Xiaojin Pill/Neixiao Luoli Pill for the Treatment of Thyroid Nodules

This study is designed to evaluate the clinical value of adding traditional Chinese medicine to standard lifestyle intervention for the management of benign or low-risk thyroid nodules.

The trial adopts a randomized, parallel-group design conducted across multiple clinical centers. After screening and baseline assessments, eligible participants are allocated to one of three management strategies: lifestyle intervention alone or lifestyle intervention combined with one of two commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicines. The study is conducted in an open-label manner, reflecting real-world clinical practice.

All participants receive standardized lifestyle guidance throughout the study period. Participants assigned to the intervention groups additionally receive oral herbal medication for a fixed treatment duration. Clinical assessments are performed at predefined time points to monitor structural changes of thyroid nodules, functional status of the thyroid gland, symptom evolution, and treatment safety.

Thyroid ultrasound examinations are performed using standardized measurement procedures to ensure consistency across centers. Safety is continuously monitored through clinical evaluation and routine laboratory testing during the treatment and follow-up periods.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the role of traditional Chinese medicine as an adjunct to lifestyle management in patients with thyroid nodules under active surveillance.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years.
• Diagnosed with single or multiple thyroid nodules confirmed by high-resolution ultrasound, with at least one measurable nodule.
• Thyroid nodules meeting one of the following criteria:
• ACR TI-RADS category 3 with a maximum nodule diameter ≥ 1.0 cm; or
• ACR TI-RADS category 4 or 5 nodules evaluated by fine-needle aspiration and assessed as low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, suitable for active surveillance, with patient consent.
• Normal thyroid function at baseline, defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) within the reference range.
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation consistent with liver qi stagnation, blood stasis, or phlegm-dampness syndrome.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Thyroid nodules confirmed as malignant or follicular neoplasms requiring surgical intervention, or assessed by the investigator as unsuitable for active surveillance.
• Presence of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, defined as abnormal TSH, FT3, or FT4 levels.
• History of severe cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, hematologic, psychiatric, autoimmune diseases, or other malignancies.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning pregnancy during the study period.
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Xiaojin Pill, Neixiao Luoli Pill, placebo components, or any ingredients of the study medications.
• Receipt of thyroid-related surgery, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, radioactive iodine therapy, or other treatments that may affect thyroid nodules within 3 months prior to enrollment.
• Current use of medications known to affect thyroid function or thyroid nodules, such as amiodarone or lithium.
• Poor treatment compliance or inability to complete follow-up as judged by the investigator.
• Participation in another clinical trial during the study period.