NCT06853925 · Georgetown University
Testing a Web-based Intervention for Radioactive Iodine Symptom Management to Improve Health-related Quality of Life Among Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer can easily use and benefit from an online tool aimed to provide patients with educational resources and symptom management strategies to improve their quality of life after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer can easily use and benefit from an online tool aimed to provide patients with educational resources and symptom management strategies to improve their quality of life after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can patients easily use and benefit from the RAI Support intervention? 2. Does RAI Support improve health-related quality of life (overall well-being) compared to usual care? This research will help test better digital tools to support thyroid cancer survivors in managing their health after RAI treatment. Researchers will compare RAI Support to treatment as usual (a publicly available informational website about thyroid cancer) to see if RAI Support works to improve patients' overall well-being. Participants will: 1. Receive access to RAI Support or an informational website (treatment as usual) for four weeks. 2. Use the assigned website once a week for up to four weeks. 3. Complete two online questionnaires (an initial questionnaire and a final questionnaire after four weeks of using the assigned website) about symptoms related to RAI treatment, mood, and confidence in managing symptoms. 4. Complete an optional 60 minute virtual interview about your experiencing using the assigned website.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Radioactive Iodine Support (RAI Support)
RAI Support consists of multimedia content (images, videos, text, audio, and infographics across different website pages) that is written at an 8th grade reading level. RAI Support uses patient materials that are visually diverse to appeal to patients from different racial and ethnic backgrounds and inclusion of all genders. RAI Support users can access short (\~3 minutes or less) clinician-approved symptom management education videos and follow clinician-led video-guided activities such as nutrition management for dry mouth. In addition, RAI Support contains infographic pages about specific symptoms of RAI (e.g., salivary, lacrimal, and nasal symptoms with strategies for symptom management) and a resources page consisting of a printable treatment summary and survivorship plan to bring to provider appointments and access to evidence-based stress-management resources such as relaxation recordings.
OTHER
Treatment as Usual (TAU)
The American Cancer Society (ACS) website on Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine)Therapy for Thyroid Cancer is the TAU comparison. This website is a reputable and trusted source of information about cancer, with relevant content and web availability. Using the ACS website allows participants in both groups to receive information (addressing ethical concerns) through a website (similar delivery mode for information).
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility (Retention and Engagement)
Time frame: 4 weeks
Feasibility is defined by at least 86% of patients are retained and complete the 4-week post-assessment. Feasibility is also defined as greater or equal to 70% RAI Support engagement rate (greater or equal to 3/4 website sections).
Acceptability (Quantitative)
Time frame: 4 weeks
Acceptability will be assessed using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM). AIM is a 4-item questionnaire that assesses the acceptability of an intervention. Each item is on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Completely disagree; 5= Completely agree). Higher scores indicate greater acceptability.
Acceptability (Qualitative)
Time frame: 4 weeks
Acceptability will also be assessed from qualitative feedback gathered from participants in the RAI Support intervention condition. Up to 20 RAI Support completers will be asked to complete an individual exit interview with the PI or a trained study team member to elicit feedback on the helpfulness of the intervention, participant burden, barriers to intervention participation, satisfaction with components of the intervention, and satisfaction with the delivery, modality, and length of the intervention.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 or older (papillary or follicular carcinoma)
- Diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer
- Received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment less than or equal to three years ago.
- Mild to moderate symptoms of RAI
- Able to provide informed consent in English
- Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity
Exclusion criteria
- A condition that precludes providing informed consent or completing study procedures (cognitive or psychiatric condition, hearing problems) as identified by the patient's physician or as assessed by a trained study team member.
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations