Treatment after surgery of RCC stage 1 to 2
For patients with localized RCC (stage I to III), what treatment is recommended after surgical resection of the tumor? What follow up exams are recommended after surgical resection?
At present, no adjuvant therapy is recommended for patients with resected RCC. Follow-up (per NCCN guidelines) is guided by risk stratification according to tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging. For example, patients with T1a disease are recommended to receive history and physical and labs every 6 months for 2 years, and annually up to 5 years.
Abdominal CT or MRI is recommended within 6 months, and then at least annually. Imaging of the chest is recommended annually for surveillance of metastases. In much higher-risk disease (e.g., stage II or III disease), history and physical is recommended every 3 to 6 months for 3 years, then annually up to 5 years.
Baseline CT or MRI of the abdomen is recommended within 3 to 6 months, then every 3 to 6 months for 3 years, and annually up to 5 years. Baseline CT of the chest is recommended on essentially the same frequency. Bone scan is recommended as clinically indicated.
