Treatment Study of Endoscopic Hemithyroidectomy and Targeted Radiofrequency Ablation for Adults with Bilateral Papillary Thyroid Cancer

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates a thyroid-function-preserving alternative to the usual total thyroidectomy for adults with bilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma PTC. The study aims to confirm the cancer control and functional benefits of this approach, building on earlier results from a small patient group that showed no cancer recurrence and preserved thyroid function. It focuses on structural-recurrence-free survival, endocrine function, safety, and quality of life over a 24-month period. Participants receive a combined treatment involving remote-access, gas-less axillo-breast endoscopic hemithyroidectomy with central-neck dissection on the dominant thyroid lobe. Immediately afterward, during the same anesthesia session, ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation RFA targets a small contralateral thyroid nodule up to 7 mm. The RFA uses a 17-gauge electrode with a moving-shot technique under real-time ultrasound. During the study, participants undergo follow-up visits at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. These visits include ultrasound scans, blood tests measuring thyroid markers, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, and quality of life questionnaires. Safety is monitored through adverse event reporting, and longer-term surveillance continues annually up to five years. The main outcomes measured are cancer recurrence-free survival and preservation of thyroid function at 24 months.

Hybrid Endoscopic Hemithyroidectomy and Targeted Ablation for Bilateral Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma