Cryoablation Demonstrates Strong 5-Year Kidney Cancer Control

Five-year results from the ICESECRET clinical trial suggest that cryoablation may offer durable disease control for patients with small kidney tumors. According to top-line findings announced in a news release, recurrence-free rates reached 89.4% and 83.9% at five years, underscoring the potential of this minimally invasive approach as an alternative to surgery.

The study evaluated the ProSense cryoablation system, which destroys tumors by freezing them. These long-term outcomes build on earlier interim data showing similarly strong tumor control, reinforcing confidence in the therapy’s durability over time.

"We believe the positive top-line results from this study further reinforce cryoablation with ProSense as an effective and durable treatment option for patients with small renal masses," said Eyal Shamir, CEO of IceCure. "We believe these findings may help drive broader commercial adoption of ProSense in countries where it is already approved to treat kidney tumors, as physicians and healthcare systems continue to seek minimally invasive alternatives with strong long-term outcomes."

For patients, these findings are meaningful. A high recurrence-free rate indicates that most individuals treated with cryoablation did not experience their cancer returning within five years, an important benchmark in kidney cancer care.

What the ICESECRET study found about recurrence rates

The ICESECRET trial demonstrated that most patients treated with cryoablation remained free of cancer recurrence years after their procedure. The reported five-year recurrence-free rates of 89.4% and 83.9% highlight consistent tumor control across the study population.

Earlier analyses from the same trial showed recurrence-free rates of approximately 88.7% at around three years, suggesting that outcomes remain stable as follow-up extends.

These findings support cryoablation as a durable treatment option, particularly for patients with small renal masses. Maintaining disease control over five years is often considered a key indicator of long-term treatment success in localized kidney cancer.

Understanding cryoablation for kidney cancer

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. During treatment, a probe is inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance, and freezing temperatures are applied to eliminate cancerous tissue.

This approach is typically used for small renal masses, often defined as tumors measuring 5 centimeters or less. It may be especially relevant for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to age, comorbidities, or personal preference.

Compared with traditional surgery, cryoablation can offer advantages such as shorter recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and preservation of kidney function.

How the ICESECRET trial was conducted and who was included

ICESECRET is a prospective, multicenter clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryoablation in kidney cancer. The study enrolled 114 patients with localized small renal masses, including a total of 138 tumors.

All patients underwent cryoablation using the ProSense system under computed tomography (CT) guidance. Researchers followed participants over several years, monitoring for tumor recurrence and treatment-related safety outcomes.

The completion of five-year follow-up represents an important milestone, as long-term data are critical for understanding how well a treatment performs beyond the initial years after therapy.

Patients enrolled in ICESECRET had localized kidney tumors measuring up to 5 centimeters. Many participants were older adults, with a mean age of approximately 69 years, and a large proportion had additional health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

This population reflects real-world patients who may not always be candidates for surgery, making minimally invasive options particularly important.

Additional findings on safety and effectiveness

Beyond recurrence rates, prior ICESECRET data suggest that cryoablation has a favorable safety profile. Most reported side effects were mild, with only a small number of moderate or severe complications.

The procedure also demonstrated high technical success, meaning that tumors were effectively targeted and treated during the intervention. In some cases, repeat cryoablation could be used to manage residual or recurrent disease, offering flexibility in care.

Taken together, these findings highlight cryoablation as a promising, patient-friendly option for managing small kidney tumors. As final analyses are completed, the ICESECRET trial may further clarify how this approach compares with standard surgical treatments and where it best fits in the kidney cancer treatment landscape.

Editor's note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, as your own experience will be unique. Use this article to guide discussions with your oncologist. Content was generated with AI, reviewed by a human editor, but not independently verified by a medical professional.

References

1. “IceCure Reports Positive 5-Year Top-Line Results from ICESECRET Kidney Cancer Cryoablation Study: 89.4% and 83.9% Recurrence-Free Rates,” by IceCure Medical Ltd. News release; March 25, 2026.

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