Molecular analysis to guide surgery for thyroid cancer

Molecular Analysis for Precision Surgery in Thyroid Cancer (MAPS) Trial

NA · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06235814

This study is testing whether using genetic testing can help decide the best type of surgery for patients with a specific kind of thyroid cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment125 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06235814 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot feasibility study aims to evaluate the use of routine molecular analysis in patients with biopsy-proven papillary thyroid cancer to determine the optimal extent of surgery, either thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Patients with intermediate-molecular risk thyroid cancer will be randomized to receive one of the two surgical approaches based on their molecular profile. The study seeks to assess patient willingness to undergo preoperative molecular analysis and the feasibility of randomization. The ultimate goal is to improve preoperative risk stratification and reduce unnecessary surgical morbidity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 or older with Bethesda V or VI thyroid nodules sized 1-4 cm.

Not a fit: Patients with prior thyroid operations, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases, or distant metastatic disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized surgical approaches for patients with thyroid cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While molecular testing has been used for risk assessment in indeterminate thyroid biopsies, this approach for prognostic purposes in biopsy-proven thyroid cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years or older at the time of enrollment
* English-speaking
* Bethesda V or VI thyroid nodule that are 1-4cm in size
* Bethesda III or IV nodules who underwent previously underwent Thyroseq molecular analysis that returned with intermediate molecular risk disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior thyroid operation
* Extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastases seen on ultrasound
* Distant metastatic disease

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Radioactive Iodine, Fine Needle Aspiration, Parathyroid Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroglobulin

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.