A STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Abstract

<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain or spinal cord tumor, representing the most lethal form of brain tumors with a five-year mortality rate exceeding 90%. It constitutes ap proximately 60% of all primary brain tumors in adults and has an annual incidence of 2–3 new cases per 100,000 population. Although it pre dominantly affects adult patients, it can occur at any age. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence rate and factors (age, sex and out come) associated with GBM in Republic of Srpska over a five-year period.</p> <p><strong> Methods. </strong>This retrospective observational cross-sectional study includ ed a total of 97 male and female patients of all age groups from the terri tory of Republic of Srpska, who were pathohistologically diagnosed with GBM between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2018. Data obtained from the National Registry for Malignant Neoplasms in Republic of Srps ka, managed by the Public Health Institute and the Republic Institute of Statistics, were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. <strong>Results. </strong>During the investigated period, GBM accounted for 15.13% of all reported brain tumors in Republic of Srpska with incidence rate of 8.45 per 100,000 population. The occurrence of this tumor was slightly higher in males, with a ratio of 1.2:1.0 compared to females. No cases were reported in patients under the age of 18. Among the reported cas es, 65 persons (67.01%) were between 18 and 65, with incidence rate of 5.66 per 100,000 population, while 32 persons (32.99%) were over 65, with incidence rate of 2,78 per 100,000 population. Out of all patients diagnosed with GBM, 80 patients (82.47%) experienced a fatal outcome, while 17 patients (17.53%) survived.</p> <p><strong> Conclusion.</strong> GBM exhibits a high incidence compared to other brain neoplasms within Republic of Srpska, and it is characterized by an ex tremely high mortality rate, primarily affecting adult, working-age pop ulation (18–65 years).</p> <p> </p>