[Ablative therapy in kidney cancer: Indications]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Ablative therapies (AT) for kidney cancer are increasingly utilized.
• Evaluating the current role and optimal indications for AT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the best indications for ablative therapies in kidney cancer treatment.
• To establish criteria for patient and tumor selection for AT.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of Medline and Embase databases.
• Selection of studies based on scientific relevance and clinical criteria for AT.

Main Results:

• AT is indicated based on specific tumor and patient criteria, requiring thorough initial evaluation (imaging, pathology, renal function, general health).
• Optimal tumor criteria for AT include solid tumors <3cm, exophytic location, and RENAL score <8.
• AT can be an alternative to surgery in select cases (e.g., limited life expectancy, chronic renal failure, single or transplanted kidney, familial tumors) and is applicable in first-line treatment, post-surgery recurrence, or for distant metastasis.

Conclusions:

• Ablative therapies are a valid treatment option for kidney cancers <4cm.
• Adherence to current indications and comparative outcome data will shape future AT use.