Work in progress: transcatheter embolization of renal cell carcinoma with radioactive infarct particles

Treatment by radioactive infarct implant is advocated for patients who have renal cell carcinoma with distant metastases. The radioactive infarct implants were placed into the primary tumor, and when feasible into metastases, by transcatheter embolization. Metastases to the skeleton, liver, lungs, adrenals, and retroperitoneal muscles were also seeded; metastases to the central nervous system, pancreas, and spleen, as well as most pulmonary metastases, proved inaccessible to this approach. The effectiveness of this treatment modality was shown by improved cumulative survival rates (59% for patients with metastases and at risk at two years and 50% for those at risk at five years). The best results were obtained when treating patients who had skeletal metastases (90% survival of those at risk at two years and 60% at five years). Measurable palliation factors, such as decrease in the size of the primary lesion, weight gain, and control of bleeding and pain, were indicators of treatment response and were observed in the majority of patients. Remissions were signaled by weight gain, normalization of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and disappearance or decrease of tumor markers. Some evidence suggests that the salutary results may be based on significant reduction of tumor burden, temporary local control of tumor, and improved general immunocompetence.