Renal radiofrequency ablation: clinical status 2003

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Abstract
Energy-based tumor ablative techniques are under development for the minimally invasive treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Radiofrequency ablation has recently entered phase II clinical trials for the treatment of small renal tumors. The authors review the status of these clinical trials. Radiofrequency ablation has shown reproducible tumor destruction in both animal models and recent clinical trials. Radiographic follow-up of radiofrequency ablated small renal tumors demonstrates little or no residual contrast enhancement depending on tumor size, location within the kidney, and mode of delivering radiofrequency energy. Pathologic evaluation of ablated tumors shows more variability in outcome, with many tumors demonstrating small areas of viable residual tumor. Radiofrequency ablation shows promise for the minimally invasive treatment of small renal tumors but will remain experimental until the resolution of certain technical issues.