The Role of Prophylactic Central Compartment Neck Dissection in the Management of 2 to 4 Cm Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Launched by LEONARDO ROSSI · Mar 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is designed to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of a surgical procedure called prophylactic central compartment neck dissection in patients with a type of thyroid cancer known as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The study focuses on patients whose tumors are between 2 to 4 centimeters in size and who do not show any signs of lymph node involvement or spread to other parts of the body before surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either total thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland) alone or total thyroidectomy combined with the neck dissection procedure. The goal is to understand whether adding the neck dissection improves outcomes for patients.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma through a specific needle test, and show no signs of lymph node or distant metastasis (spread of cancer). Unfortunately, those with different types of thyroid cancer or evidence of metastasis during surgery cannot participate. If you join the trial, you can expect thorough monitoring and care throughout the process as researchers gather important information to help improve treatment for future patients with this condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. PTC documented by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (TIR 4 or TIR 5 according to the Italian consensus for the classification and reporting of thyroid cytology \[15\]);
• • 2. no pre-operative evidence of lymph node metastases (cN0) at palpation and neck ultrasound (US);
• • 3. no clinical evidence of distant metastasis at diagnosis;
• • 4. age ≥ 18 years.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. histotypes other than PTC;
• • 2. evidence of lymph node metastases during surgery even if not previously diagnosed;
• • 3. presence of distant metastasis.