Low-dose Radioiodine Treatment for Intermediate-risk Thyroid Cancer

Treatment Efficacy and Safety of Low-dose Radioiodine Ablation for Intermediate-risk Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Without Metastasis: a Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Zhujiang Hospital · NCT04354324

This study tests whether a lower dose of radioiodine treatment can help people with intermediate-risk thyroid cancer stay cancer-free for longer compared to a higher dose.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment254 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorZhujiang Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT04354324 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of low-dose radioiodine ablation (30 mCi) compared to high-dose radioiodine ablation (100 mCi) in patients with intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. The study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind trial involving 254 patients who have undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy. The primary objective is to compare the 3-year disease-free survival rates between the two groups, while secondary objectives include assessing successful remnant ablation, progression-free survival, and safety over a follow-up period of three years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 16 and older with histologically confirmed intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma and a stimulated thyroglobulin level of 1-20 ng/ml.

Not a fit: Patients with structural or functional lesions detected by imaging studies will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a safer and equally effective alternative to high-dose radioiodine therapy for patients with intermediate-risk thyroid cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with low-dose radioiodine therapy, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with histological confirmation of intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) according to 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.
* Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma(DTC) patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy which was consistent with the recommendations of American Thyroid Association guidelines as well as Chinese Thyroid Association guidelines on the management of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma(DTC).
* Serum stimulated thyroglobulin was 1-20ng/ml.
* At least 16 years old.
* Patients who volunteered to participate in the study and signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ultrasonography, Computerized Tomography(CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) indicates the presence of lesions.
* Iodine-131 whole body scan indicates the presence of lesions outside the thyroid bed.
* Patients with positive thyroglobulin antibody (≥115 Ku/L).
* Patients who had other coexisting serious diseases or other factors that may affect the outcome of ablation.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or with birth planning within six months.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 Papillary Thyroid CancerRadioactive iodinePapillary thyroid carcinoma
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.