Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Clinical Outcome of Small Renal Cell Carcinoma after Delayed Surgery versus Immediate Surgery
Koichi Sugimoto1, Nobutaka Shimizu, Kazuhiro Nose
11. Department of Urology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan; ; 2. Department of Urology, Sakai Hospital Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Sakai, Osaka, Japan;
Background:
This study was undertaken to investigate the growth rate and clinical outcome of patients with a small renal mass (SRM) after delayed surgery versus immediate surgery.
Methods:
We reviewed the clinical records of 328 patients with SRM ≦ 4cm at diagnosis, who underwent delayed or immediate surgical intervention from January 2000 to December 2011. Radiographic evaluation using CT scan and MRI were performed at least every 6 months and the tumor size was determined at least twice in the delayed surgery group.
Results:
A total of 292 RCC patients with pT1aN0M0 were identified; among them, 32 patients had been managed with delayed surgery intervention. No statistically significant difference was observed in overall survival rate (OSR) and cancer recurrence-free rate (CRFR). But cancer-specific survival rate (CSSR) was significantly lower in the delayed surgery group (p=0.0002).
Conclusions:
The overall survival rate of delayed surgery was not inferior compared with that after immediate surgery. Delayed surgery intervention for SRMs is a treatment option in the current study.
Insights
For small renal masses (SRMs), delayed surgery showed similar overall survival rates compared to immediate surgery. However, cancer-specific survival rates were lower in the delayed surgery group, indicating a need for careful patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Small renal masses (SRMs) management involves active surveillance or intervention.
- Evaluating clinical outcomes for delayed versus immediate surgical intervention in SRMs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the growth rate and clinical outcomes of small renal masses (SRMs) treated with delayed versus immediate surgery.
- To assess the impact of surgical timing on survival and recurrence rates in SRM patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 328 patients diagnosed with SRM ≤ 4cm between 2000-2011.
- Analysis of radiographic data (CT/MRI) for tumor size and clinical outcomes in delayed vs. immediate surgery groups.
Main Results:
- 292 Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients with pT1aN0M0 were identified; 32 underwent delayed surgery.
- No significant difference in Overall Survival Rate (OSR) or Cancer Recurrence-Free Rate (CRFR) between groups.
- Cancer-Specific Survival Rate (CSSR) was significantly lower in the delayed surgery group (p=0.0002).
Conclusions:
- Delayed surgery for SRMs is a viable treatment option, with overall survival not inferior to immediate surgery.
- While overall survival is comparable, the lower CSSR in the delayed group suggests careful consideration for patient selection and monitoring.
