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.
Cancers. 2023 Oct 28*** epublish ***
Benjamin Moulin, Tarek Kammoun, Regis Audoual, Stéphane Droupy, Vincent Servois, Paul Meria, Jean Paul Beregi, Julien Frandon
Interventional Radiology Unit, Imaging Department, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France., Department of Medical Imaging, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Medical Imaging Group Nimes, Place du Pr. Robert Debré, 30029 Nîmes, France., Urology Department, CHU Caremeau, 30009 Nîmes, France., Urology Department, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.