Decision aid pamphlet for newly diagnosed thyroid cancer treatment choices

Plain-English translation of NCT06855680 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2025 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a decision aid pamphlet (PDA-TC) designed to help newly diagnosed thyroid cancer patients understand their treatment options and make informed choices alongside their doctors. Half of participants will receive standard clinical consultations only, while the other half will also receive the educational pamphlet to take home and review. The study aims to see whether this tool improves patients' involvement in deciding between different surgical approaches.

Thyroid cancer diagnoses have increased dramatically in the UK, and many cases are now caught early when they're small and low-risk. Traditionally, all these patients received the same major surgery (total thyroidectomy), but newer guidelines recognize that less extensive surgery may be an option for some people. This trial exists to help patients understand their choices and feel confident in the decision that's right for them, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have been newly diagnosed with early-stage differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary or follicular type) that is 1–4 cm in size
your cancer is considered low-risk, meaning it has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites and does not have aggressive features
you are able to read, write, and speak English fluently
you have not had your thyroid surgically removed before for reasons other than this recent cancer diagnosis

You likely don't qualify if…

you have thyroid cancer with aggressive cell types or features that make it higher-risk
your cancer involves multiple areas, both sides of the thyroid, or has spread outside the thyroid gland
you have evidence that your cancer has spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of your body
you are pregnant or breastfeeding
you have a cognitive impairment or mental health condition that affects your ability to give informed consent

What participation looks like

You will attend two outpatient clinic visits about one week apart at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. At your first visit, your doctor will discuss available treatment options for your thyroid cancer and their risks and benefits. If you're in the decision aid group, you'll receive a pamphlet to take home and read during the week. At your second visit one week later, you and your doctor will make a treatment decision together. The study involves observing and tracking how patients make their decision, with no additional tests or procedures beyond your standard care.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United Kingdom

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wigan