1. Analysis of radiation treatment plans of a preoperative irradiation study of the kidney indicates that the primary cancer has been treated to levels of 4,500 rads plus or minus 10 per cent in 90 per cent of the instances. 2. The major problem, from the point of view of the radiation therapist's treatment planning, is the delivery of adequate doses to the regional nodal volume. Only 25 per cent received the prescribed dose. Special booster fields are required. 3. Surgical resection of regional lymph nodes and renal vein thrombus, if present, is recommended, since the deliverance of full radiation doses is not likely without exceeding tolerance of vital normal tissues.