European urology
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Approximately 10-20% of recurrences in patients treated with nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) develop beyond 5 yr after surgery (late recurrence). ⋯ LVI, Fuhrman grade 3/4, and a tumor stage >pT1 are independent predictors of late recurrence after at least 5 yr from surgery in patients with RCC. We developed a risk score that allows for prognostic stratification and individualized aftercare of patients with regard to counseling, follow-up scheduling, and clinical trial design.