Comparing thermal ablation and adrenalectomy for treating primary aldosteronism

A Prospective Randomised Trial Comparing Thermal Ablation With Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy as an alternatiVE Treatment for Unilateral Asymmetric Primary Aldosteronism

Not applicable Interventional Queen Mary University of London · NCT05405101

This study is testing whether a new treatment called thermal ablation works just as well as surgery for people with unilateral primary aldosteronism.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment122 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen Mary University of London Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Cambridge, SMLG and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05405101 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate whether thermal ablation is as effective as adrenalectomy in treating unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). It will compare the biochemical and clinical outcomes of both interventions, focusing on factors such as adverse events, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. The study will also assess the anatomical efficacy of thermal ablation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment, with the goal of determining the best approach for managing this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 diagnosed with unilateral primary aldosteronism who meet specific imaging and clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or those unable to undergo either treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive treatment option for patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for thermal ablation in similar conditions, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria (all of):

* Age \> 18 years
* Primary aldosteronism diagnosed according to international guidelines
* Unilateral disease by AVS or PET-CT criteria
* Ipsilateral radiological abnormality with benign imaging characteristics and technically amenable to both thermal ablation and surgery
* Able and willing to give informed consent
* Randomisation approved by MDT

Exclusion criteria (any of):

* Absolute contraindication to α- or β-adrenoceptor antagonist therapy or CT contrast
* Contraindication or unwillingness for either surgery or thermal ablation
* Inability to withdraw β-adrenoceptor antagonist therapy for 2 weeks
* Unwilling to undergo either LA or thermal ablation
* Unwilling to comply with study visit schedule
* Pregnancy or unwillingness to undertake secure contraception for the study duration (female participants only)
* Life-limiting comorbidity (at the discretion of the PI)
* Clinical and/or biochemical evidence of autonomous cortisol secretion sufficient, in the opinion of the patient's physician, to mandate a unilateral adrenalectomy independent of autonomous aldosterone secretion

Where this trial is running

Cambridge, SMLG and 5 other locations

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.
Conditions Primary AldosteronismThermalAblationLaparoscopicAdrenalectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.