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Cryoablation is an alternative to surgery for kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer

Cryoablation: Minimally invasive treatment option

Understanding kidney cancer

Being diagnosed with kidney (renal) cancer can be an incredibly stressful time, but medical advances mean that today, the chances of you beating the disease are better than ever before. 

Kidney cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the kidney and form a tumor. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play an important role in filtering waste from the blood and controlling blood pressure.
The most common form of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It can be diagnosed in anyone, although it is more frequently found in men between the ages of 50 and 70.

Many kidney tumors are discovered during routine imaging tests performed for other reasons. Because of this, kidney cancer is often found at an earlier stage than in the past.

Kidney cancer can sometimes develop without obvious signs, but there are symptoms you should watch for:

  • Blood in your urine
  • Persistent pain in your lower back or in the side between your ribs and hip
  • A lump or swelling in the area of your kidneys
  • Unusual blood test results, such as abnormal red blood cell counts
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Ongoing fever or heavy sweating, especially at night

If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor promptly.

Kidney cancer is often found by chance during scans for other health issues. Sometimes, people notice symptoms like blood in the urine or pain in the side, but many cases have no clear signs early on. Doctors usually start with an ultrasound to look at the kidneys  and then use more detailed scans like CT or MRI to check the size and spread of the tumor. In some cases, a small sample(biopsy) is taken to learn more about the cancer and choose the best treatment. Finding kidney cancer early makes a big difference—when it’s caught before it spreads, most people do very well with treatment.

Kidney cancer can be treated in several ways, depending on the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread, and your overall health. Your physician will recommend an approach that fits your individual situation.

Treatment options may include:

  • Surgery through Nephrectomy (Partial, Simple or Radical removal of the kidney)
  • Minimally invasive therapies, such as cryoablation
  • Other treatments based on your specific diagnosis

Minimally invasive treatment options are becoming increasingly popular because of the significant benefits they provide, including among others low complication rate (1,4,5) and faster recovery time (1, 3, 6), making them an attractive choice for patients seeking effective treatment with less disruption to their daily lives.

What is cryoablation treatment and how does it work?

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys cancer cells using extreme cold delivered through a thin probe inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance. The therapy is usually performed at the hospital’s interventional radiology department and involves several steps:

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Your doctor places the Treatment Needle Safely
First, imaging technologies (computed tomography and/ or ultrasound) are used to insert at least one thin needle into the tumor lesion. 

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 An Ice Ball is created and the tumor  lesion Frozen
The noble gas argon is then passed through the needle(s). Extreme cold creates an “ice ball” that encompasses the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue. The cancer cells are destroyed through controlled freezing.

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Your doctor will move through a gentle thawing and re‑freezing
After freezing, the tissue is thawed again and possibly frozen a second time, resulting in extensive destruction of the cancer cells.

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Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, your doctor will remove the needle(s) and will cover the puncture site with a bandage.

Your Kidney Cancer Care:  what you might expect before, during and after a cryoablation treatment

Cryoablation is often performed as a same-day outpatient procedure, meaning many patients go home the same day. Depending on the treatment area and individual needs, the procedure may be done using conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Because cryoablation is minimally invasive, it offers several benefits for patients:

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Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure for kidney cancer

Cryoablation is performed through small probes inserted into the tumor, avoiding large surgical incisions. This reduces trauma to surrounding tissues resulting in shorter hospital stay and recovery time (1, 3, 5, 6).
 

Kidney icon

Cryoablation preserves kidney function (2, 3)

Unlike traditional surgery, cryoablation targets only the tumor, helping maintain healthy kidney tissue and overall kidney function.

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Cryoablation is associated with Lower risk of complications

Because it is less invasive, cryoablation generally results in less pain, minimal blood loss, with an overall significant complication rate of 6 %, similar to other ablative modalities and better than surgical options. It is particularly suitable for patients who cannot undergo major surgery due to age or other health conditions.1,4,5

Transition

Cryoablation is a repeatable treatment on Kidney cancer (7, 8)

If needed, cryoablation can be repeated without significantly increasing risk, offering flexibility in managing recurrent tumors.

See how cryoablation made a difference for patients

David’s Story
Kidney Cancer

This material describes real personal experiences. Individual results may vary. Patients can experience varying levels of complications or hospital stay.
Consult with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure and what you may gain from the therapy.

Is cryoablation right for me?

You should discuss with your physician whether cryoablation is a treatment option for you.

Only a physician experienced in cryoablation procedures can confirm if you are a suitable candidate for cryoablation. The size and location of your tumor(s) and your general health will all be factors in the decision.

Discuss with your physician all the options that are available to you and how they compare to cryoablation. 

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Are there any risks associated with cryoablation treatment?

Your doctor will inform you that every medical procedure involves risks. Before undergoing cryoablation therapy, discuss all potential risks, benefits, indications, contraindications, and alternatives with your doctor who will define whether this treatment is appropriate based on your individual health situation. 

DISCLAIMER

This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

Caution:
The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.

References

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9.  Buy X, Lang H, Garnon J et al. Am J Roentgenol 2013; 201(6): 1353-61

10 Breen DJ, Bryant TJ, Abbas A et al. BJU Int 2013; 112: 758-65 DOI: 10.1111/bju.12122=1

11 Atwell TD, Callstrom MR, Farrell MA et al. J Urol 2010; 184: 1291-5 =1

12. Rosenberg MD, Kim CY, Tsivian M et al. Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196: DOI: 10.2214/AJR.10.5182=1