Comparing neck dissection techniques for thyroid cancer treatment

Comparison of Two Routes of Surgical Approach to Lateral Cervical Node Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients With Lateral Metastatic Disease: Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades de Cabeza y Cuello · NCT06149637

This study is testing two different surgical methods for removing lymph nodes in patients with thyroid cancer to see which one causes fewer problems afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentro de Excelencia en Enfermedades de Cabeza y Cuello (other)
Locations1 site (Medellín, Antioquia)
Trial IDNCT06149637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the shoulder and neck morbidity associated with two different surgical approaches for cervical lateral nodal dissection in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and lateral metastases. Specifically, it compares the traditional neck dissection approach with an anterior approach to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The study will involve patients who have confirmed lymph node involvement and will assess the effectiveness and complications of each surgical method. By analyzing outcomes, the research seeks to determine the optimal surgical technique for minimizing morbidity while effectively treating thyroid cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with confirmed lateral lymph node involvement due to differentiated thyroid cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous neck dissection or those diagnosed with medullary or anaplastic carcinoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques that reduce complications for patients undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on neck dissection techniques, this specific comparison of anterior versus traditional approaches in the context of differentiated thyroid cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ≥ 18 years.
2. Patients with macroscopic lymph node involvement identified by physical examination, imaging or intraoperatively in lateral neck.
3. Patients with microscopic nodal involvement confirmed by FNAB (definition by the pathologist of suspected or confirmed metastatic papillary carcinoma according to the Bethesda criteria)
4. Candidates for lateral lymph node dissection due to suspected or confirmed disease metastatic lymph nodes as defined by the treating surgeon.
5. Patients requiring or not requiring thyroidectomy and/or central dissection concomitant with the dissection

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a history of previous neck dissection
2. Histological confirmation of medullary or anaplastic carcinoma
3. Previous spinal nerve injury

Where this trial is running

Medellín, Antioquia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Thyroid Cancer, neck dissection, shoulder disfunction, randomized clinical trial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.