Prognostic validity of the specific red cell adherence test in upper urothelial tumours.

The specific red cell adherence (SRCA) test for blood group antigens was used in 32 patients with upper urinary tract tumours to determine whether their survival could be predicted by this test. The SRCA results correlated well with survival in each grade and stage of the tumours. Overall, patients with positive tests showed a significantly higher 5-year survival rate than those with negative tests (87.2% vs. 24.6%). These findings add support to the prognostic importance of this test in upper urinary tract tumours.