A study to find genes that may increase thyroid cancer risk

Please note this trial is no longer recruiting patients.

This study is trying to find out more about the causes of thyroid cancer and to identify genes that may be important in the development of this disease.

We know from research that genetic factors may affect risk of thyroid cancer. In this study, the researchers will look at the genes of a large number of people who have thyroid growths (adenomas) or have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. They will look for common gene faults that may increase thyroid cancer risk. They will also find out more about the patients family history to see if any of their relatives have also had thyroid cancer.

The aim of the study is to identify genes that could increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Recruitment

Start 01/04/2009

End 23/10/2011

Phase

Other

Who can enter

You can enter this trial if you

Were 70 or younger when diagnosed with thyroid cancer OR
Were 60 or younger when diagnosed with thyroid growths
Are having treatment or are seeing your doctor for regular checkups at one of the hospitals taking part in this study

Trial design

This study will recruit at least 2,000 people with thyroid cancer or thyroid growths.

When you go to the hospital to see your doctor and attend your annual thyroid cancer clinic appointment they may ask if you would be interested in taking part in the study. Or, you may receive a letter from your hospital, asking you to take part.

If you agree to take part, they will ask you to fill in a one page questionnaire about your health and the health of your family. Everyone who takes part will give a small sample of blood. You may give this at the hospital or at your GP surgery. The researchers will look at the DNA from your blood to try and find genes that may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

The researchers will also get a sample of tissue taken when you have (or had) your operation for thyroid cancer. They will do further genetic tests on this tissue sample.

If any of your close relatives have also had thyroid cancer, the researchers may ask you to contact them about the study. If a relative is interested in taking part, the researchers will give you an information pack for them. The pack contains a letter explaining the study and a reply slip to send to the research team. If your relative returns the reply slip, one of the researchers will contact them directly to recruit them to the study.

Hospital visits

Taking part in this study may involve one extra visit to your hospital to have the blood test. But you may be able to have this done at your GP surgery.