Eye drops may shield tear ducts from radioactive iodine damage

NCT ID NCT05999630

Recruiting now Prevention Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial tests whether using artificial tears after radioactive iodine therapy can prevent tear duct blockage in thyroid cancer patients. Radioactive iodine can collect in tears and damage tear ducts, leading to blockage. 100 adults receiving high-dose radioactive iodine will use artificial tears or standard care, and their tear ducts will be checked for blockage over two years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: artificial tears (methylcellulose)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to prevent a common side effect of radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small phase 3 trial, and the benefit may be modest or not statistically significant. The artificial tears must be used exactly as directed, and some patients may still develop tear duct blockage.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lacrimal duct obstruction thyroid cancer Thyroid Neoplasms familial congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NASOLACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION THYROID CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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