[Biomolecular markers in renal adenocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature and analyze the main contributions in molecular markers in renal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature over the last 10 years on molecular markers in renal adenocarcinoma (Medline 1991-2001). Outstanding papers published before 1991, included in the references of the selected articles, were also reviewed.

RESULTS

A large number of biomolecular markers have been studied in renal adenocarcinoma with results that are often contradictory. Some proteins have been associated with different histopathological parameters and with tumor prognosis, although their clinical importance has yet to be established.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the traditional prognostic factors, such as tumor grade and stage, provide important information on the outcome of renal adenocarcinoma, they are insufficient to predict the clinical behavior of this tumor type with absolute certainty. The foregoing has prompted the study of a variety of biomolecular markers that might predict the biological behavior of the tumor and identify the patients at a higher risk for tumor recurrence or death from the tumor. Despite the promising results obtained with biomolecular markers in renal adenocarcinoma, further studies are warranted to determine the prognostic value of these markers.