Radiation therapy as a backup treatment for recurring kidney cancer after ablation

What is it about?

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after thermal ablation (TA). The multi-institutional retrospective analysis included 17 patients with 18 biopsy-confirmed RCCs. Results showed a 100% local control rate, with no patients experiencing local progression. At 3 years, distant progression-free survival was 72.1%, cancer-specific survival was 92.3%, and overall survival was 82.1%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no grade 3+ toxicity or end-stage renal disease development. The study concludes that SABR appears to be an effective and safe salvage strategy for patients with recurrent RCC following TA, offering a promising alternative to surgical options, which can be complex due to extensive local fibrosis.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it evaluates the effectiveness and safety of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) as a salvage treatment for recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after thermal ablation (TA). As local recurrence following TA is relatively uncommon, there is limited data on how to optimally manage these cases. This study provides valuable insights into a non-invasive treatment option for patients who may not be suitable candidates for repeat TA or complex surgical interventions. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting SABR as a viable alternative in managing recurrent RCC, potentially expanding treatment options for patients and improving outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. Efficacy: The study demonstrated a 100% local control rate with SABR for recurrent RCC after TA, with no patients experiencing local progression during the follow-up period. 2. Safety: SABR was well-tolerated, with no patients experiencing grade 3 or higher toxicity or developing end-stage renal disease, suggesting it is a safe option even for patients with solitary kidneys. 3. Versatility: SABR showed promise as a salvage treatment for various scenarios, including patients who had failed repeat TA, those with solitary kidneys, and even some with metastatic disease, indicating its potential as a flexible treatment approach.