What follow-up protocols should I implement for patients treated for renal cell carcinoma to monitor for recurrence?

There are no specific NICE or UK guideline excerpts provided in the context that directly address follow-up protocols for patients treated for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to monitor for recurrence. However, based on general oncological principles and the absence of direct guidance in the provided documents, follow-up for RCC typically involves regular clinical assessment and imaging to detect local recurrence or metastases, tailored to the individual patient's risk profile and initial treatment.

In UK practice, follow-up protocols for RCC often include periodic imaging such as abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans, and clinical review at intervals determined by the stage and grade of the tumour at diagnosis. The frequency and duration of follow-up are usually decided by multidisciplinary teams and may extend for several years due to the risk of late recurrence.

Given the lack of direct guidance in the provided NICE documents, it is recommended to refer to specialist urology or oncology guidelines or local protocols for detailed follow-up schedules for RCC patients.