[Ablative treatments in localized renal cancer: literature review for 2014]

To focus on indications and results of ablative treatments (cyoablation, radiofrequency) for small renal masses, a bibliographic research was conducted in MedLine database using terms of "ablative treatment", "cryotherapy", "radiofrequency", "kidney cancer", "renal cell carcinoma". Sixty-four articles were selected.

Carcinologic outcomes seem to be better with cryoablation than with radiofrequency. Available results have to be balanced according to surgical approach, teams' experience and duration of follow-up. Tumour's size and central localization are the main factors of failure. The size of 3cm is the most generally validated. Hospital stay and complications seem to be better with ablative therapies than with surgical approach, especially with percutaneous approach. The renal function preservation appears to be better with ablative therapies. It could be an interesting alternative to partial nephrectomy for small masses, in particular for fragile patients or in particular indications (multifocal tumors, in case of solitary kidney or transplanted kidney). The indications in elderly people must be proposed with care after the comorbidities have been evaluated.

Indications of ablative treatment for small renal masses improve, but the gold standard treatment remains partial nephrectomy and indications must be individually discussed. Other ablative treatments are under-development, needing further studies.