Role of Angio-Embolization for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose of Review: To provide the technical aspects of, clinical indications for, status of the current literature on, and emerging concepts in trans-arterial embolization (TAE) for renal cell carcinoma. Recent Findings: TAE has been evaluated in several retrospective series as a neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection of RCC to reduce tumor vascularity and minimize intra-operative blood loss. TAE has also been examined retrospectively as a neoadjuvant therapy prior to the percutaneous ablation of RCC to reduce blood loss and procedural complications. TAE can potentially palliate symptoms of RCC such as pain and hematuria. Trans-arterial chemoembolization and trans-arterial radioembolization are emerging concepts for RCC. Summary: Although there have been no prospective, randomized trials demonstrating improved clinical or oncologic outcomes from TAE for patients with RCC, several retrospective studies have shown encouraging results.