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Tests thyroid artery embolisation for large non-cancerous thyroid lumps

Tests blocking thyroid arteries to shrink large benign thyroid nodules in adults.

Key facts

Who runs it
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Where
Reading, United KingdomSee the site
Trial code
Registry title
Thyroid Artery Goitre Embolization Trial A Pilot Study Investigating Thyroid Artery Embolisation as a Treatment for Large Thyroid Nodules
Status
Recruiting
People taking part
10 people, planned
Started
29 Sept 2025
Expected to end
May 2027
Type of study
Interventional
Treatments tested
  • Thyroid artery embolization
Record updated
24 December 2025

Who can take part

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults with a benign (non-cancerous) thyroid nodule or goitre, or Graves disease, who want thyroid artery embolization. It tests the safety of the procedure.

Age
Over 18 years
Sex
All
Disease stage
Benign nodular thyroid disease that causes symptoms or cosmetic distress, with or without hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). A single nodule causing local pressure, or several nodules. Nodules graded TIRADS 1, 2 or 3 on ultrasound, confirmed benign by needle biopsy (FNA), with no enlarged or suspicious neck lymph nodes.
Earlier treatment
Patients must be willing to have thyroid artery embolization instead of other treatment options. The procedure can also be used before surgery, radiofrequency ablation or radioactive iodine. Patients may also be unfit or unsuitable for other treatments.
Biomarker or test result
Biopsy (FNA) must show benign disease: 2 benign results for TR3 nodules, 1 result for TR2 or lower nodules.

Main reasons for not taking part

  • Under 18 years old, or unable to give informed consent
  • Nodules graded higher than TIRADS 3
  • Biopsy not confirming benign disease
  • Enlarged or suspicious neck lymph nodes on ultrasound
  • Cannot lie on the table with the head raised 30 degrees or less for at least 2 hours

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 2 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • 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

Who cannot take part

  • 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

Where in United Kingdom

  • Royal Berkshire HospitalReading, United KingdomContact: Ahmad Dr FarhanTaking people

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

Large non-cancerous thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid gland) can cause pressure or discomfort in the neck or cosmetic issues. The standard treatment options include radiofrequency ablation, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Not all patients are suitable however for these treatments, some lumps are too large, or the patients are not fit enough for surgery.

Read full original descriptionShow less

Thyroid artery embolization (TAE) is a new minimally invasive technique (smaller incisions / cuts and shorter recovery time) performed under light sedation. It is used by other European Thyroid Centres, but it hasn't been used in the UK. Embolization means arteries supplying the thyroid gland are blocked by injecting small occlusive particles, like very fine grains of sand that can get stuck in small spaces, preventing blood from passing through. Blocking the thyroid arteries causes the gland to shrink. This provides symptom relief or controls an overactive gland.

We aim to undertake a TAE pilot study to explore the safety of TAE in a UK patient population. We are planning to recruit 10 eligible patients. We will also collect additional data (for example on pain, effectiveness, cost and health related quality of life) to inform a future larger trial comparing TAE to other treatment options.

The group in the trial

  • Thyroid artery embolization treatmentTreatment being tested

    Patient undergoing thyroid artery embolization

    Treatment: Thyroid artery embolization

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

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Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
Thyroid ARtery Goitre Embolization Trial: A Service Introduction and Safety Assessment
Plain-language title
Tests thyroid artery embolisation for large non-cancerous thyroid lumpsGenerated from the registry record. The registry title is the official one.
AI summary
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Record updated
24 December 2025