Renal Tumors Research Articles

Indian consensus statements on the management of small renal masses, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and high-risk/locally advanced prostate cancer.

No pan-India-specific guidelines exist for the management of urological cancers. Although western guidelines are useful for informing management strategies, they do not account for the nuances of management in the Indian context. A modified Delphi method was used to provide a framework for the systematic development of India-centric guidelines for the management of three uro-oncology disease states: small renal masses, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and high-risk/locally advanced prostate cancer.

Tumor characteristics in immunosuppressed and renal dysfunction populations

PurposeRenal transplantation and end-stage renal disease are increasingly common. Renal dysfunction and immunosuppression are two risk factors in the development of renal cell carcinoma. Carcinomas in these patients are thought to be more indolent, however data are limited and mixed. Our objective was to describe the histology of resected tumors from the transplant and renal dysfunction population and compare them to a control population. Materials and MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all patients who had a nephrectomy for a renal mass from 2009 to 2019. All transplant status and end-stage renal disease diagnoses were identified by diagnostic or procedural coding and confirmed by chart review. Our primary endpoint was the pathology for each patient's tumor. Tumors were classified into aggressive or nonaggressive categories based on their histology and grade. ResultsWe identified 1,150 radical and partial nephrectomies, of which 1,057 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 68 patients (6.4%) had renal dysfunction or a kidney transplant on immunosuppression at time of nephrectomy. After pathologic review, 270 (25%) tumors were classified as aggressive, and 673 (64%) tumors were pT1a or pT1b. On multivariable logistic regression controlling for age and gender, renal dysfunction was not associated with having an aggressive tumor (OR 1.24, 95%CI 0.72–2.15; P = 0.44). ConclusionsWe did not observe a relationship between renal dysfunction status and aggressive pathology. These data suggest that renal dysfunction and transplant patients are at similar risk for aggressive pathology as the general population and should be managed according to the same clinical guidelines.

The impact of preoperative fasting time on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy and analysis of risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage.

This study investigates the impact of preoperative fasting time on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy and analyzes the risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage to provide clinical reference for physicians treating patients undergoing partial nephrectomy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal tumors between January 2022 and March 2024. Baseline and perioperative data were collected. The effects of long-term and short-term preoperative fasting on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were compared. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hemorrhagic complications following partial nephrectomy. Among the patients in this study, 26 (35.14%) underwent short-term preoperative fasting, while 48 (64.86%) underwent long-term preoperative fasting. The hemoglobin difference in the short-term fasting group was 21.08 ± 12.44 ml, compared to 13.65 ± 11.69 ml in the long-term fasting group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020). Differences in serum calcium (p = 0.003), serum magnesium (p = 0.031), and serum phosphorus (p = 0.001) between the short-term and long-term fasting groups were also statistically significant. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses identified the type of surgery (p = 0.050) and preoperative fasting time (p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage following partial nephrectomy. Patients undergoing partial nephrectomy with short-term preoperative fasting experience a more significant decrease in hemoglobin compared to those with long-term fasting. The type of surgery and preoperative fasting time are independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

The association of anatomical renal mass complexity with surgical approach, Hb drop, and the rate of blood transfusion.

The third most prevalent malignant neoplasm involving the urinary tract is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), encompassing nearly 3.5% of the entire cancers afflicting the body. The aim of this research was to explore how the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score relates to the decisions made regarding surgery in individuals with localized RCC. This prospective study, assessed patients with localized parenchymal renal masses (stages I and II) tentatively diagnosed as RCC. Utilizing preoperative multiphasic renal CT scans and MRI, the R.E.N.A.L. score categorized masses for nephrometry values. Inclusion criteria involved collecting patient data, and data collection utilizing a structured format focusing on the nephrometry grading system. The study included 64 patients aged (mean ± SD) 49.78 ± 12.35 yrs. Undergoing renal mass surgery, there were 17 (26.5%) low, 28 (43.8%) moderate and 19 (29.7%) high-complexity lesions. All patients with a low Nephrometry score (n = 17) underwent partial nephrectomy, and all cases with a high score (n = 19) underwent radical nephrectomy. For those with a moderate Nephrometry score (n = 28), 13 (46.4%) underwent partial nephrectomy, while the remaining 15 (53.6%) cases underwent radical nephrectomy. Morbidity was low, and no mortality occurred at 180 days. Patients who had lesions fully above or below polar lines were less likely to need blood transfusions. A trend towards higher Fuhrman grades in patients receiving transfusions suggests a potential link between tumor aggressiveness and bleeding risk. Our findings provide insight on the utilization of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score in forecasting perioperative, post-surgical, and oncological results. Such data might help optimize surgical methods and pre-operative patient counseling.

