RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA - PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

Objective To establish the prognostic value of a series of pre-operati ve, per-operative and histopathological parameters in relation to rena l cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients and methods This retrospective study involved a consecutive series of 76 patients (46 men and 30 women with a mean age of 65.3 years [range 44-91]) with a histologically confirm ed diagnosis of RCC. Patients who were admitted over the period 1980-1 984 were included. Data such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alkaline phosphatase level, histological tumour grade, degree of necro sis and presence of tumour vessels were evaluated in relation to actua rial survival. Results The ESR and alkaline phosphatase level at the t ime of diagnosis of RCC, the histological tumour grade, degree of necr osis and presence of tumour vessels on angiography were all found to a ffect the actuarial length of survival significantly (P less than or e qual to 0.05 logrank test). Macroscopic tumour demarcation estimated p er-operatively by the surgeon or after surgery by the pathologist, mic roscopic demarcation, vascular density on histological examination, tu mour diameter and vascular density on angiography were found not to af fect actuarial survival significantly. Conclusion The value of establi shing simple and reliable diagnostic indicators for patients with RCC is stressed.