Microwave ablation for treating relapsed Graves' disease

A Prospective Evaluation of Microwave Ablation (MWA) in the Treatment of Relapsed Graves' Disease

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06506149

This study is testing if microwave ablation can help adults with relapsed Graves' disease feel better when other treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06506149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) as a treatment for patients with relapsed Graves' disease who have not responded adequately to anti-thyroid drugs. The approach aims to provide a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments like radioiodine and surgery, which may have significant side effects or complications. By using MWA, the study seeks to induce remission in patients while minimizing the risks associated with more invasive procedures. The trial will include patients over 18 years old who have experienced a relapse of Graves' disease after at least 18 months of treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with relapsed Graves' disease despite adequate treatment with anti-thyroid drugs for 18 months or more.

Not a fit: Patients who prefer surgery or have severe Graves' ophthalmopathy or other contraindications will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a safer and more effective option for patients with relapsed Graves' disease.

How similar studies have performed: While microwave ablation is a novel approach for this specific condition, similar minimally invasive techniques have shown promise in other areas of treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* (a) age older than 18 years,
* (b) relapsed Graves' disease despite an adequate ATD treatment for 18 months or more
* (c) absence of vocal cord immobility

Exclusion Criteria:

* (a) patients who prefer or are indicated for surgery,
* (b) presence of head and/or neck disease preventing hyperextension of the neck,
* (c) history of thyroid cancer or other malignant tumours in the neck region,
* (d) history of neck irradiation,
* (e) severe Graves' ophthalmopathy,
* (f) large compressive goitre,
* (g) pregnancy or lactation, and
* (h) any contraindication to intravenous sedation.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Graves DiseaseMinimally Invasive TreatmentAblation TreatmentGraves diseaseThyroid functionremissionnon surgical
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.