Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
[Indications for ablative treatment in kidney cancer in the elderly]
L Froger1, Y Neuzillet, T Lebret
1Service d'urologie, CHU Saint Louis, Paris, France.
Introduction:
Approximately, 30% of kidney cancers are diagnosed in patients over 75 years, mostly by fortuitously. This review had identified the indications of ablative treatment among others options for kidney cancer in these elderly patients.
Materials And Methods:
A bibliographic research in French and English using Medline(®) with the keywords "tumor"; "kidney"; "radio frequency" and "cryoablation" was performed.
Results:
The expected benefits were less morbidity, reduced hospital stay and preservation of renal function. Ablative techniques have allowed a satisfactory cancer control but lower than that obtained by surgical excision at the cost of a lower morbidity. Cryoablation has allowed better oncological results than the radiofrequency. A decision tree for management of small renal tumors in patients defining a role for these treatments depending on the patient's life expectancy, its comorbidities (Charlson index) and tumor size was proposed.
Conclusion:
The preferential indications for cryoablation and radiofrequency treatments in elderly patients are tumors under 3cm and less than 4cm respectively, when life expectancy is between 3 and 7 years.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