Multiarm, non-randomised, single-centre feasibility study—investigation of the differential biology between benign and malignant renal masses using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques (IBM-Renal): protocol

IntroductionLocalised renal masses are an increasing burden on healthcare due to the rising number of cases. However, conventional imaging cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant renal masses, and renal...

Diagnosis of renal tumors in Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome: Clinical presentation and risk factors in a single-center retrospective cohort

BackgroundBirt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with the development of renal tumors. This study aims to determine typical age ranges for detecting renal abnormalities, risk factors for tumor development, and long-term outcomes based on current surveillance strategies.MethodsA single-center multi-site retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients with BHD diagnosed from 2000 to 2023. Baseline demographics, pulmonary function, laboratory, radiologic, and histopathologic findings were collected. Logistic regression was used to assess predictor variables for the development of renal tumors with survival analysis evaluated from the date of BHD diagnosis to date of death or last known follow-up.ResultsThe study included 149 patients with BHD, 39 (26%) with diagnosed renal tumors, of which 28 had histopathologic confirmation. Mean age at renal tumor detection was 53.61 years. Older age and male sex were predictive of renal tumor development ((odds ratio 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.08, P = 0.002) and (odds ratio 2.59; 95% CI, 1.17–5.73, P = 0.02), respectively). Time to all-cause mortality appeared shorter in those with renal tumors (Log-rank P = 0.02), though no deaths were from cancer or cancer-related complications.ConclusionsCurrent screening protocols for renal tumors in BHD suggest the most common presenting age range for presentation is late 40s to early 50s, with older age and male sex as risk factors for tumor development.

The Influence of Preablation Embolization Particle Size on the Size of the Microwave Ablation Zone in a Porcine Orthotopic Renal Tumor Model

PurposeTo combine arterial embolization with different embolic agents, followed by microwave ablation (MWA) in a porcine renal tumor (RT), to evaluate the ideal setting to produce the largest change in the size of the ablation zones (AZs). Materials and MethodsIn a transgenic porcine kidney, 32 sites were inoculation with 28 orthotopic RT produced. Experimental groups (23 tumors) underwent angiography with intra-arterial embolization using various embolic materials (calibrated particles from 40 to 1,200 μm and ethiodized oil) to achieve vascular stasis of the RT. MWA using a standard protocol (3 minutes at 65 W) was subsequently performed for all tumors. Next, a gross and histologic ex vivo analysis of the AZ was performed. ResultsControl group AZ volume without prior embolization was 5.24 cm3 (SD ± 0.55). AZs after embolization with 40 μm, 100 μm, 300–500 μm, 900–1,200 μm particles were significantly larger than those with MWA alone (mean, 15.39 cm3 [SD ± 4.54]; P = .002; 11.07 cm3 [SD ± 1.39]; P = .001; 8.68 cm3 [SD ± 0.77]; P = .001; and 9.90 cm3 [SD ± 1.62]; P = .002, respectively). Liquid embolic ethiodized oil emulsion did not create a significant increase in the AZ (5.92 cm3 [SD ± 1.43 cm3]; P = .492). ConclusionsPre-MWA arterial embolization in a porcine RT model produced a statistically significant increase in the AZ when compared with MWA alone. Using smaller particle size embolic material with distal embolization at the tumor arterioles (50–150 μm) produced the largest, almost 3-fold increase in AZ volume.

