Treatment Landscape of Renal Cell Carcinoma

OPINION STATEMENT

The treatment landscape of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Active surveillance and tumor ablation are alternatives to extirpative therapy in appropriately selected patients. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging noninvasive alternative to treat primary RCC tumors. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has greatly improved the overall survival of advanced RCC, and now the ICI-based doublet (dual ICI-ICI doublet; or ICI in combination with a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ICI-TKI doublet) has become the standard frontline therapy. Based on unprecedented outcomes in the metastatic with ICIs, they are also being explored in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting for patients with high-risk disease. Adjuvant pembrolizumab has proven efficacy to reduce the risk of RCC recurrence after nephrectomy. Historically considered a radioresistant tumor, SBRT occupies an expanding role to treat RCC with oligometastasis or oligoprogression in combination with systemic therapy. Furthermore, SBRT is being investigated in combination with ICI-doublet in the advanced disease setting. Lastly, given the treatment paradigm is shifting to adopt ICIs at earlier disease course, the prospective studies guiding treatment sequencing in the post-ICI setting is maturing. The effort is ongoing in search of predictive biomarkers to guide optimal treatment option in RCC.

Partial versus radical nephrectomy for complex renal mass: multicenter comparative analysis of functional outcomes (Rosula collaborative group)

BACKGROUND

Utility of partial nephrectomy (PN) for complex renal mass (CRM) is controversial. We determined the impact of surgical modality on postoperative renal functional outcomes for CRM.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter registry (ROSULA). CRM was defined as RENAL Score 10-12. The cohort was divided into PN and radical nephrectomy (RN) for analyses. Primary outcome was development of de-novo estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<45 mL/min/1.73 m². Secondary outcomes were de-novo eGFR<60 and ΔeGFR between diagnosis and last follow-up. Cox proportional hazards was used to elucidate predictors for de-novo eGFR<60 and <45. Linear regression was utilized to analyze ΔeGFR. Kaplan-Meier Analysis (KMA) was performed to analyze 5-year freedom from de-novo eGFR<60 and <45.

RESULTS

We analyzed 969 patients (RN=429/PN=540; median follow-up 24.0 months). RN patients had lower BMI (P<0.001) and larger tumor size (P<0.001). Overall postoperative complication rate was higher for PN (P<0.001), but there was no difference in major complications (Clavien III-IV; P=0.702). MVA demonstrated age (HR=1.05, P<0.001), tumor-size (HR=1.05, P=0.046), RN (HR=2.57, P<0.001), and BMI (HR=1.04, P=0.001) to be associated with risk for de-novo eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m². Age (HR=1.03, P<0.001), BMI (HR=1.06, P<0.001), baseline eGFR (HR=0.99, P=0.002), tumor size (HR=1.07, P=0.007) and RN (HR=2.39, P<0.001) were risk factors for de-novo eGFR<45 mL/min/1.73 m². RN (B=-10.89, P<0.001) was associated with greater ΔeGFR. KMA revealed worse 5-year freedom from de-novo eGFR<60 (71% vs. 33%, P<0.001) and de-novo eGFR<45 (79% vs. 65%, P<0.001) for RN.

CONCLUSIONS

PN provides functional benefit in selected patients with CRM without significant increase in major complications compared to RN, and should be considered when technically feasible.

Partial or radical nephrectomy for complex renal mass: a comparative analysis of oncological outcomes and complications from the ROSULA (Robotic Surgery for Large Renal Mass) Collaborative Group

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and minimally invasive radical nephrectomy (MIS-RN) for complex renal masses (CRM).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter analysis of CRM patients who underwent MIS-RN and RAPN. CRM was defined as RENAL score 10-12. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence, and complications. Multivariable analysis (MVA) and Kaplan-Meier Analysis (KMA) were used to analyze functional and survival outcomes for RN vs. PN by pathological stage.

RESULTS

926 patients were analyzed (MIS-RN = 437/RAPN = 489; median follow-up 24.0 months). MVA demonstrated lack of transfusion (HR = 1.63, p = 0.005), low-grade (HR = 1.18, p = 0.018) and smaller tumor size (HR = 1.05, p < 0.001) were associated with OS. Younger age (HR = 1.01, p = 0.017), high-grade (HR = 1.18, p = 0.017), smaller tumor size (HR = 1.05, p < 0.001), and lack of transfusion (HR = 1.39, p = 0.038) were associated with CSS. Increasing tumor size (HR = 1.18, p < 0.001), high-grade (HR = 3.21, p < 0.001), and increasing age (HR = 1.02, p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for recurrence. Type of surgery was not associated with major complications (p = 0.094). For KMA of MIS-RN vs. RAPN for pT1, pT2 and pT3, 5-year OS was 85% vs. 88% (p = 0.078); 82% vs. 80% (p = 0.442) and 84% vs. 83% (p = 0.863), respectively. 5-year CSS was 98% for both procedures (p = 0.473); 94% vs. 92% (p = 0.735) and 91% vs. 90% (p = 0.581). 5-year non-CSS was 87% vs. 93% (p = 0.107); 87% for pT2 (p = 0.485) and 92% for pT3 for both procedures (p = 0.403).

