Outcomes of Partial Nephrectomy for pT3a Renal Cell Cancer Over 20 Years at a Single Centre

Abstract Aim There is limited information on outcomes of pT3a RCC treated with PN. Retrospective studies of cT1/2 upstaged to pT3a treated with RN vs PN show contradictory results. Method Retrospective analysis of all pT3a renal tumours removed by either RN or PN between 2000-2020 at a single centre performed by 6 surgeons with a median follow up period of 4 years. Results 186 cases of pT3a RCC were treated with RN and 78 with PN. There was CT suspicion of T3a disease in 1 PN and 6 RN cases. The mean tumour size in PN vs RN was 4.5cm vs. 8cm. Preoperative and postoperative eGFR were similar between RN and PN groups with a smaller drop in eGFR from preop to post op in the PN vs RN group (16 vs 20ml/min) The number of patients who went on to have renal replacement therapy for end stage renal failure was 6 in the RN group and 2 in the PN group. At median 4 years follow up, 86% of PN patient were alive vs 93% who had RN. Of the patients who had died 5.6% were due to renal cancer in the PN group vs 8.6% in the RN group. The rate of any recurrence or spread of renal cancer detected at follow up was 21% in the PN group and 38% in the RN group. Conclusions This case series suggests PN for pT3a tumours is a reasonable option for patients who have strong indications for nephron sparing surgery.