Spectrum of Renal Tumors Other Than Renal Cell Carcinoma with Emphasis on Cytomorphological, Immunohistochemical, and Cytogenetic Study

Abstract Background: The role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of renal malignancies is established and has been getting more precise and important over a period of time. Knowledge of the pathology of uncommon renal neoplasms along with radiological and clinical correlations often aids in correct diagnosis. Aims: The present study aims to describe the cytomorphological and immunohistochemical findings in the varied spectrum of renal tumors, other than renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Materials and Methods: Data of 238 cases of ultrasound-guided renal FNAC performed in our tertiary cancer institute over 4 years were collected from the department registry. All nondiagnostic cases and cases diagnosed as RCC were excluded from the study, so 57 cases of renal tumors were reviewed along with the cell blocks and ancillary studies. Results: Out of the 57 cases, 35 cases were primary renal neoplasms, which included renal oncocytoma (3.5%), angiomyolipoma (3.5%), rhabdoid tumor (1.8%), Wilms tumor (28.0%), Ewing sarcoma (3.5%), urothelial carcinoma (8.8%), and small round cell tumor unclassified (12.3%). Twenty two cases were metastatic tumors, which included hematolymphoid neoplasm (14%) and metastatic carcinomas (24.6%) from various other primary carcinomas. Conclusion: Our study shows that renal FNAC is safe and fairly accurate in diagnosing a wide spectrum of renal tumors and has high diagnostic accuracy, when performed along with cell block and immunohistochemistry. Awareness of the pathology of uncommon renal tumors along with relevant clinical history and radiological findings may aid in identifying the type of tumor for further appropriate management.

Evaluation of Renal Masses Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound with Sonovue and Sonazoid

ObjectiveTo explore the differences between SonoVue and Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating enhancement features of renal masses and determine the diagnostic value of CEUS in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). MethodsA total of 57 eligible patients were enrolled and divided into the ccRCC, papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), non-ccRCC and non-pRCC malignancy groups, and benign mass groups based on their postsurgical histopathologic diagnosis. The enhancement features of renal masses following SonoVue and Sonazoid CEUS in each group were analyzed. Diagnostic efficiencies of SonoVue and Sonazoid CEUS for ccRCC and non-ccRCC were determined. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the enhancement features of renal masses with SonoVue and Sonazoid imaging in the four groups (p > .05). Both SonoVue CEUS and Sonazoid CEUS showed good diagnostic performance for the differential diagnosis of ccRCC and non-ccRCC, with sensitivities of 88.6% and 85.7%, specificities of 76.5% and 88.2%, accuracies of 84.6% and 86.5%, positive predictive values of 88.6% and 93.8%, and negative predictive values of 76.5% and 75%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the diagnostic performance indices between the two methods (p > .05). ConclusionThe CEUS features of SonoVue and Sonazoid in evaluating renal masses were similar in the vascular phase. Both SonoVue and Sonazoid CEUS showed good diagnostic performance for the differential diagnosis of ccRCC and non-ccRCC.

Clinical Spectrum and Outcome of Kidney Involvement in Non-Langerhans Histiocytosis

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical features and treatment responses of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with kidney involvement. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed RDD and ECD patients with kidney involvement from 2005 to 2023, evaluating kidney function changes, CT, and metabolic responses. ResultsThe study included 4 RDD and 44 ECD patients, with median ages of 58 and 51 years. RDD patients lacked kidney symptoms, while 27.3% of ECD patients exhibited lower extremity edema. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 80.5 (63-125) in RDD and 100 (22-133) ml/min/1.73 m2 in ECD. All RDD patients had renal masses; 68.2% of ECD cases showed perirenal infiltration. Two RDD patients received steroids (one post-nephrectomy), and two received lenalidomide and dexamethasone. One RDD patient (25%) showed eGFR improvement, and three (75%) had CT and PET-CT responses. Of 34 ECD patients, 26 were treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-α), 5 with BRAF inhibitor, and 3 with cytarabine. The rates of eGFR improvement, CT response, and PET-CT response were 14.7%, 5.9%, and 52.9%. Median follow-up was 27.0 months for RDD and 53.0 months for ECD. The 5-year overall survival was 66.7% for RDD and 81.8% for ECD. The median progression-free survival was 18.3 months for RDD and 59.4 months for ECD. ConclusionWe detailed kidney involvement characteristics and treatment responses in RDD and ECD, highlighting the typical renal mass in RDD and perirenal soft tissue in ECD. ECD patients may experience irreversible kidney dysfunction, indicating the critical need for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Utility of dual-energy CT and advanced multiparametric MRI based imaging biomarkers of pancreatic fibrosis in grading the severity of chronic pancreatitis.

