Treatment of renal tumors with radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency (RF) energy has been investigated as a minimally invasive modality for ablating small renal tumors. Recent advances in the application of this technology have improved its safety and effectiveness.

We describe the technology of RF application and review the current delivery systems as applied to renal tumor ablation. We also review relevant animal studies, which have revealed the natural history of ablated renal tissue. Finally, we examine recent human trials with an emphasis on longer-term follow-up, imaging, complications, and successful ablation according to tumor location within the kidney; i.e., central v peripheral.

Radiofrequency ablation can be performed safely in a minimally invasive fashion either percutaneously or laparoscopically. Energy delivery varies, and available systems include dry, wet, cooled-tip, and bipolar electrodes. Heat rise and subsequent charring in the tissue adjacent to the electrode is limited by temperature or impedance-based feedback systems. In animal studies, ablation results in complete cell kill, as judged by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase staining. Clinical trials with intermediate follow-up show excellent success rates. Tumors >3 cm and central tumors have a higher recurrence rate after RFA than smaller, more peripheral tumors.

The current literature suggests that RFA is a promising minimally invasive method of treating small renal tumors. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is still required, and questions remain regarding the optimal delivery system, duration of ablation, and method of surveillance.