Selective versus modified neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 phase III, open-label, randomized non-inferiority trial that assigns eligible patients 1:1 to lymph node tracer–navigated selective neck dissection or to modified neck dissection. The main outcome is lateral recurrence-free survival (LRFS); safety and patient-reported quality of life are also compared. Eligible patients have pathologically confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma with 1–2 suspected metastatic nodes limited to compartment IV, each under 1 cm, no extrathyroidal extension, and sufficient thyroid volume for tracer injection. The study is conducted at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center using tracer navigation to guide selective node removal and standard techniques for modified dissection.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically confirmed PTC;
* Age range: 14-80 years old;
* Preoperative fine needle aspiration confirms lymph node metastasis in the lateral neck
* Ultrasound and CT suggest that metastatic/suspected metastatic lymph nodes are limited to compartment IV, with 1-2 lymph node metastases and \<1cm in short diameter. The lymph nodes have no central necrosis, liquefaction, peripheral enhancement, or disappearance of adjacent fat spaces (predicting unobstructed lymphatic vessels);
* Thyroid tumors without extra thyroidal extension;
* Enough thyroid volume to inject tracer.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous neck surgery;
* Bilateral neck lymph node dissection;
* Distant metastases;
* High risk pathological subtypes or the presence of other high-risk factors for recurrence;
* Previous treatment for thyroid cancer other than endocrine therapy;
* The patient is unable to cooperate with follow-up.

Where it's running

• Fudan Univeristy Shanghai Cancer Center
  Shanghai, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yu Wang, Dr.
• Email: neck130@sina.com
• Phone: 86-021-64175590

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• MRG003 added to ongoing treatment after progression in EGFR-positive advanced thyroid cancer

  In this study, researchers test whether adding MRG003 to a patient’s current thyroid cancer treatment can shrink tumors for those whose cancer initially responded but later progressed.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT07874321

• Selective coverage radiotherapy vs. full coverage radiotherapy for poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer

  This trial tests whether covering only the tumor-affected area with radiation is as effective as full-area coverage radiotherapy for poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer, while aiming to reduce side effects and improve quality of life.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Fudan University · Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality · NCT07777536

• Trop-2 Targeted PET/CT for Recurrent and Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

  This study tests whether a Trop-2 targeted PET/CT scan can better detect recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer in adults than another PET/CT scan (FAPI).

  Recruiting The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University · Xiamen, Fujian · NCT07753499

• WeChat-supported neck exercises after thyroidectomy

  A telehealth program using a WeChat mini program tests if guided neck exercises after thyroid surgery help early recovery and quality of life.

  Recruiting Shanghai 6th People's Hospital · Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality · NCT07707401

• Pralsetinib Drug Interaction Study in RET Fusion/MUTATION Positive Solid Tumors

  This trial tests whether pralsetinib changes how the body processes certain medicines in adults with RET fusion- or mutation-positive advanced solid tumors.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 4 Rigel Pharmaceuticals · Logroño, La Rioja and 1 other locations · NCT07704658

• AI chatbot to guide thyroid cancer patients through perioperative education

  A new AI chatbot is being tested to see if it helps thyroid cancer patients better prepare for discharge, recover well, and stay engaged in their care compared with traditional education.

  Recruiting Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital · Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality · NCT07634978

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.