To non-invasively quantify pancreatic fibrosis and grade severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). We included 72 patients (mean age:30years; 59 men) with suspected or confirmed CP from December 2019 to December 2021 graded as equivocal(n = 20), mild(n = 18), and moderate-marked(n = 34) using composite imaging and endoscopic ultrasound criteria. Study patients underwent multiphasic DECT and mpMRI of the abdomen. Normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and fat fraction(FF) on 6-minute delayed DECT, and T1 relaxation time(T1Rt), extracellular volume fraction(ECVf), intravoxel incoherent motion-based perfusion fraction(PF), and magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) on mpMRI of pancreas were compared. 20 renal donors(for DECT) and 20 patients with renal mass(for mpMRI) served as controls. NIC of pancreas in controls and progressive grades of CP were 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.80 ± 0.18, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.40 ± 0.36, FF were 9.28 ± 5.89, 14.19 ± 5.29, 17.31 ± 5.99, 29.32 ± 12.22, T1Rt were 590.11 ± 61.13, 801.93 ± 211.01, 1006.79 ± 352.18, 1388.01 ± 312.23ms, ECVf were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.12, 0.41 ± 0.12, 0.53 ± 0.13, PF were 0.38 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.07, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.05 and MTR were 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. There were significant differences for all quantitative parameters between controls and mild CP; for NIC, PF, and ECVf between controls and progressive CP grades (p < 0.05). Area under curve for NIC, FF, T1Rt, ECVf, PF, and MTR in differentiating controls and mild CP were 1.00, 0.86, 0.95, 1.00, 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and for NIC, FF, ECVf and PF in differentiating controls and equivocal CP were 1.00, 0.76, 0.95 and 0.92 respectively. DECT and mpMRI were useful in quantifying pancreatic fibrosis and grading the severity of CP. NIC was the most accurate marker.

Meta-analysis of clinical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and classical open partial nephrectomy.

Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has emerged as a promising alternative to classical partial nephrectomy (CPN). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of RAPN and CPN for treating localized renal tumors through a meta-analysis of available literature. Chinese databases, such as CNKI, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database (VIP), and Wanfang Full-text Database, were searched using Chinese search terms, and all published articles on PubMed and Web of Science were searched using English search terms. Articles on Localized Renal Tumors were included. RevMan5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. The funnel plots were drawn using Stata software to assess publication bias. This study aimed to identify the differences between robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy and classic partial nephrectomy in patients with localized renal tumors. In total, 67 articles with 17677 patients were included. The results demonstrate the advantages of RAPN over CPN for localized renal tumors. Compared to CPN and RAPN had significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay duration, incidence of perioperative complications, and proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion. Regarding surgical outcomes, RAPN showed more favorable results regarding the incidence of positive resection margins, postoperative decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), postoperative local recurrence rate, and proportion of Trifecta achieved. However, there was no significant difference between RAPN and CPN regarding 5-year tumor-specific survival rates. The study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is a viable alternative to classic surgery for renal tumors. The strengths of this study are the use of a comprehensive search strategy and the inclusion of studies published in both English and Chinese. The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the need for long-term follow-up data. RAPN and CPN have similar overall survival outcomes for treating localized renal tumors. However, RAPN may offer advantages in terms of perioperative outcomes and preservation of renal function. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the optimal surgical approach for individual patients.

