CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency in remedial treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods A total of 56 patients with RCC who were not suitable for surgical resection were analyzed. The longest diameter of the lesions ranged from 2.6 to 8.6 cm with a mean of (5.6±1.2)cm. The oncological outcomes, renal function and complications were observed. Results The CT images showed no enhancement of the lesion when evaluated 1, 3, 6 months after RFA for tumors diameter less than 4 cm in 35 cases. For 21 cases with tumors more than 4 cm, 13 cases required a second session of RFA because of recurrence. During follow-up period, 50 patients survived, 6 patients died of non tumor causes. There was no difference between before and after treatment in renal function. Most common complications associated with treatment were minor. No hemorrhage at the probe insertion site, infection and pelvis injury occurred. Conclusions Midterm follow-up shows that percutaneous renal RFA is an effective and safe alternative technique for patients with RCC whose condition does not allow surgery and that renal function is preserved and complications is mild. Key words: Kidney neoplasms; Catheter ablation; Curative effect