WASHINGTON, D.C.—Cryoablation is an appropriate option for patients with unresectable renal masses, but long-term follow-up studies are needed before this modality can be expanded to treatment of all potential surgical candidates, researchers say.

SAN FRANCISCO—A new study shows that nephron-sparing techniques for treating renal masses smaller than 4 cm are more effective than radical nephrectomy (RN) in preserving renal function.

The broad application of cross-sectional imaging has led to the incidental discovery of small renal masses (SRM) as the most common presentation for localized kidney cancer. As this stage migration unfolded, technological efforts at nephron preservation via open, laparoscopic, and robotic assisted techniques have evolved. Moreover, excision by partial nephrectomy is associated with excellent long term oncologic success.

QUEBEC CITY—Two Canadian studies characterizing the natural history of renal masses in elderly patients—many with significant comorbidities—may help to define when active surveillance is appropriate management in this population.

ATLANTA--Delayed intervention for treating small renal masses may be appropriate for selected patients, especially those with competing comorbidities, a study found. This conservative approach has little adverse effect on pathological and clinical outcomes, researchers note.