Patient perspectives on follow-up CT scans after treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC): a cross-sectional questionnaire study

Objective: This cross-sectional questionnaire study aims to gain insight into health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients’ perspectives on reducing the follow-up frequency of follow-up CTs after curative treatment for adult patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: This prospective single-center study was conducted between June 15, 2023 and April 9, 2025. Adult patients with histologically confirmed de novo RCC who underwent curative surgery (radical/partial nephrectomy) or a type of tumor ablation (cryoablation/MWA/RFA) and were scheduled for follow-up CT, were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. HRQoL was assessed using the validated by EuroQol Research Foundation EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire. Patient perspective on follow-up was explored through a self-developed questionnaire consisting of eight closed-ended and two open-ended questions. Results: Fifty patients completed the questionnaire. The overall response rate of the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire was 98.0%, with no health state problems (level 1) being the most frequently selected answer (78.0%). The response rate of the self-developed questionnaire was 97.0%. In the closed-ended question, most patients reported that follow-up CTs gives extra reassurance (84.0%). Patients were generally satisfied (79.6%) with the current number of follow-up CTs. A potential reduction in scanning frequency was often perceived negatively, 68.0% find it unpleasant and 64.0% would feel less safe. In the open-ended questions, 42.0% mentioned increased uncertainty as a disadvantage of reduced imaging. No significant differences were found between early and late follow-up groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that although reduced follow-up imaging may be clinically safe, successful implementation will require clear communication, expectation management and shared decision-making to address patients’ emotional and psychological needs. Take home message: Follow-up CT scans offer patients a sense of security. Reducing the frequency requires careful communication and shared decision-making to minimize anxiety.