RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Thyroid Artery Goitre Embolization Trial A Pilot Study Investigating Thyroid Artery Embolisation as a Treatment for Large Thyroid Nodules

This UK pilot study is exploring a new treatment called Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE) for people with large, non-cancerous lumps in their thyroid gland (thyroid nodules) or an overactive thyroid (Graves Disease or hyperthyroidism). These lumps can cause discomfort or be noticeable. Current treatments aren't suitable for everyone. TAE is a less invasive procedure where tiny particles are injected to block blood vessels to the thyroid, helping it shrink. This study aims to check how safe TAE is for UK patients and gather useful information, like its effectiveness and how it affects quality of life, to help plan larger studies in the future. Only 10 patients will be involved.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

29 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Thyroid Nodule (Benign)Graves Disease Goitre

What is this study about?

This study is about a new way to treat common thyroid problems. Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes hormones. Sometimes, lumps called nodules can grow in it. If these nodules are large and not cancerous, they can make your neck feel uncomfortable, heavy, or just look different. Some people also have an overactive thyroid, which means it produces too much hormone.

Currently, there are treatments like surgery, radioactive iodine, or a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. However, these aren't always suitable for everyone, especially if the lumps are very big or if a person isn't healthy enough for surgery. This is where a newer procedure called Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE) comes in. TAE is a gentler treatment that involves making a small cut and injecting tiny particles, like very fine grains of sand, into the blood vessels that feed the thyroid. These particles block the vessels, which makes the thyroid gland shrink over time, easing symptoms or controlling an overactive gland.

TAE has been used successfully in other countries, but it's new to the UK. This study is the first step to test if TAE is safe for people here. It's a small 'pilot' study, meaning we'll only involve 10 patients to gather initial information. We'll be looking carefully at how safe it is, but also at other things like how much pain people feel, if it helps shrink the thyroid, and if it improves their daily life. The information from this study will then help us decide if we should do a much bigger study to compare TAE with other existing treatments.

Key takeaways

This is a pilot study testing a new, less invasive thyroid treatment (TAE) in the UK.
It's for people with large non-cancerous thyroid lumps or overactive thyroids.
TAE involves blocking blood vessels to shrink the thyroid.
The main goal is to check the safety of TAE for UK patients.
Only 10 patients will be recruited for this initial study.
Information gathered will help plan larger studies in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be suitable if you have non-cancerous lumps in your thyroid gland that are causing problems like discomfort, pressure in your neck, or if you're unhappy with how they look. You might also be eligible if you have an overactive thyroid, including a condition called Graves Disease.

It's important that your thyroid lump has been confirmed as non-cancerous by previous tests. Also, you should be willing to consider TAE as a treatment option after discussing it with your doctor. This could be because other treatments aren't right for you, or because you prefer this less invasive approach.

Finally, you need to be able to lie flat on a special table, perhaps with one or two pillows, for about two hours during the procedure. If you meet these general points, a doctor involved in the study will do a full check to see if it's the right option for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a non-cancerous lump in your thyroid that causes discomfort or you're unhappy with its appearance? Or do you have an overactive thyroid?
Has your thyroid lump been confirmed as non-cancerous by a doctor?
Are you comfortable lying flat for about two hours during the procedure?
Are you able to provide your consent to take part in a study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your journey will start with a thorough check-up by a specialist doctor to ensure TAE is a suitable treatment for you. This will involve discussing your symptoms, your health history, and reviewing previous scans and test results.

The main part of the study is the Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE) procedure itself. This is a "minimally invasive" procedure, meaning it involves smaller cuts and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. It's usually done while you are lightly sedated (meaning you're relaxed and drowsy, but not fully asleep) and involves blocking blood vessels to your thyroid using tiny particles.

After the procedure, you will have follow-up appointments. These visits are important for the research team to see how you are recovering, check that the treatment is working, and monitor for any side effects. They will collect information on your pain levels, how much your gland has shrunk, how you feel about your quality of life, and other details. The exact number and timing of these follow-up visits will be explained by the study team, and the total duration of your participation will include these checks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer the potential benefit of a new, less invasive treatment for your thyroid condition, which might reduce your symptoms or shrink your thyroid gland without the need for major surgery or other treatments you might not be suitable for. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which the study team will explain fully. These might include discomfort during or after the procedure, bruising, or other rare complications. This is a pilot study, so it's focused on understanding safety. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Berkshire Hospital
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a thyroid nodule?

A thyroid nodule is a lump that grows in your thyroid gland, which is located in your neck. Most are non-cancerous.

What is Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE)?

TAE is a procedure that blocks the blood vessels feeding a thyroid lump or overactive thyroid using tiny particles, helping the gland to shrink.

Is TAE a surgical procedure?

No, it's considered 'minimally invasive.' This means it involves smaller cuts and is generally less intensive than traditional surgery.

Why is this study being done in the UK?

TAE hasn't been used in the UK before. This small study aims to see if it's safe for UK patients and gather initial information for future research.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults over 18 with specific non-cancerous thyroid conditions, like large nodules causing symptoms or an overactive thyroid, plus other specific medical criteria.

How to find out more

Farhan Ahmad

farhan.ahmad@royalberkshire.nhs.uk +441183227936 Official trial record

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