Falkirk

Researchers are evaluating surgical options for patients with low risk differentiated thyroid cancer. This phase III study aims to determine if hemithyroidectomy, which removes part of the thyroid gland, is an acceptable and cost-effective alternative to total thyroidectomy, which removes the entire gland. The trial includes two groups of patients based on their prior surgery status and diagnosis method, focusing on recurrence risk and prognosis. Participants are randomly assigned to different surgical treatments depending on their group. Group 1 patients who have had prior thyroid surgery will either have a second operation to remove the remaining thyroid tissue or undergo surveillance without further surgery. Group 2 patients who have not had surgery will be randomized to receive either hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy in a single operation. The trial plans to recruit 456 participants and follow them regularly for six years after surgery. During the study, patients will attend follow-up visits post-surgery and then annually for six years. Researchers will monitor cancer recurrence rates at three and five years, assess the site and risk of recurrence, and record additional investigations and procedures after surgery. They will also evaluate surgical complications, voice function, hormone replacement needs, quality of life, and healthcare resource use at multiple time points. This comprehensive monitoring aims to compare outcomes between the different surgical approaches and understand their impact on patients health and well-being over time.