Developing blood tests for diagnosing thyroid cancer
Official title: Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles in Patients With Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer
Run by Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT04742608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test to help doctors tell if thyroid nodules are cancerous or not, using samples from patients with suspicious nodules or thyroid cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 21, 2020 |
| Main results expected | June 9, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04742608 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for thyroid surgery due to suspected thyroid cancer or indeterminate thyroid nodules.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with concurrent malignancies may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve cancer diagnosis by analyzing blood and tissue samples from patients with suspicious thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer. Researchers will evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of molecular profiles from thyroid-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to predict thyroid cancer. The study will also assess the quantity of EVs at different stages of cancer and how this quantity changes in response to treatment. By using less invasive methods than traditional biopsies, the study seeks to differentiate between non-cancerous tumors and thyroid cancer, as well as identify high-risk mutations for better treatment guidance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to less invasive and more accurate cancer diagnostics for patients with thyroid issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsy techniques for cancer diagnostics, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 and older * Consented for thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer or indeterminate thyroid nodule Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with concurrent malignancy
Where it's running
-
UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James Wu — UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Identifying and differentiating thyroid nodules using acoustic imaging
This study is testing new imaging techniques to see if they can better identify and tell apart thyroid nodules, helping patients understand if their nodules are cancerous or not.
-
Evaluating DNA Methylation for Diagnosing Thyroid Nodules
This study is testing a new DNA test to see if it can help doctors tell the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous thyroid nodules to reduce unnecessary surgeries.
-
Investigational imaging for monitoring treatment response in thyroid cancer and head and neck malignancies
This study is testing if a special type of MRI can help doctors see how well treatment is working for people with thyroid cancer and head and neck cancers.
-
DNA methylation test for diagnosing thyroid nodules after fine-needle aspiration
This test tries a DNA methylation signature to detect cancer in people with thyroid nodules who have indeterminate fine-needle aspiration results.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.