Evidence of patient benefit (oncological outcomes, renal function, cardiovascular events, overall survival) for radical versus partial nephrectomy is mixed. The only clinical trial to investigate this was published in 2011. The study randomised patients between radical and partial nephrectomy and found equivalent oncological outcomes, with slightly better overall survival for patients undergoing radical nephrectomy.
With such limited and mixed evidence, how do clinicians know what's best for their patients? Professor Grant Stewart guest stars on the Uromigos podcast with hosts Dr Tom Powles (Barts Cancer Centre, London) and Dr Brian Rini (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville) discussing controversies in renal cancer surgery.
The Uromigos: Episode 116: Renal cancer surgery controversies at EAU is available to download wherever you get your podcasts.