VEIN INVASION IN RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA - IMPACT ON METASTATIC BEHAVIOR AND SURVIVAL

Purpose: The development of a thrombus extending into the veins is well recognized in renal cell carcinoma. We investigated the hypothesis that vein invasion alone has no adverse impact on survival but is a highly negative factor in other tumors. Materials and Methods: In 200 consecutive patients invasion of the renal vein and vena cava was evaluated and compared with the clinical course. Results: A total of 26 patients had vena caval and 47 had renal vein invasion. Patients with venous invasion had a significantly shorter survival but no survival difference was demonstrated based on the level of involvement. Conclusions: Our study indicates that vein invasion itself seems to be an important prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma.