Treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Both partial nephrectomy (pNx) and total nephrectomy (TNx) are the mainstay of the surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma. In smaller masses, ablative treatment as well as surveillance are possible options. The aim of this article is to provide acloser look at the surgical methods, active surveillance and ablative options as well as the current evidence to support their use. This study is based on aselective literature review regarding pNx and TNx for renal cell carcinoma using the PubMed database and the review of current European and American guidelines on surgical treatment and conservative options for renal cell carcinoma. The choice of surgical method depends on the intrarenal tumor configuration as well as patient comorbidities. While pNx is used for smaller localized masses TNx is usually performed in larger more complex tumors. Both methods can be performed using aminimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotically assisted) or an open approach. In patients with severe comorbidities or alimited life expectancy, local ablative treatment options as well as surveillance strategies are suitable strategies.