Image-guided ablation of renal cell carcinoma

An increasing number of small asymptomatic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are being detected by cross-sectional imaging. Because of the nonaggressive biologic behavior of many of these tumors, there is increasing interest in minimally invasive treatment modalities,particularly for the elderly, infirm, and patients with comorbid conditions. Radiofrequency(RF) ablation, cryoablation, microwave ablation, and laser ablation have all shown promise for the treatment of RCC, with high local control and low complication rates for RF ablation and cryoablation. However, the clinical trial data remain early, and survival data are not yet available for a definitive comparison with conventional surgical techniques for removal of RCC.