Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Nanosecond pulsed field ablation for small papillary thyroid cancer

Official title: Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation in the Management of T1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT07218315 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This will test whether ultrasound-guided nanosecond pulsed field ablation can shrink or remove small (≤1.5 cm) papillary thyroid cancers in patients without spread.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment15 (estimated)
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations2 sites (Sarasota, Florida and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 11, 2026
Main results expectedJanuary 31, 2029
Study endsJanuary 31, 2031
Registry record updatedNovember 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT07218315 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults with T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤1.5 cm confirmed by Bethesda V/VI cytology, no extrathyroidal extension or metastases, normal blood and thyroid tests, and the ability to undergo percutaneous ultrasound-guided treatment and follow-up.

Probably not a fit

Patients with tumors larger than 1.5 cm, evidence of extrathyroidal extension or regional/distant metastases, non-papillary histology, abnormal coagulation or thyroid function, or inability to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will use the CellFX nsPFA Percutaneous Electrode System to deliver ultrasound-guided nanosecond pulsed field ablation to T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinomas measuring ≤1.5 cm. The primary outcomes are changes in nodule volume, including volume reduction rate, technique efficacy, and nodule regrowth assessed by serial ultrasound. Secondary outcomes include procedure safety and complications, evolving ultrasound features of the treated nodules, and patient-reported health-related quality of life over time. Eligible participants must have Bethesda V or VI cytology, normal labs, no extrathyroidal extension or regional/distant metastases, and agree to scheduled follow-up at the treating center.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a minimally invasive option to shrink or eliminate small papillary thyroid cancers while avoiding or delaying surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Thermal ablation techniques such as radiofrequency and microwave have shown success for small papillary thyroid cancers, but nanosecond pulsed field ablation for thyroid cancer is a novel approach with limited clinical data to date.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant must provide voluntary, written informed consent to participate in this clinical investigation.
* Participant agrees to comply with all study procedures, including all follow-up visits.
* Participant with a Bethesda VI cytology (tumor size \<= 1.5 cm, no known regional/distant metastases)
* Participant with a Bethesda V cytology and normal calcitonin levels.
* Ultrasonographic evaluation of tumor to be ablated must show size of less than or equal to 1.5 cm and no extrathyroidal extension or locoregional metastases.
* Participant must have normal complete blood count, blood coagulation profile, and thyroid function test.
* For females of childbearing potential, a negative serum or urine pregnancy test must be obtained at baseline, prior to the procedure.
* Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. (Refer to Pregnancy Assessment Policy MD Anderson Institutional Policy # CLN1114). This includes all female patients, between the onset of menses (as early as 8 years of age) and 55 years unless the patient presents with an applicable exclusionary factor which may be one of the following: ). This includes all female patients, between the onset of menses (as early as 8 years of age) and 55 years unless the patient presents with an applicable exclusionary factor which may be one of the following:

  * Postmenopausal (no menses in greater than or equal to 12 consecutive months).
  * History of hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
  * Ovarian failure (Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Estradiol in menopausal range, who have received Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy).
  * History of bilateral tubal ligation or another surgical sterilization procedure.
* Approved methods of birth control are as follows: Hormonal contraception (i.e. birth control pills, injection, implant, transdermal patch, vaginal ring), Intrauterine device (IUD), Tubal Ligation or hysterectomy, Subject/Partner post vasectomy, Implantable or injectable contraceptives, and condoms plus spermicide. Not engaging in sexual activity for the total duration of the trial and the drug washout period is an acceptable practice; however periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method are not acceptable methods of birth control. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.
* Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of study participation, and 4 months after completion of study procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

* FNA findings suggestive of high-grade malignancy
* Presence of regional or distant lymph node metastases.
* Participant had a history of previous neck irradiation.
* Females who are pregnant at time of enrollment.
* Participant has any condition or situation, in the opinion of the site Investigator, that puts the subject at significant risk, could confound the study results, or may interfere significantly with subject's participation in the study.

Where it's running

  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital
    Sarasota, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.