Monitoring small thyroid cancers without immediate surgery
Official title: Active Surveillance of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Run by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT02609685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether watching small thyroid cancers closely instead of doing surgery right away is a safe option for patients and looks at how this choice affects their quality of life and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 216 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 13, 2016 |
| Main results expected | December 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02609685 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with pathologically confirmed small papillary thyroid carcinoma nodules and no signs of aggressive disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high-grade thyroid cancer variants or those with suspicious lymphadenopathy will 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 investigates the outcomes of active surveillance for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) instead of the standard immediate surgical intervention. It aims to estimate the rate of disease progression over 3, 5, and 10 years in patients with thyroid nodules measuring 1.5 cm or smaller. Participants can choose to undergo surgery at any time if deemed necessary by them and their physician. Additionally, a sub-study will assess quality of life and anxiety levels in patients opting for surgery compared to those in active surveillance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce unnecessary surgeries and associated complications for patients with low-risk thyroid cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies on active surveillance for low-risk thyroid cancers have shown promising results, suggesting this approach may be viable.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pathologically confirmed Bethesda V or VI thyroid nodules with papillary thyroid carcinoma or high clinical suspicion, or pathologically confirmed Bethesda III or IV nodules with BRAF mutation. * 2.0 cm or smaller nodules by ultrasonographic criteria * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent and HIPAA Authorization form * Must be able to read and write English fluently to participate in the questionnaire portion of the study Exclusion Criteria: * High-grade or poorly differentiated PTC variants * Central or lateral neck lymphadenopathy suspicious for PTC * Unfavorable nodule location (e.g. Near dorsal surface (by recurrent laryngeal nerve); Adjacent to trachea (risk of cartilage invasion) * History of radiation to neck
Where it's running
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allen Ho, MD — Cedars-Sinal Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Allen Ho, MD
- Email: Allen.Ho@cshs.org
- Phone: 310-423-1220
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Microwave ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma monitored with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and genetic testing
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.
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Minimally invasive treatments for thyroid cancer
This study is testing whether less invasive treatments for small thyroid cancers can safely replace surgery and improve patients' quality of life.
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Radiofrequency Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
This study tests if a less invasive treatment called Radiofrequency Ablation can safely help people with small thyroid cancers who can’t or don’t want to have surgery.
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.