Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Impact of Tumor Size on the Progression Survival Rates

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) along with identifying prognostic factors affecting the progression survival rate. Institutional database retrospective research identified 69 patients with a biopsy proven solitary T1a (82.6%) or TIb (17.4%) RCC who have underwent percutaneous CT-guided MWA. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for events were graphed and Cox regression analysis was conducted. Mean patient age was 70.4 ± 11.5 years. Mean size of the lesions was 3 ± 1.3 cm. Mean follow up time was 35.6 months (SD = 21.1). The mean progression free survival time from last ablation was 84.2 months. For T1a tumors, the cumulative progression free survival rate for 1, 6, 12 and 36 months were 100% (SE = 0%), 91.2% (SE = 3.7%), 91.2% (SE = 3.7%) and 87.5% (SE = 4.4%); the recurrence free survival rate for T1a RCC was 94.9%. For T1b tumors, the cumulative progression free survival rate for 1, 6, 12 and 36 months were 100% (SE = 0%), 63.6% (SE = 14.5%), 63.6% (SE = 14.5%) and 63.6% (SE = 14.5%). Grade 1 complications were recorded in 5 (7.2%) patients. Significantly greater hazard for progression was found in cases with a tumor size > 4 cm (HR = 9.09, p = 0.048). No statistically important difference regarding tumor progression was recorded between T1a tumors with a diameter ≤3 cm and >3 cm. In summary, the results of the present study show that CT guided percutaneous MWA is an effective technique for treatment of T1a renal cell carcinomas, irrespective of tumor size. T1b tumors were associated with higher progression rates.