RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA - COMPARISON OF THE TNM AND ROBSON STAGE GROUPINGS

This review compares the two major staging systems for renal cell carc inoma: the TNM and Robson systems. For purposes of worldwide clinical and scientific consistency, the TNM system is recommended. However, th e primary tumor size cutoff of 2.5 cm. does not prognostically differe ntiate between stages I and LI. A review of 337 patients with renal ce ll carcinoma, of whom 122 had stage I or II disease revealed that a 2. 5-cm cutoff did not predict survival differences, while cutoffs of 5.0 , 7.5, and 10.0 cm did. Because 7.5 cm most closely approximates the m ean renal cell cancer diameter as noted by SEER data, it is recommende d that the TNM primary tumor cutoff be changed to 7.5 cm. (C) 1995 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.