CONCLUSION

RAPN in CRM is not associated with increased risk of complications or worsened oncological outcomes when compared to MIS-RN and may be preferred when clinically indicated.

Predictive factors for recurrence and outcomes in T1a renal cell carcinoma: Analysis of the INMARC (International Marker Consortium for Renal Cancer) database

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Background: Stage migration in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has led to an increasing proportion of diagnoses at earlier clinical tumor stage and has rendered the phenomenon of the ‘small renal mass’ as a dominant presenting clinical paradigm. While thought of as being low risk, emerging knowledge about heterogeneity of RCC histologies and consequent impact on prognosis, in addition to awareness of impact of functional decline and demographic drivers on outcomes led us to further explore outcomes and predictive factors in T1a RCC patients treated with surgical resection. Methods: The INMARC database was queried for patients with small renal masses (≤ 4 cm) who underwent surgery via partial or radical nephrectomy and who presented without nodal or distant metastases. Patients were stratified into two groups based on having recurrence (distant or loco-regional) or not. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to analyze clinicopathological variables associated with recurrence and identify predictors of recurrence, cancer-specific mortality (CSM), and all-cause mortality (ACM). Kaplan-Meier analyses (KMA) were performed to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) between histology types clear cell, chromophobe, papillary, and “other.” Results: We analyzed 1,878 cT1aN0M0 RCC patients; 101 (5.4%) developed recurrence (median follow up 53.6 months; median time to recurrence 19.3 months); 51.1% developed distant recurrence, 35.6% had loco-regional recurrence, and 13.9% experienced distant and loco-regional recurrence. MVA demonstrated age (HR=1.02, p=0.02), sex (HR=1.71, p=0.045), diabetes (HR=1.94, p=0.006), high/unclassified grade (HR=2.82-4.40, p<0.001-0.007), papillary (HR=0.37, p=0.013) and other (HR=2.51, p=0.019) RCC as predictive factors for recurrence. MVA identified high/unclassified grade (HR=3.17-6.22, p=0.002-0.003) and papillary RCC (HR=0.12, p=0.036) as predictive factors for CSM. MVA for ACM demonstrated age (HR=1.03, p<0.001), non-Caucasian race (HR=0.85, p<0.001), high grade (HR=1.42, p=0.024), recurrence (HR=1.86, p=0.003), and GFR<45 (HR=2.89, p<0.001) to be independent risk factors. KMA comparing Clear Cell, Papillary, Chromophobe and Other RCC revealed significant differences for 5-year CSS (97.8% vs. 99.3% vs. 98.5% vs. 87.0%, p=0.018) and 5-year RFS (92.4% vs. 96.0% vs. 97.8% vs. 81.7%, p<0.001), but not 5-year OS (89.4% vs. 85.2% vs. 93.2% vs. 73.7%, p=0.34). Conclusions: We noted differential outcomes in T1a RCC based on histology and grade for recurrence and CSM, while renal functional decline in addition to pathological factors and recurrence were predictive for ACM. These findings suggest consideration to refine management and post treatment surveillance strategies in T1a RCC.

A comparison of radiographic and morphometric characteristics and outcomes in T3a pathologically upstaged and non-upstaged renal cell carcinoma

