Role of Angio-Embolization for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide the technical aspects of, clinical indications for, status of the current literature on, and emerging concepts in trans-arterial embolization (TAE) for renal cell carcinoma.

Recent findings: TAE has been evaluated in several retrospective series as a neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection of RCC to reduce tumor vascularity and minimize intra-operative blood loss. TAE has also been examined retrospectively as a neoadjuvant therapy prior to the percutaneous ablation of RCC to reduce blood loss and procedural complications. TAE can potentially palliate symptoms of RCC such as pain and hematuria. Trans-arterial chemoembolization and trans-arterial radioembolization are emerging concepts for RCC. Although there have been no prospective, randomized trials demonstrating improved clinical or oncologic outcomes from TAE for patients with RCC, several retrospective studies have shown encouraging results.

Keywords: Ablation; Embolization; Nephrectomy; Palliation; Renal cell carcinoma.