Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-00489

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Two-year Follow-up for Oncological, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in the Randomized ROBOCOP II Trial of Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Open Partial Nephrectomy.

Haney-Aubert, C. (First author)DKFZ* ; Gottstein, L. ; Sidoti Abate, M. A. ; Menold, H. S. ; Fattal, W.DKFZ* ; Neuberger, M. ; Nuhn, P. ; Westhoff, N. ; Honeck, P. ; Michel, M.-S. ; Kriegmair, M. C. ; Kowalewski, K.-F. (Last author)DKFZ*

2026
Elsevier Amsterdam

Abstract: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is increasingly used to treat renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but randomized data comparing long-term outcomes to those after open partial nephrectomy (OPN) remain limited. Our aim was to compare oncological, renal function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes at 2 yr for patients who underwent RAPN versus OPN.This single-center phase 2 randomized controlled trial included 50 patients with suspected localized RCC who were randomized 1:1 to RAPN or OPN. After 2-yr follow-up, we assessed overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival, renal function, and HRQOL, including chronic postoperative pain and flank bulge. Analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis.All but one patient completed oncological and renal follow-up, and 47 provided HRQOL data. At 2 yr, overall survival was 100%, with one lymph-node recurrence in the RAPN group. The adjusted mean estimated glomerular filtration rate did not differ between the groups (OPN 74.1 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 69.7-78.5; RAPN 75.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI 71.3-80.1; p = 0.59). HRQOL at 2 yr remained high, with no significant difference in changes from baseline between the two groups. Chronic postoperative pain at the operative site (44% vs 0%; p = 0.001) and flank bulge (32% vs 0%; p = 0.007) were significantly more common in the OPN group versus the RAPN group.RAPN and OPN yielded excellent long-term outcomes. RAPN offers advantages in terms of postoperative morbidity without compromising renal function or QOL.

Keyword(s): Kidney cancer ; Quality of life ; Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Note: #EA:E140#LA:E140# / epub

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. NWG-KKE Intelligente Systeme und Robotik in der Urologie (E140 ; E140)

Research Program(s):

1. 315 - Bildgebung und Radioonkologie (POF4-315) (POF4-315)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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