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NCT Number: NCT07115576

Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Study

Title:

Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Study

Purpose:

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if single-session radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can effectively reduce the volume of benign thyroid nodules in adults. It will also evaluate the safety of the RFA procedure.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does RFA procedure reduce the size of thyroid nodules (measured by volume reduction rate - VRR)? 2. What medical problems or complications do participants experience after undergoing RFA? 3. How does RFA affect thyroid hormone levels (TSH, FT4)? 4. Is RFA equally effective in purely cystic nodules, solid nodules, and predominantly cystic nodules?

Comparator:

This is a single-arm study, so there is no placebo or comparison treatment group. All participants will undergo RFA, and the results will be assessed over time.

Participants will:

* Undergo one session of RFA for benign thyroid nodules. * Be followed up with clinical visits and ultrasound assessments at 1, 6, and 12 months. * Have thyroid hormone levels tested and nodule size measured by ultrasound at each follow-up. * Be monitored for any side effects or complications such as voice changes, pain, or bleeding.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Benign Thyroid Nodules

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University,

Huế, 49000, Vietnam

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with thyroid nodules, confirmed by ultrasound.
  • Presence of compressive symptoms (e.g., dysphagia, neck pressure) or cosmetic concerns.
  • Documented thyroid function tests (serum free thyroxine [FT4] and thyrotropin [TSH]).
  • Cytology-confirmed benign thyroid nodules via one or two ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) procedures.
  • Refusal of surgical treatment.
  • Ability to complete follow-up assessments at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure.

Exclusion criteria

  • Malignant or indeterminate cytology on FNA.
  • Contraindications to RFA (e.g., severe coagulopathy, pregnancy).
  • Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
  • Inability to provide informed consent or comply with follow-up

Treatment and study plan

Radiofrequency ablation alone

Procedure

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign thyroid nodules without surgery. It involves inserting a thin, needle-like electrode into the nodule under ultrasound guidance. Using high-frequency alternating current, the electrode generates heat to destroy targeted thyroid tissue, causing the nodule to shrink over time.

Other names: RFA

Primary outcomes

  1. Volume Reduction Rate (VRR)

    Time frame: 1 month; 6 months; 12 months

    The volume reduction rate (VRR) is used to assess the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in shrinking thyroid nodules over time. It is calculated as the percentage decrease in nodule volume compared to baseline:

    VRR (%) = [(Initial Volume - Follow-up Volume) / Initial Volume] × 100

    In this study, VRR will be measured at 1, 6, and 12 months after the RFA procedure using ultrasound. A VRR greater than 50% is generally considered a successful therapeutic outcome. Tracking VRR at these time points helps evaluate the progressive reduction in nodule size and the long-term efficacy of the treatment.

  2. volume reduction rate (VRR) at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure.

    Time frame: 1 month; 6 months; 12 months

    The volume reduction rate (VRR) is used to assess the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in shrinking thyroid nodules over time. It is calculated as the percentage decrease in nodule volume compared to baseline:

    VRR (%) = [(Initial Volume - Follow-up Volume) / Initial Volume] × 100

    In this study, VRR will be measured at 1, 6, and 12 months after the RFA procedure using ultrasound. A VRR greater than 50% is generally considered a successful therapeutic outcome. Tracking VRR at these time points helps evaluate the progressive reduction in nodule size and the long-term efficacy of the treatment.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Assess the safety of single-session RFA

    Time frame: 1 month, 6 months, 12 months

    The safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure for benign thyroid nodules is evaluated by monitoring the incidence and severity of complications following the procedure. Complications are classified as major (e.g., permanent voice changes, significant bleeding requiring intervention, hospitalization) or minor (e.g., transient pain, temporary voice hoarseness, mild swelling).

    All adverse events are recorded during and after the procedure, and at follow-up visits at 1, 6, and 12 months. Safety assessments follow international guidelines for image-guided tumor ablation. The absence of serious complications and a low rate of minor, self-limiting events indicate that single-session RFA is a safe and well-tolerated alternative to surgery for selected patients with benign thyroid nodules.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Other

Collaborators

  • Da Nang Family General Hospital

Registry information

Acronym: RFAT

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 16, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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