Effectiveness and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of renal cancer: a 14-year single institution experience in 203 patients

Objectives

To define effectiveness and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal tumours and prognostic indicators for treatment success.

Methods

Patients with a single treatment of a solitary, biopsy-proven renal tumour with intent to cure over a 14-year period were included (n?=?203). Probability of residual disease over time, complication rates and all-cause mortality were assessed in relation to multiple variables.

Results

Mean tumour size was 2.5 cm (range 1.0–6.0). Mean follow-up was 34.1 months (range 1–131). There was an increase in likelihood of residual disease for tumours ≥3.5 cm (P?

Conclusions

CT-guided RFA is safe and effective for early-stage renal cancer, particularly for exophytic tumours measuring <3.5 cm. Overall 5-year survival with tumours <4 cm is comparable to partial nephrectomy.

Key points

? Prognostic indicators for success of CT-guided RFA of renal tumours are reported. ? Tumour size ≥3.5 cm confers an increased risk for residual tumour. ? Clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtype confers increased risk for residual tumour. ? Tmax <70 °C within the ablation zone confers increased risk for residual tumour. ? Exophytic tumours have a lower probability of residual disease.