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Background: A significant portion of patients presenting with clinically localized stage 1-2 renal cell carcinoma are pathologically upstaged to Stage 3 following surgical intervention. This is due to previously undetected extension into the renal venous system, perirenal or renal sinus fat, or collecting system. Improved detection of potential T3 upstaging may prompt changes in disease management, which may impact patient survival. We sought to compare pathologically upstaged and non-upstaged T3a RCC cases to identify characteristics of upstaged masses, predictors of T3a disease, and impact on oncological outcomes. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective analysis of patients with pathologic T3a RCC who underwent surgical intervention. The cohort was divided into a group of patients with masses not preoperatively identified as cT3a (upstaged, cT1-cT2/pT3a) and a group of patients with masses preoperatively identified as cT3a (non-upstaged, cT3a/pT3a) for descriptive and outcomes analyses. We sought to delineate proportion of under-diagnosed pT3a RCC, location of upstaged disease, and predictors of upstaging. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and secondary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate analyses (MVA) were performed to identify predictors of T3a invasion site and outcomes. Kaplan Meier survival analyses (KMA) were performed to compare survival outcomes. Results: We analyzed 185 patients, of which 120 (64.9%) were upstaged and 65 (35.1%) were non-upstaged. When compared to non-upstaged masses, upstaged masses were significant for smaller size (6.8 vs 8.2 cm, p=0.008), lower RENAL score (8.7 vs 9.9, p<0.001), less hilar involvement (29.2% vs 86.2%, p<0.001), and increased exophyticity (41.7% vs 23.1%, p=0.011). On pathology, upstaged masses had greater proportions of perirenal fat invasion (53.3% vs 33.8%, p=0.011), but less venous system (44.2% vs 78.5%, p<0.001) and sinus fat invasion (35.8% vs 63.1%, p<0.001) compared to non-upstaged masses. RENAL domains R (OR=2.30-2.49, p=0.037-0.042), E (OR=0.39-2.32, p=0.003-0.009), and L (OR=0.53-7.70, p=0.001-0.031) were independent predictors for T3a disease foci. MVA demonstrated an association between non-upstaged status and recurrence (HR=2.01, p=0.043) but not overall mortality (HR=1.27, p=0.581). KMA noted better RFS in upstaged patients compared to non-upstaged patients (80.8% vs 75.4%, p=0.002), but no OS differences between upstaged and non-upstaged patients (74.2% vs 83.1%, p=0.209). Conclusions: Pathologically upstaged T3a RCC is associated with distinct morphology and invasion patterns and higher recurrence-free survival outcomes compared to non-upstaged T3a RCC. RENAL domains can assist in identifying masses with upstaging potential, predicting their invasion site, and performing preoperative risk stratification.

Characteristics and outcomes of T1a renal cell carcinoma presenting with metastasis

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Background: T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with excellent cure rates. However, a small fraction present with metastasis. We sought to determine the clinical characteristics, variables associated with synchronous metastasis, and survival outcomes in patients with pT1a and cT1a RCC using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). We secondarily evaluated whether surgery impacted risk of all cause mortality in cT1a RCC with synchronous lung and bone metastasis. Methods: From 2004 to 2019, all cases of RCC in patients age ≥18 were extracted from NCDB. pT1a and cT1a RCC were characterized as those 1) with no metastasis at diagnosis, 2) with synchronous metastasis [pT1aNxM1 at diagnosis]. Impact of surgery on all cause mortality was not evaluated for cT1a with synchronous metastasis to liver and brain due to low sample sizes. Results: The table describes selected characteristics of the cohorts. On multivariable logistic regression, diagnosis of pT1a with synchronous metastasis was associated with age (OR 1.02), male sex (OR 1.64), tumor size (OR 1.84), cN1 (OR 1.08), sarcomatoid (OR 5.50), tumor grade (OR 2.84) (p<0.005 for these variables); and inversely with diagnosis in 2016-2019 (OR 0.66, p=0.044) and papillary histology (OR 0.45, p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression of the cT1a cohort, ACM was associated with Charlson score (HR 1.50, p<0.001), metastasis to >1 site (HR 2.48, p=0.032), and inversely with radical (HR 0.42, p<0.001) and partial nephrectomy (HR 0.31, p<0.001). In cT1a with lung metastasis, partial (HR 0.06, p=0.049) and radical nephrectomy (HR 0.17, p=0.006) was inversely associated with ACM, while surgery of distant site was not. In cT1a with bone metastasis, partial (HR 0.21, p<0.001) and radical nephrectomy (HR 0.32, p<0.001) were the only variables inversely associated with ACM. 5-year overall survival for pT1a with synchronous metastasis is 39.4%; for cT1a with synchronous metastasis is 20.9%. Conclusions: Known prognostic features were associated with synchronous metastasis in T1a RCC. Surgical resection of primary site may impact risk of all cause mortality in select cases of synchronous metastatic disease. [Table: see text]

Proposal for reclassification of upstaged T1 and T2 and pathological T3 RCC based on improved alignment of survival analyses

