Cryo-Ablation Therapy

Renal Cryo-Ablation Therapy

Cryo-Ablation is a process that uses extreme cold (cryo) to remove tissue (ablation). Cryoprobes are hollow needles through which cold inert Argon gas are circulated. When the probes are in place, the cryogenic freezing unit removes heat ("cools") from the tip of the probe, killing the surrounding tissues.

Renal Cryoablation is moderately effective in smaller tumors found in the kidney and adrenal gland. In 2010, Aron, et al.,[1] presented the culmination of an 8-year study on the results of renal cryoablation and finding an overall cancer recurrence rate of 14%. Klatte, et al.[2] (2011), and Davol, et al.[3] (2006), also presented similar results of 11% and 13% cancer recurrence rates, respectively. Finally, as summarized by Russo[4](2011) via the American Society of Clinical Oncology:

"Following Cryoablation, 11% of patients with RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma - Kidney Cancer) developed local recurrence after a median duration of 14 months (range 6-18 months). In these patients, salvage nephrectomy was performed and revealed vital clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. In contrast, there were no local or systemic recurrences following Open Partial Nephrectomy. The 3-year recurrence-free survival probabilities following Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation vs. Open Partial Nephrectomy were 83% vs. 100%, respectively (p=0.015). Perioperative complications and renal functional outcomes of laparoscopic cryoablation and open partial nephrectomy are similar; however, laparoscopic cryoablation confers a substantially higher local recurrence risk of about 15% after 3 years. Therefore, laparoscopic renal cryoablation should be reserved for high risk patients with decreased life expectancy."