Radical nephrectomy is historically accepted as standard treatment for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the presentation of RCC has changed dramatically over the past 3 decades. Newer alternative interventions aim to reduce the negative impact of open radical nephrectomy, with the natural history of RCC now better understood. This article discusses current surgical and management options for localized kidney cancer.
Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA. David.Chen@fccc.edu