The extent of lymphadenectomy seems to be associated with better survival in patients with nonmetastatic upper-tract urothelial carcinoma: how many lymph nodes should be removed?

Background: The role and extent of lymphadenectomy in patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is debated.

Objective: To establish whether the number of lymph nodes (LNs) removed might be associated with better cause-specific survival in patients with UTUC.

Design, Setting, And Participants: The study included 552 consecutive patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and lymphadenectomy between 1992 and 2006.

Impact of lymph node dissection on cancer specific survival in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy.

Purpose: We examined the impact of lymphadenectomy on the clinical outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial cancer treated with radical nephroureterectomy.

Materials And Methods: Data were collected on 1,130 consecutive patients with pT1-4 upper tract urothelial cancer treated with radical nephroureterectomy at 13 centers worldwide. Patients were grouped according to nodal status (pN0 vs pNx vs pN+).