INTRACAPSULAR CLEAR CELL RENAL CARCINOMA: PLOIDY STATUS IMPROVES THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF THE 2002 TNM CLASSIFICATION

The 2002 TNM classification is a useful prognostic factor for evaluating organ confined RCC of the clear cell subtype. Evaluation of the DNA content in clear cell RCC appears to significantly improve the predictive value of the TNM staging system, especially in the pT1a and pT1b categories. Fuhrman NG alone or combined should be routinely used in such patients.