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Background: Patients with pathologically upstaged tumors have worse survival outcomes than their non-upstaged matched counterparts. However, we do know that original clinical tumor staging does still predict outcomes. We sought to examine if pathologic upstaging incrementally may more rationally stratify cancer specific survival outcomes. Methods: Multi-institutional (Emory, TMDU, UCSD) retrospective analysis of patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy between 1998-2020. Patients were divided into cT1 upstaged to pT3 (cT1/pT3), cT2 non-upstaged (cT2/pT2), cT2 upstaged to pT3 (cT2/pT3), and cT3 non-upstaged (cT3/pT3). Patients were analyzed for demographics, clinical parameters, and post-surgical outcomes. Primary outcome was cancer specific mortality (CSM). Secondary outcomes were all cause mortality and recurrence free survival. Cox regression was utilized to analyze factors associated with outcomes. Kaplan Meier analysis (KMA) was performed to analyze 5-year cancer specific survival. ROC analysis was utilized to compare predictive value of AJCC 8th edition TNM staging vs proposed staging. Results: 1093 patients were analyzed (283 cT1/pT3, 237 cT2/pT2, 244 cT2/pT3, and 329 cT3/pT3). Median follow-up was 25.9 months. Cox regression demonstrated that cT2/pT3 (HR 2.7, p<0.001 vs. cT1/pT3 [referent]) and cT3/pT3 (HR 2.6, p<0.001 vs. cT1/pT3 [referent]) were significantly associated with worsened cancer specific mortality, while cT1/pT3 (HR 0.4, p<0.001 vs. cT3/pT3 [referent]) and cT2/pT2 (HR 0.4, p<0.001 vs. cT3/pT3 [referent]) were associated with improved cancer specific mortality. Based on this, we proposed to realign cT1/pT3 with cT2/pT2 and cT2/pT3 with cT3/pT3. KMA revealed significant differences in 5-year cancer specific survival (cT1/pT3 82%, cT2/pT2 81%, cT2/pT3 67%, and cT3/pT3 60%, p<0.001). There were significant differences in 5-year overall survival (cT1/pT3 63%, cT2/pT2 67%, cT2/pT3 49%, and cT3/pT3 49%, p<0.001), and 5-year recurrence free survival (cT1/pT3 80%, cT2/pT2 83%, cT2/pT3 70%, and cT3/pT3 59%, p<0.001) on KMA. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.529 for CSM and AUC of 0.502 for ACM using the current AJCC 8th edition TNM staging. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.597 for CSM and AUC of 0.545 for our new proposal. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that cT1 tumors pathologically upstaged to pT3 behave more similarly to pT2 tumors. Further delineation of pathologically upstaged tumors may more rationally stratify cancer specific survival outcomes to guide patient counseling and clinical decision making.

Radical nephrectomy in medically underserved patients: Selection bias and disparity in surgical health care delivery

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Background: Disparities in outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exist with respect to survival outcomes between different ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. We sought to evaluate disparities in delivery of surgical care between medically underserved (MU) and non-medically underserved (NMU) patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients presenting with localized renal cortical neoplasms who underwent surgical excision [Radical (RN) or Partial Nephrectomy (PN)] at an academic tertiary-care referral center. The cohort was divided into MU and NMU groups and descriptive analyses were conducted for demographics and clinical disease characteristics, type of surgery, time to surgery, estimated blood loss, and 30-day total and major complications (Clavien-Dindo, ≥3). Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was conducted to evaluate for surgical trends, and logistic regression multivariable analyses (MVA) were conducted for type of surgery and major complications. Results: 1418 patients were analyzed (MU n=334/NMU n=1084). Comparing MU vs. NMU, no differences were noted for age (p=0.612), Charlson Comorbidity Index (p=0.803), tumor size (p=0.236), or time to surgery (p=0.482). Significantly greater proportions of white patients were noted in NMU (60.6% vs. MU=45.5%, p<0.001) and higher proportion of RN in MU (47% vs. NMU=40.4%, p=0.028). Subgroup analyses of PN groups revealed no differences with respect to demographics, tumor size (p=0.33), major complications (p=0.66), or blood loss (p=0.583). Subgroup analysis of RN revealed significantly higher proportion of non-white patients (p=0.019) and patients with diabetes (p=0.019). MVA for predictors for receipt of RN were non-white (OR1.4, p=0.002), MU (OR=1.32, p=0.043), age (OR=1.01, p=0.009) and treatment year (OR=0.913, p<0.001). MVA for predictors for 30 day major complications demonstrated RN (OR=0.913 p<0.001). Cochran-Armitage trend analysis indicated that both MU and NMU had significant increases in PN between 2003 and 2021 (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Despite overall similarities with respect to demographics and clinical disease characteristics and time to surgery, MU status was associated with a significantly higher odds of receiving a RN at a tertiary care referral center, which represents a disparity in care and possible selection bias. Nonetheless, RN was also associated with a decreased risk of complications. While trends have demonstrated an increase in proportion of PN for both NMU and MU groups, comparative underutilization of PN in MU patients may be associated with increased downstream risks to health. Further investigation is requisite.

