Role of Lymphadenectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

, Eun Tak Kim

Review Article

The Korean Journal of Urological Oncology 2008;6(2):43-46.
Published online August 30, 2008.

신세포암에서 림프절절제술의 역할

김은탁

을지대학교 의과대학 비뇨기과학교실

Role of Lymphadenectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Eun Tak Kim

Department of Urology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea

Correspondence: Eun Tak Kim

Abstract

Lymph node metastasis has long been known to be a poor prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma(RCC). However, there is currently no consensus on the role for an lymphadenectomy(LND) in RCC surgery. It is necessary to consider the potential risks and benefits of performing a LND at the time of radical nephrectomy. In the only 1 prospective study, there were no differences in progression or survival between patients with non-metastatic RCC who had an LND and those who did not. Regional LND seems to be unnecessary in patients with clinically negative lymph nodes. In patients with positive lymph nodes or metastatic lesions, LND is associated with improved survival when it is performed in carefully selected patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy and postoperative immunotherapy. When lymph nodes are present, they should be resected when technically feasible and LND should be performed on a stage-for-stage basis. (Korean J Urol Oncol 2008;6:43-46)

Key Words: Renal cell carcinoma, Lymph node, Lymphadenectomy