The success of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of small renal masses appears to be strongly correlated with tumor size. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that 3- and 5-year survival rates for tumors smaller than 3.0 cm were 96% and 95%, respectively, after undergoing RFA. For tumors 3.0 cm or larger, the survival rate was 79% at both 3 and 5 years. Most failures were local and involved either incomplete ablations or local recurrences.

Abstract: Journal of Urology, April 2012.