Authors' objectives:

The aim of this report is to summarize the available information on the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat kidney cancer, as an option for the treatment of small tumours and in cases where surgery is contraindicated.

Authors' recommendations: RFA is emerging as a useful alternative to nephrectomy in the management of some types of kidney cancer. It appears to be useful for smaller, non-central tumours, and for cases where surgery is contraindicated. A disadvantage is the possibility of residual cancer that cannot be detected by diagnostic imaging during follow-up. There are no results from randomized trials, and the period of follow-up for patients who have had the procedure is short. Only with longer follow-up evaluations (five years to 10 years) will relevant comparison with radical and partial nephrectomy be possible. There may be an issue with ensuring the standardization of RFA. Veltri et al. comment that the procedure has been performed with different ablation systems and techniques, with varying versions of electrodes, and differing power and time settings. Implementation will also be influenced by the need for appropriate training in the use of the procedure, and consideration of the known benefits, costs, and disadvantages of alternative approaches for the management of kidney tumours.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)