Cryoablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Small Renal Masses

A Prospective Randomized Pilot Trial of Cryoablation (CA) Versus Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) for the Management of Small Renal Masses

The purpose of this study is to verify the oncological efficacy and safety of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of small renal tumors.

By enrolling all patients treated with CA or RFA, this study will document for the first time the safety and the short and long term efficacy of CA compared to RFA as well as provide urologists and decision makers currently unavailable information on CA in Canada.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with tumors that progress in size while on a watchful waiting protocol;
• Patients with multiple tumors;
• Patients with a tumor in a solitary kidney;
• Patients with poor renal function and a renal tumor;
• Patients with significant co-morbidities that may benefit from a less invasive approach.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Large tumors > 4.0cm;
• Unable to have a general anesthetic;
• Unable to comply with follow-up protocol (i.e., routine CT or MRI and a follow-up biopsy);
• Uncorrectable bleeding diathesis;
• Evidence of metastatic disease.