This study, involving 450 people, provides evidence in favour of active surveillance for small renal masses.

The researchers looked at the outcomes of patients with kidney masses who chose active surveillance rather than immediate surgery. The study 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.

The researchers concluded that active surveillance, with or without delayed surgery, is a safe practice and when patients are properly managed and followed, their cancer is unlikely to metastasise or they are unlikely to die from kidney cancer.

Read more in Practice Update here