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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Single-Probe Percutaneous Cryoablation with Liquid Nitrogen for the Treatment of T1a Renal Tumors
Benjamin Moulin1, Tarek Kammoun2, Regis Audoual1
1Interventional Radiology Unit, Imaging Department, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Kidney cancer accounts for 3% of adult malignancies and is increasingly detected through advanced imaging techniques, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies. This retrospective study assessed the safety and efficacy of a new single-probe percutaneous cryoablation system using liquid nitrogen for treating T1a renal cancers. From May 2019 to May 2022, 25 consecutive patients from two academic hospitals, with a median age of 64.8 years [IQR 59; 75.5], underwent cryoablation for 26 T1a renal tumors. These tumors had a median size of 25.3 mm [20; 30.7] and a median RENAL nephrometry score, indicating tumor complexity, of 7 [5; 9]. No major complications arose, but three non-clinically relevant perirenal hematomas were detected on post-procedure CT scans. With a median follow-up of 795 days [573; 1020], the primary local control rate at one month stood was 80.8% (21 out of 26). The five recurrent lesions, which exhibited a higher renal score (p = 0.016), were treated again using cryoablation, achieving a secondary local control rate of 100%. No patient died, and the disease-free survival rate was 92% (23 out of 25). In conclusion, single-probe percutaneous cryoablation emerges as a promising modality for managing small renal masses. Notably, recurrence rates appear influenced by RENAL nephrometry scores, suggesting a need for further research to refine the technique.
Insights
Single-probe percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for small kidney cancers (T1a). This method achieved a 92% disease-free survival rate in a recent study.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) represents 3% of adult malignancies.
- Increasing detection of small renal masses necessitates effective, minimally invasive treatments.
- Cryoablation offers a potential organ-sparing approach for T1a renal tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel single-probe percutaneous cryoablation system using liquid nitrogen for T1a renal cancers.
- To assess local control rates, complications, and disease-free survival following cryoablation.
- To explore the relationship between tumor complexity (RENAL nephrometry score) and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 patients (26 T1a renal tumors) treated between May 2019 and May 2022.
- Utilized a single-probe percutaneous cryoablation system with liquid nitrogen.
- Median tumor size: 25.3 mm; median RENAL nephrometry score: 7.
- Follow-up included post-procedure CT scans and clinical monitoring.
Main Results:
- No major complications were reported; three minor perirenal hematomas occurred.
- Primary local control rate at one month was 80.8% (21/26 tumors).
- Five recurrent tumors (higher RENAL score, p=0.016) were successfully retreated with cryoablation (100% secondary local control).
- Disease-free survival rate was 92% (23/25 patients) with no mortality.
- Median follow-up: 795 days.
Conclusions:
- Single-probe percutaneous cryoablation is a promising and safe treatment option for small renal masses (T1a).
- RENAL nephrometry score is a significant factor influencing recurrence risk.
- Further research is warranted to optimize cryoablation techniques for complex renal tumors.
