Age-adjusted Incidence Research Articles

Brain metastases in newly diagnosed lung cancer: epidemiology and conditional survival.

The brain serves as the primary site for metastasis in patients with both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The presence of lung cancer with brain metastasis (LCBM) is a debilitating condition associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and survival rates of LCBM in the United States population. We analyzed a total of 9,212 patients diagnosed with LCBM between 2010 and 2015, extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Our analysis assessed the incidence, relative survival, and conditional survival (CS) of LCBM. We utilized the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate overall survival and determine CS at year y+x after x years of survival, following the formula CS(y|x) = CS(y+x)/CS(x). Prognostic factor selection was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression approach, and multivariate Cox regression was employed to demonstrate the impact of these predictors on outcomes and construct a CS-based nomogram. The overall age-adjusted incidence rate of LCBM was 5.82 cases per 100,000, with a slight decline observed during our study period. Patient relative survival showed a continuous decline with increasing age. CS analysis revealed that the 5-year CS rate for patients initially diagnosed with LCBM adjusted from 3% to 13%, 28%, 52%, and 73% over successive years of survival (1-4 years). Identified predictors included age at diagnosis, sex, race, tumor size, tumor grade, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. These predictors, along with the CS formula, were employed to develop a CS-based nomogram for real-time prognosis prediction. Calibration curve, area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, concordance index (c-index), and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the model's strong predictive capabilities. This study deepened our understanding of LCBM patients, summarizing their epidemiological characteristics and CS patterns. We successfully developed a novel CS-based nomogram model for dynamic survival estimation, offering real-time and personalized prognostic information that is clinically valuable.

Liver Cancer in 2021: Global Burden of Disease Study

Background & AimsThe epidemiology of adult primary liver cancer continues to evolve, related to the increasing prevalence of metabolic disease, rising alcohol consumption, advancements in vaccination for hepatitis B (HBV), and antiviral therapy for hepatitis C (HCV). Disparities in care and the burden of liver cancer between populations persist. We assess trends in the burden of liver cancer and contributions by various etiologies across 204 countries and territories from 2010 to 2021. MethodsUtilizing the methodological framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed global and regional temporal trends in incidence and mortality, and the contributions of various etiologies of liver disease. ResultsIn 2021, there were an estimated 529202 incident cases and 483875 deaths related to liver cancer. From 2010 to 2021, global liver cancer incident cases and deaths increased by 26% and 25%, respectively. Global age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and death rates (ASDRs) for liver cancer declined but rose in the Americas and Southeast Asia. HBV remained the dominant cause of global incident liver cancer cases and deaths. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was the only etiology of liver cancer with rising ASIRs and ASDRs. By contrast, ASIRs and ASDRs remained stable for alcohol-related liver cancer, and declined for HBV- and HCV-related liver cancer. ConclusionsWhile age-adjusted incidence and deaths from liver cancer have started to decline, the absolute number of incident cases and deaths continues to increase. Population growth and aging contribute to the observed disconnect in the temporal trends of absolute cases and rates. Disparities remain, and MASLD-related liver cancer continues to surge.

Incidence trends, overall survival, and metastasis prediction using multiple machine learning and deep learning techniques in pediatric and adolescent population with osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma: nomogram and webpage.

The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence and overall survival (OS) of osteosarcoma (OSC) and Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) in a pediatric and adolescent population, employing machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to predict the likelihood of metastasis. Involving 2465 OSC and 1373 EWS patients aged 0-19 years, from 2004 to 2020. ML techniques-Lasso, Ridge Regression, Elastic Net, and Random Forest-were used alongside a deep learning model based on TensorFlow and Keras, to construct predictive models for metastasis. These models were optimized using grid search with cross-validation and evaluated on their performance metrics, including AUC, sensitivity, and accuracy. The variables' importance in metastasis prediction was determined using SHAP values. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, and an online nomogram was developed for clinical use. The age-adjusted incidence of OSC and EWS from 2004 to 2020 showed a significant uptrend. The deep learning model, iterated 50 times, outperformed the Random Forest model in both loss and accuracy stabilization. The nomogram created demonstrated accurate survival predictions, as evidenced by its calibration curves and the distinction between high and low-risk groups. The increasing trend in age-adjusted incidence of OSC and EWS highlights the need for continued research and improved therapeutic strategies in this domain. The study employed ML and DL models to predict distant metastasis in pediatric and adolescent patients with OSC and EWS, providing a valuable tool for prognosis. The online nomogram developed as a part of this research enhances the models' clinical utility, offering an accessible means for clinicians to predict survival outcomes effectively.

