Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal tumors is a promising technique that plays a unique and increasingly important role in urologic oncology practices. RFA is appealing as a minimally invasive therapy that may be performed on an outpatient basis. It enables treatment of an area 3 to 5 cm in diameter, with relatively low morbidity and mortality rates. Most interventional radiologists (IRs) are familiar with RFA of liver tumors, and several principles and techniques used in the liver may be extrapolated for use in the kidney. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that local tumor ablation in the kidney presents unique challenges, secondary to the kidney's unique anatomic and physiologic features. Clinical and technical considerations, risks, and complications pertaining to RFA of renal tumors are reviewed here, including approaches commonly used in our practice. Keywords radiofrequency ablation; kidney; renal cell carcinoma; Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality despite advances in minimally invasive surgical and percutaneous options. RCC accounts for approximately 85% of renal tumors. 1,2 Most interventional radiologists (IRs) are familiar with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors, but local tumor ablation in the kidney presents unique challenges.Recently, renal tumor RFA has become an invaluable tool for the IR. Initially, RFA of renal tumors began in patients who were nonoperative candidates since the "gold standard" treatment for RCC of any size had historically been radical nephrectomy. With the advent of nephron sparing surgery, renal tumor removal with prevention of the surrounding kidney is now often the first choice in RCC management. Some would argue that this should no longer be the case, as RFA has proven to be a benefit in patients with a history of prior nephrectomy or solitary kidney, hereditary or familial renal cancer, and baseline renal insufficiency. In addition, nonstandard indications for renal RFA have been described and now include transfusionAddress reprint requests to: Bradford J. Wood, MD, Diagnostic RadiologyDepartment,