Understanding and reducing unnecessary thyroid cancer diagnoses
Official title: Estimating and Mitigating Thyroid Cancer Overdiagnosis: A Mathematical Modeling Approach
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10827894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can reduce the number of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer that they don’t actually need treatment for, by using math and engineering to understand what causes these overdiagnoses and how changes in medical practices can help keep patients from getting unnecessary treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $409,405 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251566-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been diagnosed with small papillary thyroid cancers or those at risk for thyroid cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with aggressive thyroid cancers that require immediate treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to tackle the issue of overdiagnosis in thyroid cancer, which occurs when patients are diagnosed with a cancer that would not have caused symptoms or death. By employing mathematical modeling and systems engineering, the project seeks to identify the factors contributing to overdiagnosis and develop strategies to mitigate it. The research will explore how changes in imaging referrals and biopsy size thresholds can impact diagnosis rates and patient outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to provide clearer guidelines that can help reduce unnecessary treatments and associated complications for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate thyroid cancer diagnoses and reduce unnecessary treatments, thereby improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that mathematical modeling can effectively inform clinical practices, suggesting potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Francis, David O. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Francis, David O.
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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.