Radio Frequency Ablation versus Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T1b Renal Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Clinical and Oncologic Outcomes

Abstract

In appropriately selected patients with stage cT1b renal cell carcinoma radio frequency ablation is an effective treatment option that provides 5-year overall, cancer specific and disease-free survival comparable to that of partial nephrectomy as well as better renal function preservation than partial nephrectomy.

Population‐based assessment of cancer‐specific mortality after local tumour ablation or observation for kidney cancer: a competing risks analysis

“…Specifically, the absolute unadjusted CSM rates reported after PN (2.6%) and RN (4.5%) were similar to those observed after LTA in the present study (3.5%). This similarity corroborates the findings of several recent reports on the long‐term efficacy of LTA, in which the latter performed similarly to PN . The rates of OBS were also similar in both studies: 7.4% in the study by Sun et al vs 9.1% in the present study.…”

Prediction of Complications Following Partial Nephrectomy: Implications for Ablative Techniques Candidates

“…In this regard, LTA was historically considered an inferior treatment relative to PN with respect to oncologic outcomes. However, the most recent long-term assessments of cancer control showed comparable outcomes with either treatment strategy [25][26][27][28][29]. Consequently, current guidelines admit that available evidence does not allow any definitive recommendations regarding oncologic outcomes in favour of either treatment modality and suggest that LTA should be offered in elderly and comorbid patients with limited life expectancy [2].…”

Comparison of renal function detriments after local tumor ablation or partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

“…Our data focused on T1a patients but also included T1b stages. This may be viewed as both a limitation but also as strength, since the inclusion of both stages was based on real-world selection criteria of LTA and PN candidates, which rarely, nonetheless on occasion, include T1b patients [21][22][23][24]. More importantly, in the overall population, tumor stage was not significantly associated with neither short-nor long-term functional outcome.…”

“…Both treatments represent alternatives for patients with small renal masses (T1a) and occasionally may be used in patients with larger lesions (T1b) [21][22][23][24]. Historically, LTA was considered a treatment associated with inferior oncologic outcomes than PN.…”

“…Historically, LTA was considered a treatment associated with inferior oncologic outcomes than PN. However, the most recent assessments of long-term oncologic outcomes revealed comparable cancer control in either treatment modality [23][24][25][26][27]. In this light, the assessment of functional outcomes after LTA or PN requires special consideration.…”