PURPOSE: We compared outcomes in patients treated with radio frequency ablation 
or partial nephrectomy for clinical cT1b renal cell carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients 
who underwent radio frequency ablation or nephrectomy between February 2006 and 
December 2010. Radiographic followup with contrast imaging was performed 7 days, 
3 and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter after radio frequency ablation 
sequentially. The followup protocol for partial nephrectomy was every 6 months 
in the initial 3 years and annually thereafter. The Kaplan-Meier method was used 
to generate survival curves, which were compared with the log rank test. 
Multivariable regression analysis was done to determine predictors of survival.
RESULTS: A total of 56 patients who met selection criteria were included in 
study. Patients in the radio frequency ablation group had relatively higher mean 
age and a higher mean ASA® score than those in the partial nephrectomy group. 
Mean tumor diameter was significantly larger in the partial nephrectomy cohort. 
For radio frequency ablation vs partial nephrectomy 5-year overall, cancer 
specific and disease-free survival was 85.5% (95% CI 72.2-98.8) vs 96.6% (95% CI 
95.9-97.3), 92.6% (95% CI 82.4-98.1) vs 96.6% (95% CI 95.9-97.3) and 81.0% (95% 
CI 66.2-95.8) vs 89.7% (95% CI 78.5-97.9), respectively. The percent decrease in 
the glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the radio frequency 
ablation group at early and last followup.
CONCLUSIONS: In appropriately selected patients with stage cT1b renal cell 
carcinoma radio frequency ablation is an effective treatment option that 
provides 5-year overall, cancer specific and disease-free survival comparable to 
that of partial nephrectomy as well as better renal function preservation than 
partial nephrectomy.