Histopathological Features and p53 Nuclear Protein Staining as Predictors of Survival and Tumor Recurrence in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Renal Pelvis

PURPOSE: We determine which histopathological features are predictive of recurrence and cause-specific survival in renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Univariant and multivariant analysis was done on material from 67 patients. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analysis identified lamina propria invasion, grade 3 tumors and capillary-lymphatic invasion as predictors of disease-specific survival. Multicentric disease was the sole independent predictor of recurrence. Multicentric disease and lamina propria invasion were independent predictors of recurrence-free survival. Also, p53 over-expression was not statistically associated with any of the studied prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological features remain the cornerstone of prognostic assessment for renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma.