Histopathological study of the first Medical Research Council Nephroblastoma Trial

A histological analysis of the tumors from the first Medical Research Council (M.R.C.) Nephroblastoma Trial was carried out. Material from 104 out of the 111 concluded cases was suitable for assessment. The degree of tubular differentiation and the presence or absence of glomeruli, cysts and papillary structures were correlated with clinical stage and survival. A significant association was found with regard to tubular differentiation. Papillary structures appeared to be important, but the number of cases was small. The presence of either glomeruli or cysts was not a statistically significant feature as regards prognosis.