Consideration for reclassification of pathologically upstaged T3a renal cell carcinomas

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Background: Pathological upstaging to pT3a disease can occur after the surgical treatment of clinical T1 and T2 Renal Cell Carcinomas (RCCs), and this upstaging has been previously shown to be associated with poorer outcomes. With an intent to delve deeper into the disparateness in outcomes of pT3a disease, we investigated the survival of patients with an initial clinical stage of cT1, cT2 and cT3a. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients with RCC were categorized by pathological and clinical staging of RCC according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Guidelines (AJCC). The primary outcome was measured as overall survival (OS) at the end of follow up. Five-year survival rates and Kaplan-Meier Analysis assessed the differences between cT1 → pT3a, cT2 → pT2, cT2 → pT3a, and cT3a → pT3a. Multivariable cox regression (MVA) assessed predictors OS with age, sex, ethnicity, Charlson Score, socioeconomic status, geography, tumor size histology and grade, lymph node metastasis, surgical margins, and surgery type (partial versus radical nephrectomy) as covariates. Results: 53908 patients were analyzed (10789 cT1 → pT3a, 22183 cT2 → pT2, 9676 cT2 → pT3a, 11260 cT3a → pT3a, mean follow up 62.3 months). Of all pT3a patients, 64.5% were upstaged from cT1-2. MVA for OS demonstrated Hispanic ethnicity to be protective (hazard ratio [HR]=0.88, P<0.001) and revealed different histologic risks. MVA for OS demonstrated that cT2 → pT3a (HR=1.33, P<0.001, cT1 → pT3a [ref]) and cT3a → pT3a (HR=1.35, P<0.001, cT1 → pT3a [ref]) were associated with worsened OS, and that cT1 → pT3a and cT2 → pT2 (HR=0.96, P<0.052, cT1 → pT3a [ref]) were associated with improved OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a difference in 5 year overall survival as well (cT1→pT3a 72%, cT2→pT2 77%, cT2→pT3a 61%, and cT3a→pT3a 59%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with cT1 upstaged to pT3a have similar outcomes to cT2 staged to pT2 and better outcomes than cT2 upstaged with the latter’s outcomes being more like cT3a staged to pT3a. The TNM staging system from AJCC for RCCs should consider these outcomes and adjust the grouping for RCCs accordingly.

Trends and outcomes in localized renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

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Background: Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in Renal Cell Carcinoma (sRCC) is well known to be a subtype with poor prognosis with a high rate of synchronous metastases at presentation. Nonetheless, outcomes in a contemporary cohort of patients with localized sRCC are not well characterized in a population-based study. We sought to determine the clinical characteristics, temporal trends in prevalence, and survival outcomes in patients with localized sarcomatoid RCC. Methods: From 2004-2019, all 440,230 cases of RCC in patients ≥18 years were extracted from the National Cancer Database; of these, 3.3% (14,713) had sarcomatoid dedifferentiation. Trend analyses were conducted using Cochran-Armitage test of trend. Multivariable Cox Proportional-Hazards regression was used to determine the impact of clinical and pathologic characteristics on all cause mortality (ACM) in patients with non-metastatic sRCC. Actuarial Overall Survival (OS) was computed with Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA), with sub-analysis performed for patients with AJCC Prognostic Stages I-III (Stage). Clear cell was reference histology for all analyses. Holm adjustment for multiple comparisons was applied when necessary. Results: Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation increased from 1.9% in 2004 to 4.1% in 2019, average annual percentage change (AAPC) 0.060 (p<0.001). sRCC with synchronous metastasis decreased from 48.7% in 2004 to 38.7% in 2019, AAPC -0.028 (p<0.001). Of all sRCC, 39.3% had synchronous metastasis to lung, 17.9% to bone, 5.3% to liver, 2.2% to brain, 35.3% to >1 site. On Cox regression for non-metastatic sRCC, ACM was associated with age (HR 1.02, p<0.001), Charlson comorbidity (HR 1.21, p<0.001), tumor size (HR 1.04, p<0.001), cN1 (HR 1.01, p<0.001), collecting duct (HR 2.33, p=0.002), medullary (HR 4.75, p=0.031), and RCC unspecified (HR 1.46, p<0.001) histology, tumor grade (HR 1.30, p<0.001); and inversely with partial (HR 0.19, p<0.001) and radical (HR 0.32, p<0.001) nephrectomy. In non-metastatic sRCC, 5-year OS was 52.9%. Substratification showed 5-year OS of 72.9% for Stage I, 60.4% Stage II, and 40.9% for Stage III sRCC (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings constitute the largest retrospective characterization of localized RCC with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation; sRCC has increased in prevalence, while patients presenting with synchronous metastases have decreased. Despite the latter trend, outcomes in patients with localized sRCC are poor and associated with patient comorbidity, stage, and associated histological findings. While partial and radical nephrectomy was associated with improved outcomes, these findings must be interpreted with caution and are likely secondary to significant selection bias. Future studies investigating the underlying biology driving increased sarcomatoid dedifferentiation despite generalized downward stage migration in RCC are requisite.

