Prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma.

The identification of prognostic factors in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents an area of increasing interest. The tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging system is currently the most extensively used tool for providing prognostic information for RCC. Data published in the last few years have led to significant controversies as to whether further revisions are needed in current staging systems and whether improvements can be made with the introduction of new, more accurate and predictive prognostic factors not currently included in traditional staging systems. While integrated staging systems have improved the staging of RCC, the recent discovery of molecular tumor markers is expected to revolutionize the staging of RCC in the future and lead to the development of new therapies based on molecular targeting. The aim of the current review is to highlight such controversies and provide an update on current staging modalities and prognostic factors for RCC.