Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2.2% of all malignancies worldwide; however, its mortality rate is not negligible. Surgery is the primary treatment for most nonadvanced cases, with its indications and techniques evolving over the years. To provide an update on RCC management in Brazil, focusing on surgery. The Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group-Genitourinary Section and the Latin American Renal Cancer Group gathered a panel of Brazilian urologists and clinical oncologists to vote on and discuss the best management of surgically resectable RCC. The experts compared the results with the literature and graded them according to the level of evidence. For small renal masses (SRMs; less than 4 cm), biopsy is indicated for specific/select cases, and when intervention is needed, partial nephrectomy should be prioritized. Radical nephrectomy and ablative techniques are exceptions for managing SRMs. Patients with small tumors (less than 3 cm), slow tumor growth, or a risk for surgery may benefit from active surveillance. Localized carcinoma up to 7 cm in diameter should be treated preferably with partial nephrectomy. Lymphadenectomy and adrenalectomy should be performed in locally advanced cases if involvement is suspected by imaging exams. Patients with venous tumor thrombi usually require surgical intervention depending on the extent of the thrombus. Neoadjuvant therapy should be considered for unresectable cases. Even in the era of targeted therapy, cytoreductive nephrectomy still has a role in metastatic disease. Metastasectomy is indicated for most patients with resectable disease. This consensus presents recommendations for surgical treatment of RCC based on expert opinions and evidence from the medical literature. Surgery remains the best curative option for nonadvanced cases, and it still has a role for select patients with metastatic disease.