Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Cancer

Overseen By Emily Saso

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Invasive cancer, Prior treatment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 1 day

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to test radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in thyroid cancers ≤2 cm in diameter. The main question it aims to answer is: • What is the feasibility of RFA use for low-risk thyroid cancers (≤2 cm)? Participants will undergo a set of pre-procedural scans of the target thyroid nodule and undergo the RFA procedure/intervention. Then, participants will partake in three follow-up appointments at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure as per standard of care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Cancer?

Research shows that radiofrequency ablation (a treatment using heat to destroy tissue) can significantly reduce the size of benign thyroid nodules and improve symptoms in patients with recurrent thyroid cancers. It has shown positive short-term results for controlling cancer that has returned in the thyroid area. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is radiofrequency ablation safe for treating thyroid conditions?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is generally considered safe for treating benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers, with a low rate of complications when performed by experienced professionals. However, there is a risk of serious complications like tracheal necrosis (damage to the windpipe) in rare cases. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is radiofrequency ablation treatment different for thyroid cancer?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to destroy cancer cells in the thyroid, offering an alternative to surgery, especially for patients with recurrent thyroid cancer or those at high surgical risk. Unlike traditional surgery, RFA can reduce the size of thyroid nodules and control cancer locally without the need for large incisions. ^{4 5 11 12 13}

Research Team

Jesse D Pasternak, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

University Health Network (UHN) Toronto

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with low-risk thyroid cancer, specifically those with tumors that are 2 cm in diameter or smaller. Participants will need to attend follow-up appointments at specific intervals after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients able to provide written consent

My thyroid nodule is 2cm or smaller and is highly suspicious.

I can attend all the follow-up visits required by the study.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant women

I am under 18 years old.

I am worried I might have thyroid cancer that has spread.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-procedural

Participants undergo pre-procedural scans of the target thyroid nodule

1 week

Treatment

Participants undergo the RFA procedure for thyroid nodule

1 day

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with follow-up appointments at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure

12 months

3 visits (in-person)

Extended Follow-up

Participants have follow-up appointments every 6 months until the end of the study to monitor long-term outcomes

Long-term

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Radiofrequency Ablation

Trial Overview The study is testing the safety and practicality of using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment for small, low-risk thyroid cancers. It includes pre-procedure scans and post-procedure follow-ups.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants receive RFA intervention for thyroid nodule.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Findings from Research

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) significantly reduced the size of metastatic well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma tumors in 10 patients, with the mean diameter decreasing from 13.8 mm to 3.3 mm after treatment.

RFA was effective in controlling tumor growth in patients who could not undergo surgery, with 83% of tumors treated in a single session and a notable decrease in serum thyroglobulin levels in 7 out of 10 patients, indicating a positive response to the treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Locoregional control of metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer by ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation. Baek, JH., Kim, YS., Sung, JY., et al.[2022]

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an effective minimally invasive treatment for benign thyroid nodules, achieving volume reductions of 33-58% after one month and 51-85% after six months.

RF ablation not only reduces the size of benign nodules but also improves symptoms and shows promising short-term results for controlling locoregional recurrence in patients with thyroid cancers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: basic principles and clinical application. Shin, JH., Baek, JH., Ha, EJ., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Locoregional control of metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer by ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign thyroid nodules: systematic review. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Inoperable symptomatic recurrent thyroid cancers: preliminary result of radiofrequency ablation. [2022]

4. Egypt pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: basic principles and clinical application. [2021]

5. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency ablation to treat loco-regional recurrence of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

7. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of thyroid-specific quality of life in patients with benign symptomatic thyroid nodules treated with radiofrequency or ethanol ablation: a prospective multicenter study. [2022]

8. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tracheal necrosis following thyroid radiofrequency ablation. [2022]

9. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of a combination of hydrodissection and radiofrequency ablation therapy for benign thyroid nodules larger than 2 cm: A retrospective study. [2022]

10. Spain pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency Ablation of Cervical Thyroid Cancer Metastases-Experience of Endocrinology Practices in the United States. [2023]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Radiofrequency ablation of primary thyroid carcinoma: efficacy according to the types of thyroid carcinoma. [2019]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implications of radiofrequency ablation in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for benign disease in the United States. [2022]