Microwave ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma monitored with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and genetic testing

Efficacy and Prognosis of Microwave Ablation Treatment for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Assessed by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Combined With Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics: A Prospective Observational Study

Observational Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT07054229

This project will try microwave ablation guided by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and an 88-gene panel in adults with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma to see if it controls the tumor while preserving thyroid function.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment480 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT07054229 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study in which adults with a single low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (≤1 cm) who have undergone fine-needle aspiration and an 88-gene panel may choose microwave ablation or surgical resection. Treatment effects and prognosis will be followed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with molecular diagnostic data. The study will track local tumor control, complications, thyroid function, and lesion changes over time. Data will be collected at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital to compare outcomes and identify molecular markers linked to prognosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with a single low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma ≤1 cm, no cervical lymph node or distant metastasis, no extrathyroidal extension, prior fine-needle aspiration and 88-gene panel testing, and who voluntarily choose microwave ablation or surgery are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors in the thyroid isthmus, pathological high-risk subtypes, recent rapid tumor growth, pregnant or lactating women, or other exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from the microwave ablation approach studied here.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, microwave ablation could offer effective tumor control with fewer complications and better preservation of thyroid function than conventional surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other observational studies have shown promising local control and safety for microwave ablation in low-risk PTMC, but combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound with an 88-gene molecular panel for prognosis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-70 years, gender not specified;
* Patients with low-risk PTMC receiving initial treatment (meeting all the following conditions: single lesion with a maximum diameter ≤1cm; no cervical lymph node metastasis; no distant metastasis; no extrathyroidal extension; no family history of thyroid cancer; no history of head and neck radiation during childhood);
* Patients who have undergone fine-needle aspiration cytology examination of thyroid nodules and 88-gene panel testing for thyroid cancer before surgery;
* Patients voluntarily choose to undergo microwave ablation therapy or surgical resection.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Tumor located in the isthmus of the thyroid;
* Pathological high-risk subtypes (tall cell subtype, columnar cell subtype, diffuse sclerosing subtype, solid/insular subtype, oncocytic subtype);
* Progressive enlargement of the cancer lesion in the short term (increase of more than 3mm within 6 months);
* Pregnant women, lactating women;
* Patients with severe coagulation disorders;
* Patients with contralateral vocal cord dysfunction;
* Patients with contraindications to ultrasound contrast agents;
* Other conditions deemed ineligible for enrollment by the investigator.

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 Microwave AblationContrast-enhanced UltrasoundGenetic and Molecular DiagnosticsPapillary Thyroid Microcarcinomamicrowave ablationcontrast-enhanced ultrasound
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.