Current opinion in urology
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Renal cell carcinoma is estimated to account for more than 35,000 new diagnoses and more than 12,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States in 2005, making it the most lethal of genitourinary malignancies. Approximately 25% of patients with renal cell carcinoma present with metastases, and about a third of those treated surgically for localized renal cell carcinoma will develop a recurrence. Current therapeutic options for disseminated disease benefit only a small percentage of patients. ⋯ Renal cell carcinoma nomograms allow more accurate counseling of patients regarding their probable clinical course, facilitate treatment planning, and identify high-risk patients for experimental treatments.