Using artificial tears to prevent tear duct blockage after thyroid cancer treatment
The Use of Artificial Tears to Prevent Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Patients Who Are Treated With Radioactive Iodine for Thyroid Cancer
This study tests if using artificial tears can help prevent tear duct blockages in people who have had radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT05999630 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effect of artificial tears on preventing nasolacrimal duct obstruction in patients who have undergone radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. It is based on previous findings that suggest radioactive iodine can accumulate in the lacrimal system, leading to inflammation and blockage. By administering artificial tears, the study aims to reduce the incidence of this obstruction over a two-year period following treatment. Participants will be monitored for changes in their tear duct function and overall eye health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with existing nasolacrimal duct obstruction or those with certain medical conditions affecting tear duct health may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of tear duct obstruction in thyroid cancer patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that artificial tears can reduce radioactive iodine levels in tears, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Radio-iodine therapy for thyroid cancer 2. Radioiodine therapy ≥150 mCi 3. Age 18 or older Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of eye drops, other than artificial tears 2. History of periocular trauma with tear duct involvement/lacrimal gland trauma 3. History of lacrimal drainage disease: canaliculitis, dacryocystitis 4. Prior radiotherapy 5. Current or prior use of chemotherapy drugs (i.e. 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel) 6. Medical conditions that predispose to NLD stenosis (i.e. sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia) 7. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction at baseline
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marybeth Carter
- Email: marybeth.l.carter@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-936-1639
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.