Impact of age on functional decline following radical nephrectomy: Analysis of the International Marker Consortium for Renal Cancer (INMARC)

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Background: Radical nephrectomy (RN) is a mainstay of management of localized renal cancer >4 cm. RN is associated with renal functional decline, however impact of age on functional decline is unclear. We investigated impact of age on post RN function, focusing on decline to moderate and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RN. Patients were stratified by age (<50, 50-70 and >70 years). Primary outcome was development of denovo CKD-S 3b [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/min/1.73m2)]. Secondary outcomes included denovo CKD-S 3a (eGFR<60) and denovo CKD-S 4 (eGFR<30). Multivariable logistic regression analysis (MVA) was utilized to identify risk factors for renal functional decline. Linear regression was utilized to identify risk factors for increasing DeGFR. Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) was utilized to evaluate functional outcomes for different age groups Results: We analyzed 2436 patients (<50 years, n=513; 50-70 years, n=1344; >70, n=579; median follow-up 31.9 months). On MVA, increasing age was an independent risk factor for CKD-S 3a (HR=3.4-9.4, p<0.001), CKD-S 3b (HR=3.4-7.7, p<0.001), and denovo CKD-S 4 (HR=1.96, p=0.027). On linear-regression analysis, increasing age was significantly correlated with increased delta eGFR (β=-0.212, p<0.001). KMA Comparing <50, 50-70 and >70 demonstrated age-associated declines in 5-year freedom from denovo CKD-S 3a (73.9%; 50-70 53.7%; and >70 37.06%, respectively, p<0.001), denovo CKD-S 3b (92.7%; 71.8%; and 55.5%, p<0.001) and denovo CKD-S 4 (93.7%; 89.8%; and >70 81.2%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Increasing age is a risk factor for progressive and clinically significant renal functional decline after RN. Prioritization for nephron-sparing management may be considered when indicated and oncologically safe and feasible in elderly patients to reduce potential risk of sequelae of functional decline. [Table: see text]

Preoperative c-reactive protein and risk of major complications and mortality outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma

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Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor of survival outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The use of biomarkers to predict post-surgical complications is not well studied. We sought to investigate predictive factors for major complications following surgery for RCC and delineate their impact on mortality outcomes. Methods: We performed a two-center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent partial (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for RCC. Patients who had complications within 30 days after surgery were identified and the complications were scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Patients were grouped based on whether they experienced 30-day major (Clavien ≥3) complications and whether they had elevated preoperative CRP defined as >5mg/L. Primary outcome was non-cancer mortality (NCM), with secondary outcomes being all-cause (ACM) and cancer-specific (CSM) mortality. Multivariable analyses (MVA) were conducted to evaluate predictors for Clavien ≥3 complications, NCM, CSM, and ACM. Kaplan-Meier analyses (KMA) were performed to compare overall survival (OS), noncancer-specific survival (NCS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between patients with non-elevated and elevated preoperative CRP and between patients without and with 30-day Clavien ≥3 complications. Results: A total of 2,234 patients were analyzed [116 (5.2%) experienced Clavien ≥3 complications; median follow up 44 months]. MVA revealed that coronary artery disease (OR 2.37, p=0.005), elevated CRP (OR 2.25, p=0.004), PN (OR 2.79, p<0.001), and open surgical approach (OR 1.74, p=0.049) were predictive of Clavien ≥3 complications. Additionally, MVA demonstrated that elevated CRP was an independent predictor of NCM (HR 2.50, p=0.009), CSM (HR 5.51, p<0.001) and ACM (HR 4.04, p<0.001), while presence of 30-day Clavien ≥3 complications was independently associated with worsened NCM (HR 3.05, p=0.042) but not CSM or ACM. KMA comparing non-elevated and elevated preoperative CRP revealed significant differences for 5-year OS (96.0% vs. 66.8%, p<0.001), 5-year CSS (98.2% vs. 75.6%, p<0.001), and 5-year NCS (97.6% vs. 87.7%, p<0.001). KMA comparing patients without and with 30-day Clavien ≥3 complications revealed significant differences for 5-year OS (87.3% vs. 80.7%, p=0.015) and 5-year NCS (95.6% vs. 87.0%, p<0.001), but not 5-year CSS (91.3% vs. 88.9%, p=0.601). Conclusions: In patients undergoing surgical resection for RCC, elevated preoperative CRP was an independent risk factor for development of 30-day Clavien ≥3 complications, while elevated CRP and development of Clavien ≥3 complications were associated with worsened NCM. Our findings suggest an interplay between major complications and NCM in patients who undergo surgery for RCC, with elevated preoperative CRP being a predictor for both.