The incidence of atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma in Denmark from 2002 to 2022

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess trends in the incidence rates and overall survival of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) in the Danish population from 2002 to 2022. MethodsWe included all patients diagnosed with AFX or PDS in the Danish National Pathology Register (DNPR) during the study period. We computed the age-adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) per 100,000 and the average annual percent change (AAPC) and developed an age-period-cohort (APC) model of incidence. ResultsWe included a total of 1118 patients, 78.3 % of whom were men. The median age upon diagnosis for AFX and PDS was 77.6 and 78.4 years, respectively. 84.5 % of the 1118 patients received an AFX diagnosis, while 15.5 % received a PDS diagnosis. The AAIR rose from 0.2 per 100,000 individuals in 2002 to 0.5 per 100,000 by 2022, with a peak increase of 0.75 per 100,000 in 2014. The AAPC for both tumors was 5.3 (95 % CI 2.9 %–7.7 %). We found a significant difference in overall survival between AFX and PDS, with PDS having worse overall survival than AFX. ConclusionThis study, which included the largest non-selected national population to date, found a significant increase in the incidence of AFX and PDS between 2002 and 2015, followed by a decrease.

Screening Familial Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

Most patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants for breast cancer have not undergone genetic testing. To identify patients meeting family history criteria for genetic testing in the electronic health record (EHR). This study included both cross-sectional (observation date, February 1, 2024) and retrospective cohort (observation period, January 1, 2018, to February 1, 2024) analyses. Participants included patients aged 18 to 79 years enrolled in Renown Health, a large health system in Northern Nevada. Genotype was known for 38 003 patients enrolled in Healthy Nevada Project (HNP), a population genomics study. An EHR indicating that a patient is positive for criteria according to the Seven-Question Family History Questionnaire (hereafter, FHS7 positive) assessing familial risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The primary outcomes were the presence of P/LP variants in the ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or PALB2 genes (cross-sectional analysis) or a diagnosis of cancer (cohort analysis). Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates per 100 000 patients per year were calculated using the 2020 US population as the standard. Hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer attributable to FHS7-positive status were estimated using cause-specific hazard models. Among 835 727 patients, 423 393 (50.7%) were female and 29 913 (3.6%) were FHS7 positive. Among those who were FHS7 positive, 24 535 (82.0%) had no evidence of prior genetic testing for HBOC in their EHR. Being FHS7 positive was associated with increased prevalence of P/LP variants in BRCA1/BRCA2 (odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% CI, 2.48-4.47), CHEK2 (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05-2.43), and PALB2 (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.23-6.16) among HNP female individuals, and in BRCA1/BRCA2 (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.93-5.56) among HNP male individuals. Being FHS7 positive was also associated with significantly increased risk of cancer among 131 622 non-HNP female individuals (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.22-1.70) but not among 114 982 non-HNP male individuals (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.87-1.42). Among 1527 HNP survey respondents, 352 of 383 EHR-FHS7 positive patients (91.9%) were survey-FHS7 positive, but only 352 of 883 survey-FHS7 positive patients (39.9%) were EHR-FHS7 positive. Of the 29 913 FHS7-positive patients, 19 764 (66.1%) were identified only after parsing free-text family history comments. Socioeconomic differences were also observed between EHR-FHS7-negative and EHR-FHS7-positive patients, suggesting disparities in recording family history. In this cross-sectional study, EHR-derived FHS7 identified thousands of patients with familial risk for breast cancer, indicating a substantial gap in genetic testing. However, limitations in EHR family history data suggested that other identification methods, such as direct-to-patient questionnaires, are required to fully address this gap.

Modern epidemiological features of viral acute intestinal infections in children and adolescents of Sakhalin region

Objective: to identify modern epidemiological features of viral acute intestinal infections in children and adolescents in the Sakhalin Region.Materials and methods. Data on acute intestinal infection incidence obtained from statistical reports of the Rospotrebnadzor during 2021-2023 was compared with long-term average incidence rates calculated over the period before the COVID-19 pandemic (2010-2019) to perform epidemiological analysis. Incidence was calculated for different age groups; according to months of the year, monthly long-term average incidence rates were established. Index of seasonality, coefficient of seasonality, and index of seasonal growth were determined.Results and discussion. Manifestations of acute intestinal infections epidemic process in the Sakhalin Region indicate persisting conditions for an increase in the registration of both sporadic cases of diseases and outbreaks of infectious diarrhea. Viruses were prevailing in the structure of cases of known etiology (mainly caused by rotaviruses and noroviruses). Their intra-annual dynamics showed changes in rotavirus and norovirus infection incidence rates: a shift in periods of increased incidence, a decrease in the coefficient of seasonality, and for rotavirus infection, a decrease in the index of seasonal growth. Age-adjusted rotavirus infection incidence showed predominance of the infection among preschool-aged children; norovirus infection was frequently detected among schoolchildren and adolescents. An increase in the focality index may indicate ongoing problems in the public catering sector, non-compliance with sanitary rules and hygiene standards, and untimely detection and isolation of patients with acute intestinal infections.Conclusion. Obtained results confirm the epidemiological significance of viral gastroenteritis and the necessity of anti-epidemic measures optimization.

