Endoscopic Cryoablation Versus Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Cryoablation is a traditional antitumor therapy with good prospects for development. The efficacy of endoscopic management as a kidney-sparing surgery for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic cryoablation (ECA) versus radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on survival outcomes, renal function, and complications.

We retrospectively analyzed data for 116 patients with newly diagnosed high-risk UTUC who underwent either ECA (n = 13) or RNU (n = 103) from March 25, 2019 to December 8, 2021. Propensity score matching (1:4) using the nearest neighbor method was performed before analysis. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS), the change in renal function, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

At median follow-up of 28.2 mo for the ECA group and 27.6 mo for the RNU group, 2-yr OS (82% vs 84%), PFS (73% vs 71%), and intravesical RFS (81% vs 83%) rates after matching did not significantly differ. A decline in renal function was observed after RNU, but not after ECA. Five (41.7%) patients in the ECA group reported six TEAEs, and 17 patients (35.4%) in the RNU group reported 20 TEAEs.

In comparison to RNU, ECA for UTUC resulted in noninferior oncological outcomes and superior preservation of renal function.

Our study suggests that a treatment called endoscopic cryoablation for high-risk cancer in the upper urinary tract can help in preserving kidney function, with similar survival outcomes to those after more extensive surgery. This option can be considered for selected patients with a strong preference for kidney preservation.