Decision-making in active surveillance in kidney cancer: current trends and future urine and tissue markers

Surveillance for small renal masses is a growing choice of management amongst physicians and patients. These decisions, however, can be difficult as patient factors and tumor factors may blur the line between continued surveillance and intervention. Currently, there are no biomarkers that are readily available to aid in the decision making for patients with known renal cell carcinoma; however, many show promise. We herein review the literature of the adjunct tools that are currently available for decision making in small renal masses, but also new potential biomarkers that can potentially be of use.

Automated summary

Surveillance for small renal masses is increasingly chosen by physicians and patients. Biomarkers that can aid in decision making for patients with known renal cell carcinoma are currently lacking, although many show promise.