Robotic Surgery in Paediatric Oncology: Expanding Boundaries and Defining Relevant Indications

This article reviews the establishment and progress of the Multidisciplinary Paediatric Robotic Program in a high-volume paediatric surgery department at Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France. A major foundational principle of the program was to establish a safe and secure environment for patients and staff, both pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively. This founding principle when applied systematically has allowed increasing confidence across the program and service. The robotic platform allows for precision surgery when approaching tumours, with freedom of movement adapted to meticulous vascular and organ dissection. Surgical feasibility is based on tumour characteristics, pre-operative imaging, with a focus on vascular and organ involvement, considering goals of surgery and surgical experience. Case complexity has been gradually increased (where appropriate) through an iterative process. The future of surgery is robotic, and even more so image-guided surgery, and this synergy has been instrumental when approaching tumour surgery in children. The current principles that guide application of robot-assisted surgery in paediatric tumours are presented. With this blueprint, excellent oncological outcomes can be achieved while utilising a minimally invasive approach in children with selected endocrine, neuroblastic and renal tumours.

Lymph Node Sampling in Pediatric Renal Tumors: Survey of Current Practices and Impact of Education

ObjectiveTo characterize how often and to what extent surgeons are willing to perform retroperitoneal node sampling (RPLNS) for a unilateral renal tumor, and whether they would be encouraged to change goal number of LNs after “targeted education” (TE) MethodsA survey with selected demographic and LN sampling practice questions was distributed to practicing members of the Society of Pediatric Urology (SPU). After answering a seven-question questionnaire, participants were provided with an abstract on the adequacy of LN yield for staging. This served as the TE and then participants were asked to answer a final question on LN sampling goals. ResultsA total of 76 (19.2%) of participants, out of 395 invitations, returned complete surveys. Cross tabulation between sampling goals before and after TE showed that among surgeons sampling 1-4 nodes, 13/24 (54.16%) would be willing to change their practice and sample ≥10 nodes. A higher proportion of participants who were already systematically surveilling 5-9 LNs would be willing to change their current practice: 30/39 (77%) would now aim for ≥10 LNs. On multivariate analysis, only willingness to sample ≥5 LNs in current practice was predictive of changing to sample ≥10 LNs after TE. ConclusionRetroperitoneal LNs are currently still under sampled by pediatric urologists operating on children and adolescents with unilateral renal tumors. Targeted education appears to encourage change in LN sampling practices.

Impact of household income on survival in solid malignancies with synchronous brain metastases: A population-based study.

142 Background: Solid malignancies presenting with brain metastasis at the initial diagnosis usually carry a poor prognosis. Increased incidence of brain metastasis can be attributed to the advancements in neuroimaging techniques and improvements in the treatment of solid malignancies. The role of socioeconomic factors in cancer survival is being increasingly recognized. In this study, we analyzed the effect of median household income on survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with brain metastasis at the time of diagnosis of primary malignancies from 2010 to 2020. Methods: We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program 17 registry (November 2022 submission) database for four primary sites of cancers based on their high propensity to develop brain metastases- Lung and/or Bronchus, Breast, Kidney and/or Renal Pelvis, and Melanoma. Patients with a median household income (MHHI) greater than 75,000 per year were classified as a high-income group, whereas those less than 75,000 per year were low-income. Patients diagnosed with malignancy during autopsy or via death certificate and with incomplete data were excluded. Kaplan-Meier method was used for 2-year survival rates and overall survival analyses. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR). Results: A total of 66493 patients were identified across the four primary sites of tumors. Lung and/or bronchus tumors comprised most of the cases (n = 58,324). 25337 patients were in the high-income group, and 41156 patients comprised the low-income group. Median survival in the low-income group was 4 months, and in the high-income group was 5 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 11% and 18% respectively. Patients in the high-income group had better survival outcomes than the low-income [HR:0.88, 95% CI:0.86-0.90, p&lt;0.001]. Additionally, the high-income group had 19% higher odds of receiving chemotherapy [OR:1.19, 95% CI:1.16-1.23, p&lt;0.0001]. Amongst the cancer subgroups, household income did not have a significant effect on survival in patients with kidney and/or renal pelvis tumors [HR:0.97, 95% CI:0.88-1.06, p=0.5]. The 2-year survival rates are outlined (Table). Conclusions: Our analysis highlights a modest improvement in survival in the patient population with higher median household income. This difference could be attributed to the greater accessibility to treatment modalities and other resources for patients with higher household incomes. Further studies are needed to address socioeconomic disparities in survival for patients with solid malignancies having synchronous brain metastases. 2-year survival rates (95% CI). Cancer Groups Low-income High-income Combined Cancers 11% (11-12%) 18% (18-19%) Lung and/or Bronchus 10% (10-11%) 17% (17-18%) Breast 27% (25-29%) 34% (31-37%) Melanoma 19% (17-21%) 23% (20-25%) Kidney and/or Renal Pelvis 15% (13-17%) 18% (15-21%)

