High YKL-40 is associated with poor survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma: a novel independent prognostic marker.

Objective: YKL-40 is an inflammation-associated glycoprotein supposed to have a role in cell survival and angiogenesis. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by varying prognosis and risk of relapse after a disease-free period of years. Prognostic markers are critically needed.