Introduction
Linear growth rate (LGR) is the most commonly employed trigger for definitive intervention in patients with renal masses managed with an initial period of active surveillance (AS). Using our institutional cohort, we explored the association between tumor anatomic complexity at presentation and LGR in patients managed with AS.
Methods and Materials
Enhancing renal masses managed expectantly for at least 6 months were included for analysis. The association between NS and LGR was assessed using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, Charlson score, race, sex, and initial tumor size.
Results
346 patients (401 masses) met inclusion criteria (18% ≥cT1b), with a median follow-up of 37 months (range: 6-169). 44% of patients progressed to definitive intervention with a median duration of 27 months (range: 6-130). Comparing patients managed expectantly to those requiring intervention, no difference was seen in median tumor size at presentation (2.2 vs. 2.2 cm), while significant differences in median age (74 vs. 65 years, p<0.001), Charlson co-morbidity score (3 vs. 2, p<0.001), and average LGR (0.23 vs. 0.49 cm/year, p<0.001) were observed between groups. Following adjustment, for each 1-point increase in NS sum, the average tumor LGR increased by 0.037 cm/year (p=0.002). Of the entire cohort, 6 patients (1.7%) progressed to metastatic disease.
Conclusions
The demonstrated association between anatomic tumor complexity at presentation and LGR of clinical stage 1 renal masses under AS may afford a clinically useful cue to tailor individual patient radiographic surveillance schedules and warrants further evaluation.