Ten-year experience of percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency ablation of malignant renal tumours in high-risk patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate survival and outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of malignant renal tumours in high-risk patients with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2009, 62 patients (71 tumours), with a median age of 73.5 years (20-87), consecutively treated with RFA under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance for malignant renal tumours were retrospectively selected and prospectively followed until 2012, including 25 patients (40.3 %) with solitary kidney and 7 cystic cancers. Maximal tumour diameters were between 8 and 46 mm (median: 23 mm).

RESULTS

Radiofrequency ablation was technically possible for all patients. Mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range: 18-78 months). Primary and secondary technique effectiveness was 95.2 % and 98.4 % per patient respectively. The rates of local tumour progression and metastatic evolution were 3.2 % and 9.7 % per patient and were associated with tumour size >4 cm (P = 0.005). The disease-free survival rates were 88.3 % and 61.9 % at 3 and 5 years. No significant difference in glomerular filtration rates before and after the procedure was observed (P = 0.107). The major complications rate was 5.9 % per session with an increased risk in the case of central locations (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous renal RFA appears to be safe and effective with useful nephron-sparing results.

KEY POINTS

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-tolerated technique according to mid-term results. • RFA for malignant renal tumours preserved renal function in high-risk patients. • Mid-term efficacy of RFA was close to that of formal conservative surgery. • Tumour size and central location limit the efficacy and safety of RFA.