PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA AND A ROLE OF ONCOPHAGE IN INCREASING SURVIVAL RATES AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT

The prognostic value of the Fuhrman renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) gradation system has been supported by numerous studies. The high RCC  grade after Fuhrman is a sign of the high risk of recurrence even in patients with the early stages of the disease, in clear-cell tumor in par-  ticular. The anticancer vaccine Oncophage is recommended to prevent a recurrence and/or to increase a relapse-free period in patients with  early stages of RCC. While using this vaccine, one should follow the Fuhrman histological gradation system and use a coordinated multi-  disciplinary approach to treating this group of patients. This paper describes the Fuhrman histological gradation system, indications for the  use of Oncophage in patients with the early stages of ECC and a moderate risk of a recurrence. The role of urological surgeons, oncologists,  and pathomorphologists in the treatment of patients with early stages of ECC is also considered.