Prognostic value of histological grade and nuclear grade in renal adenocarcinoma

We conducted a retrospective study of 237 cases of clinically localized renal adenocarcinoma treated at our department between November 1971 and December 1991 by radical nephrectomy. The parameters considered were tumor extension (pT stage), histological grading and nuclear grading. If the histological grade proved to be of little informational value in regard to survival, nuclear grade and pT stage had significant impact. On the other hand, nuclear grading considered in a given stage provided no significant influence. We conclude that nuclear grading cannot predict the outcome of patients at the same surgical stage.