Impact of number of positive lymph nodes on prognostic stratification in renal cell carcinoma: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

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Background: Lymph node positivity in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is associated with worsened oncologic outcomes. However, the actual prognostic significance of node positivity is poorly understood. Currently, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage III RCC includes both node-positive pN1 and node-negative pN0 disease. We hypothesize that (1) there is a threshold in number of pathologic node positivity that distinguishes favorable risk from poor risk nodal disease, and (2) current categorization of pN1 can be subdivided into pN1 and pN2 based this threshold. We tested our hypothesis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: From 2004-2019, all cases of RCC were queried in patients age ≥18. Patients with pathologic node positive disease and without synchronous metastasis were selected for analysis to minimize confounding from metastatic burden. Multivariable Cox Proportional-Hazards regression tested association between number of pathologically positive lymph nodes and all-cause mortality (ACM), adjusting for clinical and pathologic co-variables. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) Curve analyses employing the concordance probability method evaluated performance of potential cut-points for pN2 node-positivity. Kaplan-Meier analyses (KMA) compared these thresholds against overall survival (OS) in non-metastatic Stage IV RCC. Results: 28,590 patients with above criteria were identified, of which 13.6% had pN1. On multivariable analyses, increased pathologic node positivity was associated with increased hazard of ACM (HR 1.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.17-1.20, p<0.001). ROC mapping of all possible lymph node thresholds from ≥2 to ≥10, with stage IV as the highest point, showed comparable concordance probability among these cutoffs 0.26-0.33, AUC=0.656. On KMA, when threshold was set at ≥3, 5-year OS was no longer significantly different from non-metastatic Stage IV RCC as illustrated by overlapping confidence intervals. We designated pN1 as 1-2 pathologic positive nodes, and pN2 as ≥3 pathologic positive nodes. 5-year OS for Stage III pN0 was 69.4% (95% CI 68.4-70.5), for Stage III pN1 was 41.4% (95% CI 39.0-43.8), for Stage III pN2 was 31.8% (95% CI 28.2-35.9%), and for non-metastatic Stage IV was (30.0%, 95% CI 28.2-32.0%). On multivariable analyses, pN2 exhibited 38% greater hazard of ACM (HR 3.31, 95% CI 2.24-2.54, p<0.001) compared to pN1 (HR 2.39, 95% CI 2.24-2.54, p<0.001). Conclusions: These findings represent one of the largest characterizations of impact of positive nodal counts on prognostic stratification in RCC. Pathologic node positivity could be stratified to pN1 and pN2, with pN2 conferring poor prognostic risk comparable to non-metastatic Stage IV pN0 disease. Although further validation studies are warranted, consideration should be given towards stratifying Stage III pN2 patients to a higher risk group.

Impact of worsening surgically induced chronic kidney disease (CKD-S) in preoperative CKD-naïve patients on survival in renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate effects of worsening surgically induced chronic kidney disease (CKD-S) on oncological and non-oncological survival outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) and were free of preoperative CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² ). Patients were stratified by CKD stage at last follow-up: no CKD-S (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² ), de novo CKD-S 3a (eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m² ), CKD-S 3b (eGFR <45 and ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m² ) and CKD-S 4 (eGFR <30 and ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m² ). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (ACM). Secondary outcomes included non-cancer mortality (NCM), cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and de novo CKD-S Stage 3/4. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was utilised to identify risk factors for outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) was utilised to evaluate overall (OS), non-cancer (NCS), and cancer-specific survival with respect to CKD-S categories.

RESULTS

We analysed 3239 patients. The mean preoperative and last-follow-up eGFRs were 87.4 and 69.5 mL/min/1.73 m² , respectively. On last follow-up, 57.9% (n = 1876) had no CKD-S, 18.7% (n = 606) had CKD-S 3a, 15.1% (n = 489) had CKD-S 3b and 8.3% (n = 268) had CKD-S 4. On MVA, de novo CKD-S 3b and 4 were independently associated with ACM (hazard ratios [HRs] 1.3-2.1, P = 0.003-0.001) and NCM (HRs 1.5-2.8, P = 0.021-0.001), but not CSM (P = 0.219-0.909); de novo CKD-S 3a was not predictive for any mortality outcomes (P = 0.102-0.81). RN was independently associated with CKD-S 3-4 (HRs 1.78-1.99, P < 0.001-0.035). Comparing no CKD-S, CKD-S 3a, CKD-S 3b and CKD-S 4, KMA demonstrated worsening outcomes with progressive CKD-S stage: 5-year OS 84% vs 78% vs 71% vs 60% (P < 0.001) and 5-year NCS 93% vs 87% vs 83% vs 72% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Development of CKD-S Stage 3b and 4, but not 3a, was associated with worsened ACM and NCM. The decision to proceed with nephron preservation via PN should be individualised based on oncological risk and risk of functional decline to CKD-S 3b or 4, and not CKD-S 3a.

