Safety and Efficacy of Microwave Ablation of Stage T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) of stage 1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 29 patients with 31 tumors who underwent MWA for stage 1 RCC between 2008 and2018 in our institution. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, technical success defined as the absence of residual tumor within 3 months of procedure, and complications were reported. The recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival rates were analyzed. A univariate analysis was performed to identify any potential predictors of complications, local recurrence, or survival. Results: Mean age of the patients was 64 ± 10.6 years, and 34.5% of the patients had chronic kidney disease stage 3 at baseline. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 5 (range: 5–12). The median tumor size was 2.7 cm (range: 1.0–6.1) with 18 (58.1%) posterior tumors. Stage T1a tumors were seen in 93.5% of patients. Median number of probes was 1 (range: 1–3), and biopsy was performed in 22 (72.4%) tumors. Technical success rate was 93.1%. Minor and major complications were seen in 5 (17.2%) and 1 (3.4%) patients, respectively. No local recurrence was reported. The overall survival was 100%, 84.6%, and 84.6% at 1, 3, and 5 years. Cancer-specific survival was 100% at 5 years. There were predictors for complications or survival outcomes. Conclusion: Percutaneous MWA is a safe and efficacious thermal ablation modality for the treatment of stage 1 RCC with acceptable outcomes.

 

MissingLinkText

Publication History

Article published online:
26 April 2021