UK doctors trial tiny particle blockage to shrink thyroid lumps
NCT ID NCT07046546
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study will test the safety of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in 10 UK patients with benign thyroid nodules or goitre. TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the thyroid gland using tiny particles, causing it to shrink. The goal is to see if it can be safely introduced in the UK, with future larger trials planned to compare it to standard treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Thyroid artery embolization (TAE) - a minimally invasive procedure that blocks thyroid arteries with tiny particles to shrink the gland
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a new, less invasive treatment option for people with large thyroid nodules who cannot have surgery or other standard treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 10 patients, focused on safety, not effectiveness. The procedure is new to the UK and may not work as well as hoped or could have unexpected side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * The participant may enter the study if ALL of the following apply: * Adults over 18 years of age willing and able to give informed consent. * Symptomatic or cosmetically distressing benign nodular thyroid disease with or without intrathoracic extension and with or without hyperthyroidism. Or auto-immune hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). * Single nodular goitre causing local mass effect warranting treatment or multi-nodular goitre * TIRADS score 1, 2 and 3 nodules (benign or mildly suspicious) as assessed by ultrasound. * FNA confirmed benign disease (x2 FNA Thy2 (benign) result required for TR3 nodules, 1x FNA if nodule classified TR2 or less). FNA performed on most high grade nodule or if equal grade then largest nodule. * No enlarged / suspicious neck lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. * Patient willing to undergo thyroid nodule embolization in preference to other viable treatment options after discussion with Consultant ENT surgeon and / or Consultant Interventional Radiologist. TAE can also be performed as a bridge to surgery, Radiofrequency ablation or Radioactive iodine. Patients may also be unsuitable or unfit for other treatment options. * Patient able to lay on the angiography table flat with one or two pillows, and can lay comfortably with 30 degrees or less of head elevation for a minimum of two hours. Exclusion Criteria: * The participant may enter the study if ALL of the following apply: * Adults over 18 years of age willing and able to give informed consent. * Symptomatic or cosmetically distressing benign nodular thyroid disease with or without intrathoracic extension and with or without hyperthyroidism. Or auto-immune hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). * Single nodular goitre causing local mass effect warranting treatment or multi-nodular goitre * TIRADS score 1, 2 and 3 nodules (benign or mildly suspicious) as assessed by ultrasound. * FNA confirmed benign disease (x2 FNA Thy2 (benign) result required for TR3 nodules, 1x FNA if nodule classified TR2 or less). FNA performed on most high grade nodule or if equal grade then largest nodule. * No enlarged / suspicious neck lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. * Patient willing to undergo thyroid nodule embolization in preference to other viable treatment options after discussion with Consultant ENT surgeon and / or Consultant Interventional Radiologist. TAE can also be performed as a bridge to surgery, Radiofrequency ablation or Radioactive iodine. Patients may also be unsuitable or unfit for other treatment options. * Patient able to lay on the angiography table flat with one or two pillows, and can lay comfortably with 30 degrees or less of head elevation for a minimum of two hours.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Royal Berkshire Hospital
RECRUITINGReading, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Why does Graves' disease leave some brains exhausted? scientists hunt for clues in blood and spinal fluid
- Can microwave ablation outperform radiofrequency for thyroid nodules?
- Hidden thyroid cancers may be more common in Graves' disease than thought
- Can a steroid shot make thyroid surgery safer?