RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The EMIRATES Study

The EMIRATES study is testing a new patient information pamphlet (PDA-TC) to help people with a type of thyroid cancer called Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC). Many people are finding they have DTC, often small, early cancers. Traditionally, most people had their whole thyroid removed, but for some, removing only half might be an option with fewer side effects. This study will first observe patients receiving standard care for decisions about surgery. Then, a new group of patients will use the pamphlet after their first doctor's visit, discussing treatment options (removing half or all of the thyroid) with their doctors. The aim is to see if the pamphlet helps patients feel more involved and confident in their treatment choices for this common condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

19 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

14 Oct 2025

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC)

What is this study about?

Imagine you've just been told you have differentiated thyroid cancer, a type that's becoming more common in the UK, especially for women aged 30-50. Often, these are small cancers that doctors catch early. While removing the whole thyroid gland has been the standard for a long time and has a good success rate, it means lifelong medication and potential side effects like voice changes or calcium problems.

Now, doctors are exploring if removing only half the thyroid (hemithyroidectomy) could be a good option for some, especially for these smaller, early-stage cancers. This study, called EMIRATES, wants to see if a special information pamphlet, designed to help you understand your condition and treatment choices, can make a difference. It's about giving you clear information to discuss with your doctor, so you can make a choice that feels right for you.

The study will look at two groups of patients. First, a group will follow the usual way of making decisions with their doctors. Then, a second group will use the new pamphlet after their initial appointment. This pamphlet is designed to help you think about your options – whether to remove half or all of your thyroid – and what matters most to you. The goal is to see if having this extra information helps you feel more prepared and confident in the decision you make with your medical team.

Key takeaways

A study looking at how patients make decisions about thyroid cancer surgery.
Compares standard care with using a special patient information pamphlet.
Focuses on a common type of thyroid cancer (DTC) 1-4cm in size.
Helps patients choose between removing half or all of the thyroid gland.
Aims to see if the pamphlet helps patients feel more informed and confident.
Participation involves two clinic visits and filling out a few questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be over 18 years old and able to speak and understand English. You would have been diagnosed with a low-risk type of thyroid cancer (papillary or follicular carcinoma) that is between 1cm and 4cm in size. This diagnosis might have been made before surgery using a needle test, or confirmed after a smaller operation to remove part of your thyroid.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if your thyroid cancer has certain features that make it higher risk, such as if it's spread, if it's a more aggressive cell type, or if you have multiple tumours. You also can't take part if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have other specific thyroid conditions requiring surgery, or if you've already had thyroid surgery for reasons other than confirming this recent cancer. People with certain mental health conditions that prevent them from giving proper consent are also not eligible.

Quick self-check

Are you over 18 years old?
Do you have low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary or follicular) between 1cm and 4cm?
Are you able to speak and read English?
Do you NOT have more advanced or aggressive thyroid cancer?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you NOT had previous thyroid surgery (apart from some diagnostic procedures for this cancer)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have two appointments at a thyroid clinic. These will be your usual doctor's appointments where you discuss your treatment options for thyroid cancer, specifically whether to have half or all of your thyroid removed.

Depending on which part of the study you are in, you might receive a special information pamphlet (PDA-TC) after your first visit. You would be encouraged to read this pamphlet before your second appointment. During both appointments, you will be asked to fill out some short questionnaires. These questionnaires ask about how clear you feel about your decision and how satisfied you are with the choice you make. The total duration of your involvement will cover these two consultations and the time you spend filling out the questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study will not change your medical care or treatment options; you will still receive the best care for your condition. The main potential benefit is that using the patient information pamphlet might help you feel more informed and confident in making your treatment decision, which could improve your overall experience. There are no direct medical risks from participating in the study itself, other than the usual risks associated with discussing your treatment options and undergoing thyroid surgery, which you would do regardless of the study. The main commitment is your time to complete surveys. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Wigan, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC)?

It's a common type of thyroid cancer that usually grows slowly and can often be treated successfully.

What is a 'patient decision aid'?

It's an information pamphlet designed to help you understand your health condition, treatment choices, and what might be important to you when making a decision.

What are the main surgery options discussed?

The study looks at decisions between removing half of your thyroid gland (hemithyroidectomy) or removing the whole gland (total thyroidectomy).

Will my treatment be different because of this study?

No, your medical care and treatment options will not be changed. The study is about how you make your decision, not your actual surgery.

Who is running this study?

The study, called EMIRATES, is a pilot study taking place in thyroid outpatient clinics.

How to find out more

Wanding Yang

Wanding.Yang@rmh.nhs.uk 02073528171 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.