Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma based on stage and initial treatment

Background Renal cell carcinoma is the third most common tumor of the genitourinary system. Small tumors are increasingly treated by nephron-sparing surgery, focal therapy via cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation and also active surveillance. These treatment options are associated with increased follow-up care. Objectives What are the current recommendations on follow-up care for different therapeutic approaches in renal cell carcinoma? Materials and methods We analyzed different biological aspects regarding renal cell carcinoma, diagnostic procedures as well as recommendations of current guidelines (e.g. German S3, EAU AUA). Results Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma is not well standardized due to the limited amount of data. In general, follow-up should be intensified during the first 3 years following initial therapy as well as in patients with increased risk for tumor recurrence. For risk calculation different prognostic models based on clinical parameters have been published. Conclusions Current recommendations on follow-up care in renal cell carcinoma are based on retrospective studies. Future strategies must include markers and be studied in a prospective manner.