Intermediate-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Partial Nephrectomy vs Cryoablation in Renal Tumors > 3 cm: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2025
Publication Title
Journal of urology
Abstract
PURPOSE: Cryoablation (CA) and partial nephrectomy (PN) are effective nephron-sparing treatments of small renal masses. While guidelines list thermal ablation as an option for tumors < 3 cm, limited data compare PN and CA in larger tumors. We compared intermediate-term oncologic outcomes between PN and CA in renal masses > 3 cm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with PN or CA for cT1/cT2, N0M0 renal masses > 3 cm between 2006 and 2016 were identified. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:2 ratio for patients undergoing CA or PN based on age, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumor size, and nephrometry score. Disease-free survival (DFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
RESULTS: One hundred thirteen and 57 patients underwent PN and CA with a median follow-up of 4.5 and 3.8 years, respectively. CA was associated with significantly lower 5-year DFS compared with PN (75% vs 94%,
CONCLUSIONS: CA is associated with lower DFS but similar MFS and CSS compared with PN in renal masses > 3 cm. CA is a viable option for well-selected patients with comorbidities or high surgical risk, when combined with salvage ablation as indicated.
Volume
214
Issue
1
First Page
32
Last Page
40
Recommended Citation
Pickersgill NA, Vetter JM, Mittauer DJ, Elson L, Palka JK, Barashi NS, et al. Intermediate-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Partial Nephrectomy vs Cryoablation in Renal Tumors > 3 cm: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. J Urol. 2025 Jul;214(1):32-40. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004524. PMID: 40073100.
DOI
10.1097/JU.0000000000004524
ISSN
1527-3792
PubMed ID
40073100