[Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma based on stage and initial treatment]

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma is the third most common tumor of the genitourinary system. Small tumors are increasingly treated by nephron-sparing surgery, focal therapy via cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation and also active surveillance. These treatment options are associated with increased follow-up care.

Objectives: What are the current recommendations on follow-up care for different therapeutic approaches in renal cell carcinoma?

Materials and methods: We analyzed different biological aspects regarding renal cell carcinoma, diagnostic procedures as well as recommendations of current guidelines (e.g. German S3, EAU AUA).

Results: Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma is not well standardized due to the limited amount of data. In general, follow-up should be intensified during the first 3 years following initial therapy as well as in patients with increased risk for tumor recurrence. For risk calculation different prognostic models based on clinical parameters have been published.

Conclusions: Current recommendations on follow-up care in renal cell carcinoma are based on retrospective studies. Future strategies must include markers and be studied in a prospective manner.

Keywords: Metastasis; Nephrectomy; Relapse; Renal function; Watchful waiting.