Active Surveillance for Localized Renal Masses: Tumor Growth, Delayed Intervention Rates, and >5-yr Clinical Outcomes

In this report, we looked at the outcomes of patients with kidney masses who elected to enroll in active surveillance rather than immediate surgery. We found that patients who need surgery are often identified early and those who remain on active surveillance become less likely to need surgery over time. We concluded that active surveillance with or without delayed surgery is a safe practice and that, when properly managed and followed, patients are unlikely to metastasize or die from kidney cancer.