Boston Scientific has published a new study showing that cryoablation, a minimally invasive treatment that destroys cancer cells by freezing them, is as effective as robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in treating kidney cancer.

The findings published in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology found that cryoablation procedures are 32% more affordable and result in shorter hospital stays compared to traditional surgical methods. The findings are based on real-world data from two Danish hospitals and add weight to growing evidence that cryoablation can deliver excellent oncological outcomes while reducing pressure on healthcare systems.

Study Data

The study evaluated 190 patients with renal tumors up to 7 cm in size. It compared the long-term outcomes of cryoablation against robot-assisted partial nephrectomy—the standard surgical treatment for such tumors.

Results over a five-year period showed no significant differences in recurrence rates, metastasis, or major complications between the two treatment groups. Importantly, both procedures achieved identical quality-adjusted life year (QALY) scores, indicating equivalent overall health benefits.

However, the economic and practical differences were stark. The average cost of cryoablation was €18,795 ($21,870), compared with €27,520 ($32,023) for RAPN. Moreover, patients who underwent cryoablation spent an average of 1.13 days in the hospital, versus 1.90 days for surgery. Many cryoablation cases were even performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

“Cryoablation is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that costs less and requires less time in hospital,” said Kathleen Van Vlierberghe, Vice President of Peripheral Interventions for Boston Scientific in EMEA. “That’s better for patients, and it also helps to ease the pressure on healthcare systems.”

These real-world results reinforce similar findings from studies in Brazil, France, and the US, confirming that the economic advantages of cryoablation are consistent across different healthcare models.

The study’s publication comes amid a global increase in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer. In 2022, there were 435,000 new cases and 156,000 deaths worldwide. RCC accounts for up to 95% of renal malignancies.

In Denmark, where the study was conducted, new RCC cases have risen faster than predicted. A 2019 forecast estimated 1,017 cases by 2030, yet recent data already show 1,091 new diagnoses by mid-2023—surpassing projections seven years early.

This trend underscores the need for cost-effective, efficient treatments that can reduce hospital strain while maintaining high standards of care.

Supported by Clinical Guidelines

Current medical guidelines from the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association already endorse cryoablation as an alternative to partial nephrectomy for patients with smaller tumors—typically up to 4 cm in Europe and 3 cm in the US.

As more evidence accumulates, experts suggest that cryoablation could soon be offered to a broader group of patients, particularly those unsuitable for surgery due to frailty or comorbidities.

By offering comparable survival rates, shorter recovery times, and significant cost savings, cryoablation presents a compelling case as a frontline option in kidney cancer care. Its adoption could mark a significant shift toward minimally invasive, patient-friendly treatments that not only improve outcomes but also help sustain healthcare systems facing rising cancer burdens.