Recent Advances in the Management of Localized and Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review

Purpose

To review the current status of surgical and procedural treatments for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), focusing on oncological and functional outcomes, and the use of techniques for advanced disease over the last 10 years.

Findings

Partial nephrectomy (PN) has become the reference standard for most T1 and T2 masses. In cT2 RCC, PN exhibits oncological equivalence and improved functional outcomes compared to radical nephrectomy (RN). Additionally, emerging data suggest that PN may be used to treat cT3a RCC. The robot-assisted platform is increasingly used to treat locally advanced RCC. Studies suggest safety and feasibility of robotic RN and robotic inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy. Additionally, single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches are comparable to multiport approaches in select patients. Long-term data show that cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation are equipotent in management of small renal masses. Emerging data suggest that microwave may effectively treat cT1b masses.

Age-Related Differences in Oncological Outcomes in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Impact of Functional Conservation as Measured by Postoperative eGFR

INTRODUCTION

We sought to determine whether loss of renal function increases risk of recurrence and metastases in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and whether this impact was age-related.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the International Marker Consortium for Renal Cancer (INMARC) registry. Patients were separated into younger (<65 years old) and elder (≥65 years old) age groups, and rates of de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR<45 mL/min/1.73m2 [eGFR<45]) were calculated. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was conducted for predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and all-cause mortality (ACM). Kaplan-Meier Analysis (KMA) was conducted for PFS and overall survival (OS) in younger and elder age groups stratified by functional status.

RESULTS

We analyzed 1805 patients (1113 age<65, 692 age≥65). On MVA in patients <65, de novo eGFR<45 was independently associated with greater risk for worsened progression (HR=1.61, P=.038) and ACM (HR=1.82, P=.018). For patients ≥65, de novo eGFR<45 was not independently associated with progression (P=.736), or ACM (P=.286). Comparing patients with de novo eGFR<45 vs. eGFR ≥45, KMA demonstrated worsened 5-year PFS and OS in patients <65 (PFS: 68% vs. 86%, P<.001; OS: 73% vs. 90%, P<.001), while in patients ≥65, only 5-year OS was worsened (77% vs. 81%, P<.021).

CONCLUSION

Development of de novo eGFR<45 was associated with more profound impact on patients <65 compared to patients ≥65, being an independent risk factor for PFS and ACM. The mechanisms of this phenomenon are unclear but underscore desirability for nephron preservation when safe and feasible in younger patients.

Association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and De Ritis ratio with mortality in renal cell carcinoma: A multicenter analysis

Background

Several markers of inflammation have been associated with oncologic outcomes. Prognostic markers are not well-defined for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We sought to investigate the association of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and De Ritis ratio with mortality in RCC.

Methods

Multi-center retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery for RCC. Primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality (ACM). Secondary outcomes were non-cancer mortality (NCM) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Elevated NLR was defined as ≥2.27, elevated PLR as ≥165, and elevated De Ritis ratio as ≥ 2.72. Multivariable cox regression analysis (MVA) was conducted to elucidate risk factors for primary and secondary outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) was used to evaluate survival outcomes comparing elevated and non-elevated NLR, PLR, and De Ritis ratio.

Results

2656 patients were analyzed (874 patients had elevated NLR; 480 patients had elevated PLR and 932 patients had elevated De Ritis). Elevated NLR was a significant predictor of ACM (HR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.64, p=0.003) and NCM (HR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.30-2.46, p<0.001) in MVA. Elevated De Ritis was a significant predictor of ACM (HR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.65-2.52), NCM (HR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.33-2.55, p<0.001), and CSM (HR 1.97, 95% CI:1.48-2.63, p<0.001). KMA revealed significant difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) (48% vs. 68%, p<0.001), non-cancer survival (NCS) (69% vs. 87%, p<0.001), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (60% vs. 73%, p<0.001) for elevated versus non-elevated NLR. For PLR, there was a difference in 5-year OS (51% vs. 61%, p<0.001) and CSS (60% vs. 73%, p<0.001) with KMA.

Conclusions

Elevated NLR was independently associated with worse ACM and NCM, while elevated De Ritis was predictive for CSM in addition to ACM and NCM. These differences may be useful in refining risk stratification with respect to cancer-related and non-cancer mortality in RCC patients and deserve further investigation.

Infant prostatic Rhabdomyosarcoma: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

The following case report describes a case of prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma in a 6-month-old male who presented with urinary retention and constipation. MRI showed a prostatic mass that was displacing the rectum and bladder, leading to bladder outlet obstruction. A suprapubic tube was placed for urinary diversion and a transvesical approach was used for tissue diagnosis. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma. Patient underwent chemotherapy regiment with VAC (vincristine, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide) and subsequently ifosfamide and doxorubicin. Eventually, due to tumor progression, the patient underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and ileal conduit.