PTU - Polskie Towarzystwo Urologiczne
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Renal artery embolization – a palliative treatment method in advanced kidney neoplasms
Article published in Urologia Polska 2008/61/Supl. 1.

authors

Witold Mikołajczak, Jerzy Siekiera, Krzysztof Kamecki, Andrzej Petrus, Andrzej Wronczewski
Centrum Onkologii im. prof. F. Łukaszczyka w Bydgoszczy

summary

Introduction.

Nephrectomy is a standard in kidney cancer treatment. While radiological imaging techniques are widely accessible, patients with disseminated disease are often admitted to urological clinics. Benefits of renal artery embolization for patients are unquestionable: reduction of pain, lower risk of bleeding and possible immunostimulating influence of ischaemic tumour. Embolization may also in some cases allow resection of previously unresectable kidney, thus allowing adjuvant therapy.

Objectives.

Showing that palliative treatment of advanced kidney cancer is often necessary in region where access to radiological imaging techniques is common and benefits of renal artery embolization for patients

Materials and methods.

In years 2005-2007, 38 patients were admitted to Oncological Urology department, Centre of Oncology, in order to undergo renal artery embolization. Tumour staging was T4NxM1. Embolizations were performed in Department of Radiology, CM UMK with use of Hystoacryl. No adverse events occurred. After embolization passing ischaemic pain, nausea, fever, elevated uric acid level and leucocytosis were observed.

Results.

In all patients after embolization general condition and quality of life improved – remission of haematuria and reduction of pain. 8 patients were operated, 12 received adjuvant treatment, in 7 disease was stabilized for a few months, in 3 regression of lung metastases occurred.

Conclusions.

Renal artery embolization is a method of palliative treatment of advanced kidney cancer. It may allow, in some cases, introduction of adjuvant treatment after histopathological verification. It reduces pain and bleeding, in some patients temporary stabilization of disease is achieved, spontaneous regression of lung metastases\ is also possible. Despite wide access to radiological imaging techniques, many patients are diagnosed in stage that does not allow radical treatment.