Sequential combination treatment (arterial embolization and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation) of inoperable renal cell carcinoma: single-center pilot study:

BackgroundPotential drawbacks of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) include local recurrence after RFA due to a limited ablation area, massive hemorrhage induced by kidney puncture, and difficulty in visualizing the tumor at CT-guided puncture.PurposeTo evaluate retrospectively the technical success, effectiveness, and complications elicited in patients with unresectable RCC following single-session sequential combination treatment consisting of renal arterial embolization followed by RFA.Material and MethodsTen patients (12 RCCs) who were not candidates for surgery were included in this pilot study. All tumors ranged from 18–66 mm in size (mean 31 ± 3.9 mm), and were percutaneously ablated several hours after embolization of the tumor vessels with iodized oil and gelatin sponges. We evaluated the technical success, effectiveness, effect on renal function, and complications of this treatment. Effectiveness was judged on CT and/or MR images obtained every three months...