Imaging for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Urol Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;47(3):281-291. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2020.04.005. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Abstract

Patients with renal cell carcinoma may develop metastases after radical nephrectomy, and therefore monitoring with imaging for recurrent or metastatic disease is critical. Imaging varies with specific suspected site of disease. Computed tomography/MRI of the abdomen and pelvis are mainstay modalities. Osseous and central nervous system imaging is reserved for symptomatic patients. Radiologic reporting is evolving to reflect effects of systemic therapy on lesion morphology. Nuclear medicine studies compliment routine imaging as newer agents are evaluated for more accurate tumor staging. Imaging research aims to fill gaps in treatment selection and monitoring of treatment response in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Keywords: CT; MRI; Metastatic disease; PET; Renal cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology