Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney cancer. Clear cell histology and high tumor grade are associated with relatively decreased survival rates. At the moment, according to international guidelines, surgical techniques (radical and partial nephrectomy) are considered standard of care for renal cell carcinoma with percutaneous ablation being considered reasonable alternative for lesions <3 cm or in case of co-morbidities. At present, higher level of evidence is associated with radiofrequency and cryoablation whilst microwave ablation is considered an emerging technology. There is limited evidence upon combining ablation to trans-arterial embolization for larger size lesions or for lesions in complex locations. Similarly there is limited evidence concerning the immunologic effect of these therapies. The purpose of this chapter is to detail the role of the interventional oncologist in the management of RCC, specifically addressing outcomes related to thermal ablation and trans-arterial embolization.