Reducing unnecessary surgeries for low-risk thyroid cancer patients
Official title: A Pilot Feasibility Study of an Intervention to Decrease Overtreatment of Low-risk Thyroid Cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10895437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer by giving them clear information about their treatment choices, so they can talk with their doctors and feel confident in choosing less invasive options instead of having unnecessary surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $84,023 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA283105-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer who are considering treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with high-risk thyroid cancer or those who have already undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the issue of overtreatment in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer, where many undergo unnecessary total thyroidectomy. The study introduces an intervention called CQUPLE, which provides patients with clear, evidence-based information about their treatment options and encourages them to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers. By enhancing patients' understanding and decision-making capabilities, the research seeks to empower them to choose less invasive treatment alternatives. The pilot will involve a randomized controlled trial with 50 patients across three clinic sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries and associated complications for patients with low-risk thyroid cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that patient education and decision aids can effectively reduce overtreatment in various medical conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pitt, Susan C — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Pitt, Susan C
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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.