Falkirk

Researchers are evaluating two surgical approaches for patients with low risk differentiated thyroid cancer in this multi-center, randomized, phase III study. The study aims to determine if hemithyroidectomy, which removes part of the thyroid, is an acceptable and cost-effective alternative to total thyroidectomy, which removes the entire thyroid. Patients are identified through oncology multidisciplinary team meetings and divided into two groups based on their treatment history and diagnosis method. Patients in Group 1 have already had a hemithyroidectomy for thyroid problems and are then diagnosed with low risk differentiated thyroid cancer. They will be randomized to either surveillance only or a second surgery to remove the rest of the thyroid gland (two-stage total thyroidectomy). Group 2 patients are diagnosed by cytology with low risk cancer and have not yet had surgery; they will be randomized to either hemithyroidectomy or a single-stage total thyroidectomy. The study plans to recruit 456 patients who will be followed after surgery and then every 12 months for 6 years. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments to monitor for any signs or symptoms of cancer recurrence, with a primary outcome measure of the 3-year recurrence rate after surgery. Follow-up visits will include clinical evaluations to check for cancer return or progression. Researchers will also observe overall patient outcomes and safety throughout the 6-year follow-up period.