Fumarate hydratase–deficient renal cell carcinoma: A single institution–based study of 29 patients by clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic approaches

Fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a renal neoplasm associated with FH loss, aggressive behaviour, and poor survival. We present a histopathological and immunohistochemical overview of FH-deficient RCC to infer significant features for its differential diagnosis. In this study, FH-deficient RCC tissue samples from patients who underwent surgical resection or biopsy at a single institution between July 1995 and August 2022 were reviewed by conventional haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and whole-genome analyses. Twenty-nine FH-deficient RCC specimens were examined ​based on immunohistochemistry findings regarding FH and S-(2-succino)cysteine (2SC). The histopathological findings included conspicuous nucleoli with a perinucleolar halo, resembling viral inclusion, eosinophilic cytoplasm, papillary and tubular growth patterns, and lack of stromal foam cell collection. Some tumours showed desmoplastic stroma, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, and solid growth pattern. One tumour presented low-grade oncocyte-like histomorphology. Widespread negativity for CD10, keratin 7, keratin 20, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, and GATA3 were observed in 24 specimens. All samples were positive for paired box gene 8, and the level of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase expression was variable. Whole-exome sequencing of 19 tumours revealed nonsynonymous mutations, including missense mutations, splice donors, splice acceptors, frameshifts, and deletions in 15 tumours. Eleven tumours showed novel mutations. In conclusion, results revealed generally unfavourable clinical presentations and outcomes with diverse variants of FH mutation. These findings, along with the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, can be used to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Survival rate comparisons of angioembolization and neoadjuvant targeted therapy on unresectable renal cell carcinoma patients: A systematic review

Objective: Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the most typical form of kidney cancer in adults, which accounts for 80% to 85% of all primary renal neoplasms. RCC develops inside the renal cortex. This study aimed to systematically review the survival rate of patients treated with targeted therapy and/or RC. Surgery is the standard therapy for RCC, even though after surgery, 20%–40% of patients with localized RCC would experience distant metastases. Metastases or large RCC are not amenable to surgery. Unresectable RCC can be treated palliatively with angioembolization or neoadjuvant therapy. This study aims to review the survival rate comparisons of angioembolization and neoadjuvant targeted therapy on unresectable renal cell carcinoma. Methods: A thorough search across databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest was conducted for articles published from 2018 to 2023. To uphold research integrity, duplicates, reviews, and incomplete articles were excluded, ensuring only pertinent and original research findings for subsequent analysis. Results: Database search yielded 247 articles, which were systematically eliminated, leaving 6 relevant articles. Analyzed articles showed the overall survival of patients treated with angioembolization and neoadjuvant agents. Conclusion: Unresectable RCC can be treated palliatively with angioembolization. Angioembolization may improve clinical effectiveness and lessen side effects by boosting local concentrations of drugs. Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization is a novel embolization option that can embolize the arteries that feed the tumor and cutoff the blood supply to the tumor. Sunitinib, the most studied medicinal agent, was found to have higher effectiveness when combined with angioembolization.

