Radiofrequency ablation to shrink benign thyroid nodules
Official title: Percutaneous Thermo-ablation for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: a Prospective Multicentric Study
Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT07237373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try radiofrequency ablation to shrink symptomatic benign or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules in adults and see if it improves symptoms and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bruges and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2030 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | August 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07237373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules or autonomously functioning nodules confirmed by benign cytology or scintigraphy, who are medically stable (ECOG 0–1) and willing to attend outpatient follow-up visits, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with purely cystic lesions, suspicious or malignant nodules, recent malignancy within two years, limited life expectancy, contralateral vocal cord paralysis, or on incompatible anticoagulation are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter prospective observational study of outpatient ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for symptomatic benign or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules. Participants undergo percutaneous RFA using a cooled electrode and the moving-shot technique, typically under local anesthesia, with procedure times of roughly 15–40 minutes. Patients complete the ThyPRO-39 quality-of-life questionnaire before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and undergo ultrasound, symptom/cosmetic scoring, thyroid function blood tests, and safety monitoring at follow-up visits. Primary outcomes include change in health-related quality of life, nodule volume reduction, symptom relief, and procedure safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, RFA could shrink nodules and reduce compressive or cosmetic symptoms while avoiding thyroid surgery and its associated risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical series and international guidelines (ETA, CIRSE) report that RFA can safely reduce nodule volume and improve symptoms, supporting its use as a nonsurgical option.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \> 18 years old * 'Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group' (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 * Symptomatic benign thyroid nodules with compressive/cosmetic complaints OR autonomously functioning thyroid nodules with subclinical hyperthyreosis or thyrotoxicosis proven on scintigraphy. * No cutoff in nodule size. * Solid component \> 20%, and benign cytology (Bethesda II) in 1 (EUTIRADS 3) or 2 (EUTIRADS 4) separate cytological assessments. In the case of a proven "hot" nodule on scintigraphy, no biopsy is required. Exclusion Criteria: * \<18y * Purely cystic nodule * Severe comorbidity which limits the further life expectancy of the patient to \< 2 years (opinion of the physician) * Malignancies \<2 years ago except for non-melanoma skin cancer and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. * Lack of compliance * Malignant or suspicious thyroid nodules or nodules that are confluent in a compressive lobar mass * Contralateral vocal cord paralysis * Anticoagulant therapy that could not be suspended * Unresolvable coagulation disorders * Absence of consent of the patient
Where it's running
-
AZ Sint-Jan Brugge
Bruges, Belgium Recruiting -
UZ Gent
Ghent, Belgium Recruiting -
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charlotte Harth, MD
- Email: studies.vinrad@uzgent.be
- Phone: +32 9 332 0450
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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.