Objective: To update the French guidelines on kidney cancer.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature between 2015 and 2018 was performed. The most relevant articles regarding the diagnosis, the classification, surgical treatment, medical treatment and follow-up of kidney cancer were retrieved and included in the new guidelines. The guidelines were updated with corresponding levels of evidence.
Results: Thoraco-abdominal CT scan with injection is the best radiological exam for the diagnosis of kidney cancer. MRI and contrast ultrasound can be useful in some cases. Percutaneous biopsy is recommended when histological results will affect clinical decision. Renal tumours must be classified according to pTNM 2017 classification and ISUP grade. Metastatic kidney cancers must be classified according to IMDC criteria. Partial nephrectomy is the recommended treatment for T1a tumours and can be done through an open, laparoscopic or robotic access. T1b tumours can be treated by partial or total nephrectomy according to tumour complexity. Radical nephrectomy is the recommended treatment of advanced localized tumours. In metastatic patients: cytoreductive nephrectomy is recommended in case of good prognosis; medical treatment must be offered first in case of intermediate or bad prognosis. Surgical or local treatment of metastases should be considered in case of solitary lesion or oligo-metastases. First-line recommended drugs in metastatic patients include sunitinib, pazopanib, and the association nivolumab/ipilimumab. Cabozantinib can be offered in option in intermediate and bad prognostic patients. Cystic tumours must be classified according to Bosniak Classification. Surgical excision should be offered to patients with Bosniak III and IV lesions. It is recommended to follow patients clinically and with imaging according to tumour aggressiveness.
Conclusion: These updated recommendations should assist French speaking urologists for their management of kidney cancers.