin — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Hu, Yinin
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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.