Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Deciding on Active Surveillance or Surgery for Primary Management of Low Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer

This study is for adults in the UK with a specific type of early thyroid cancer (papillary thyroid cancer that hasn't spread). It explores how people decide between two main ways of managing their condition: close monitoring (active surveillance) or surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Researchers want to understand why people make these choices and how they feel about them a year later. Participants will receive clear information about both options and then choose what's best for them. The study then follows them to see how they're doing physically and emotionally, and if they regret their decision. This helps improve understanding and support for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

200

Start

11 May 2016

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2031

Thyroid Cancer Stage I

What is this study about?

This study is for people in the UK who have been diagnosed with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer. This is a common type of thyroid cancer that often grows slowly and may not spread. When it's caught early and is small, doctors are increasingly considering different ways to manage it.

This study looks at two main approaches: active surveillance or surgery. Active surveillance means doctors will closely monitor the cancer with regular check-ups and scans, but won't operate right away. The idea is that if the cancer shows signs of growing or spreading, or if you change your mind, you can still have surgery. The other option is traditional surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, which has been the standard treatment for a long time. The study wants to understand why people choose one option over the other.

After you choose your path, the study will follow you over time. Researchers will check in regularly to see how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally, and how your quality of life is. They are particularly interested in whether people feel happy with their decision a year after making it, or if they have any regrets. This information is really important because it helps doctors and nurses give better advice and support to people facing similar decisions in the future.

Key takeaways

Looks at choices for early thyroid cancer: watchful waiting or surgery.
Participation involves making a treatment decision and then being followed up.
Aims to understand why people choose certain paths and how they feel later.
Helps improve support and information for future patients.
Only for certain types of small, early thyroid cancer.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have recently been diagnosed with a specific type of thyroid cancer called papillary thyroid cancer. The cancer needs to be small (less than 2cm) and confined to the thyroid gland, meaning it hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. You also shouldn't have had any previous thyroid surgery.

You would not be able to join if your cancer has already spread, if you've had thyroid surgery before, or if the cancer is in a difficult or risky spot (like very close to important nerves). Also, if you have other serious health problems that mean you wouldn't live long, or if you are pregnant, this study wouldn't be suitable. It’s also important that you are well enough to understand what's involved and can attend follow-up appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer that hasn't spread?
Is your thyroid cancer less than 2cm in size?
Do you feel able to attend regular check-ups and complete some questionnaires?
Have you *not* had any thyroid surgery before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first receive clear verbal and written information about your specific type of thyroid cancer and both treatment options: active surveillance (close monitoring) or surgery. You will then make your own choice about how you wish to manage your condition. Doctors involved in the study want to understand why you made that choice.

Once you've made your decision, the study will follow your progress for at least a year. If you choose active surveillance, you'll have regular check-ups and scans at one of the study hospitals. If you choose surgery, you can have your operation at any hospital you prefer, but the study team will regularly review your medical notes related to your thyroid cancer. About a year after you start your chosen management, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask about your physical and emotional well-being, your quality of life, and how you feel about the decision you made.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you’ll receive thorough information about your condition and management options, which can help you make an informed decision. The main benefit is contributing to a better understanding of how people with early thyroid cancer make choices and how they experience those choices over time, which will help future patients. There are no direct medical risks from participating beyond those inherent in your chosen management path (surgery or active surveillance). You are always free to change your mind about your chosen treatment plan, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Health Network
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is 'active surveillance'?

Active surveillance means closely watching your thyroid cancer with regular scans and check-ups, instead of having surgery right away. If the cancer changes or if you prefer, you can still have surgery later.

What kind of thyroid cancer is this study for?

This study is for adults with a specific type of early thyroid cancer called papillary thyroid cancer that is small and hasn't spread.

Will I have to pay to be part of this study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate. All medical care you receive would be under the NHS, and no costs are passed to you.

Can I still have surgery if I choose active surveillance?

Yes, if you choose active surveillance, you are free to change your mind and have surgery at any point, even if your cancer hasn't changed.

What is 'decision regret'?

Decision regret in this study means how you feel about the choice you made (active surveillance or surgery) a year later – whether you are happy with it or wish you had chosen differently.