Differences in the treatment patterns of small renal masses: A disaggregated analyses by race/ethnicity

ObjectiveTo characterize differences in the management of small renal masses among disaggregated race/ethnic subgroups. Material and MethodsWe used the National Cancer Database to identify patients diagnosed with clinically localized kidney cancer and tumor size ≤4cm. We studied 16 predefined racial/ethnic subgroups and compared 1) the use of surveillance for tumors <2cm and 2) the use of radical nephrectomy for tumors ≤4cm. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the independent association of race/ethnicity with management, adjusting for baseline characteristics. We also compared our disaggregated analyses to the 6 National Institute of Health aggregate race categories. ResultsWe identified 286,063 patients that met inclusion criteria. For tumors <2cm, Black Non-Hispanic (aOR 1.43) and Mexican patients (aOR 1.29) were significantly more likely to undergo surveillance compared to White patients. For tumors ≤4cm, Black Non-Hispanic (aOR 1.43), Filipino (aOR 1.28), Japanese (aOR 1.28), Mexican (aOR 1.32), and Native Indian patients (aOR 1.15) were significantly more likely to undergo radical nephrectomy compared to White patients. When comparing our disaggregated analyses to the NIH categories, we found that many disaggregated race/ethnic subgroups had associations with management strategies that were not represented by their aggregated group. ConclusionsIn this study, we found that the use of surveillance for tumors <2cm and radical nephrectomy for tumors ≤4cm varied significantly among certain race/ethnic subgroups. Our disaggregated approach provides information on differences in treatment patterns in particular subgroups that warrant further study to optimize kidney cancer care for all patients.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of microwave ablation versus robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for patients with small renal masses in Australia

ObjectivesMicrowave ablation (MWA) has gained attention as a minimally invasive and safe alternative to surgical intervention for patients with small renal masses; however, its cost-effectiveness in Australia remains unclear. This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the relative clinical and economic merits of MWA compared to robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RA-PN) in the treatment of small renal masses. MethodsA Markov state-transition model was constructed to simulate the progression of Australian patients with small renal masses treated with MWA versus RA-PN over a 10-year horizon. Transition probabilities and utility data were sourced from comprehensive literature reviews, and cost data were estimated from the Australian health system perspective. Life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and lifetime costs were estimated. Modelled uncertainty was assessed using both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. A willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per QALY was adopted. All costs are expressed in 2022 Australian dollars and discounted at 3% annually. To assess the broader applicability of our findings, a validated cost-adaptation method was employed to extend the analysis to 8 other high-income countries. ResultsBoth the base case and cost-adaptation analyses revealed that MWA dominated RA-PN, producing both lower costs and greater effectiveness over 10 years. The cost-effectiveness outcome was robust across all model parameters. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed that MWA was dominant in 98.3% of simulations at the designated WTP threshold, underscoring the reliability of the model under varying assumptions. ConclusionFor patients with small renal masses in Australia and comparable healthcare settings, MWA is the preferred strategy to maximize health benefits per dollar, making it a highly cost-effective alternative to RA-PN.

Interrater agreement and reliability of the Bosniak classification for cystic renal masses version 2019

BackgroundThe Bosniak classification for cystic renal masses has undergone refinements since its inception. The 2019 version provides more objective criteria to enhance interrater agreement but needs validation. This study compares the interrater agreement of the 2005 and 2019 Bosniak classifications for cystic renal masses. MethodsForty cystic renal masses identified on computed tomography scans were selected, distributed equally among the five classes of the 2005 Bosniak classification. Eight radiology residents participated in 2 consecutive rating sessions using the 2005 and 2019 versions, respectively, with a 1-month wash-out period in between. Interrater reliability was assessed using Fleiss' κ, and changes in cyst classes between the versions were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. ResultsFleiss' κ values for interrater reliability were 0.354 (0.286–0.431) for 2005 and 0.373 (0.292–0.487) for 2019, indicating fair to moderate agreement. A significant decrease in cyst grades was noted using the 2019 version (Z = 3.49, r = 0.55, P < 0.001) among all cysts assessed by residents and only in complex cysts assessed by consultants (Z = 1.907, r = 0.275, P = 0.048). ConclusionInterrater agreement was similar for both classifications, ranging from fair to moderate. The 2019 version increased the proportion of masses downgraded to lower classes. Comprehensive training may enhance reliability and accuracy.