Long-term followup of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with radio frequency ablation with curative intent.

PURPOSE

We defined the role of radio frequency ablation in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 16 patients with biopsy proven renal cell carcinoma were treated with radio frequency ablation in an outpatient setting and followed for a minimum of 4 years.

RESULTS

Of the 16 patients 5 died before 4 years of followup of unrelated causes. All except 1 tumor was successfully treated. All patients with exophytic tumors were successfully treated.

CONCLUSIONS

Radio frequency ablation of exophytic renal cell carcinomas less than 5 cm in diameter is effective in eradicating the tumor and comparable to surgical extirpation at 4 years.