Renal cryoablation combined with prior transcatheter arterial embolization in non-dialysis patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease: a retrospective study

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate cryoablation combined with prior transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in non-dialysis patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and methods: Patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD undergoing TAE and cryoablation for RCC between May 2012 and October 2021 were included. TAE was selectively performed using iodized oil with absolute ethanol or gelatin sponge 1–14 days before cryoablation. Local efficacy, safety, and changes in renal function were evaluated. Results: Nine patients (seven men and two women; median age, 64 years; range 52–88 years) with nine RCCs (mean diameter, 3.0 ± 1.0 cm; range 1.7–4.7 cm) were included. The mean pre-treatment estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 24.2 ± 5.6 ml/min/1.73 m² (range 10.4–29.2 ml/min/1.73 m²). The mean amount of contrast medium used in TAE was 58 ± 29 ml (range 40–128 ml). Except in one patient (grade 3 pyelonephritis), no grade ≥ 3 complications occurred. During the follow-up period (median, 18 months; range 7–54 months), no local tumor progression occurred. In two patients with pre-treatment eGFR of < 20 ml/min/1.73 m², hemodialysis was initiated at 3 and 19 months after cryoablation. At their last follow-up, the remaining seven patients showed a decrease of 6.2 ± 5.3 ml/min/1.73 m² (range 0.7–17.2 ml/min/1.73 m²) in their eGFR. Conclusion: Cryoablation combined with TAE for RCC in non-dialysis patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD was effective and safe, with an acceptable impact on renal function.