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

Not Applicable

Brief Summary: Title:

Single-Session 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 single-session RFA 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, 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

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

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Volume Reduction Rate (VRR)	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.
volume reduction rate (VRR) at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure.	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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assess the safety of single-session RFA	1 month, 6 months, 12 months	The safety of single-session radiofrequency ablation (RFA) 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.

Locations (1): Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University,
🇻🇳
Huế, Vietnam
Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University,
🇻🇳Huế, Vietnam