Abstract A046: Disparities in cancer burden and survival rates in persistent poverty communities in Los Angeles County

Abstract Objective: Persistent poverty census tracts (PPT) are those with socioeconomic challenges where prolonged economic disadvantages may significantly influence health outcomes. This study examined the cancer burden and survival patterns in PPTs compared to non-PPTs in Los Angeles County (LAC) considering disparities by race/ethnicity and stage at diagnosis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of 2012-2021 Cancer Registry data examined age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) and survival rates for lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, breast, and prostate cancers, which are the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center priority cancers. Cancer-specific data were further stratified by racial/ethnic group and stage at diagnosis, and compared across residents in PPTs, non-PPTs, and LAC overall. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between groups were assessed by log-rank tests. Results: PPTs in LAC were characterized by a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities, lower education levels, and higher unemployment compared to non-PPTs. In all racial/ethnic groups combined, AAIRs for lung, breast, and prostate cancers were lower in PPTs than non-PPTs, whereas AAIRS for liver and stomach cancers were higher in PPTs, with no differences for colorectal cancer. Disparities emerged when considering race and ethnicity, with higher lung cancer AAIRs among Non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Black/African American (B/AA) PPT residents compared to non-PPT, while AAIRs for lung and colorectal cancers were lower among Hispanic/Latino (H/L) PPT residents compared to non-PPTs. Breast and prostate cancer AAIRs remained lower in PPTs than in non-PPTS regardless of racial/ethnic group. Patients in PPTs exhibit significantly lower five-year survival rates across all studied cancers, except stomach, compared to non-PPTs. B/AA patients showed the lowest five-year survival rates for lung and colorectal cancer, with patients in PPTs experiencing significantly lower rates than patients in non-PPTs regardless of disease stage (p < 0.01 for early- or late-stage). Liver cancer survival rates were notably low, especially for H/L and Asian/Pacific Islander patients in PPTs, with five-year survival for late-stage cancer at 4.9% (95%CI: 2.8-8.5) and 5.4% (95%CI: 2.1-14.0), respectively. Patients in PPTs with late-stage breast or prostate cancer exhibited significantly lower 5-year survival (compared to non-PPTs) across all race/ethnicities, with B/AA patients experiencing the lowest survival rates for breast cancer and NHW patients experiencing the lowest survival rates for prostate cancer. Conclusions: Cancer outcomes for patients in PPTs were significantly poorer compared to those in non-PPT communities. The notably lower AAIRs in PPTs versus non-PPTs for more screen-able cancers, such as breast, prostate, and early-stage colorectal cancer, suggest a need for greater efforts to provide access to routine screening in areas affected by persistent poverty, though other causes cannot be ruled out. Citation Format: Miriam L Gorbatov, Joel S. Mendez, Myles Cockburn, Laura K. Thompson, Lihua Liu, Jennifer Tsui, Kali Zhou, V. Wendy Setiawan, Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Mariana C. Stern. Disparities in cancer burden and survival rates in persistent poverty communities in Los Angeles County [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A046.

Abstract A032: Disparities in molecular subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia incidence by age, race/ethnicity, and sex in the United States

Abstract Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and a heterogeneous disease comprising several molecular subtypes. The increased risks of ALL in individuals assigned male at birth and in those of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity compared to non-Hispanic White individuals are well known. Less well-established are potential differences in the prevalence of specific molecular subtypes of ALL by sex or racial/ethnic groups. Here, we provide updates on incidence patterns for lymphoid leukemias reported by cancer registries across the United States, leveraging recent data on molecular subtypes of ALL. We obtained data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registry (NAACCR) for United States-specific incidence cases from 2000 through 2020. Diagnoses and leukemia subtype reporting, limited to ALL only, was based on the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition (ICD-O-3). Age-adjusted (2000 US Standard) incidence rates (AAIR) were calculated using SEER*Stat (version 8.4.3). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to assess patterns in leukemia incidence by sex and by race/ethnicity across three age groups: 0- 14 (children), 15-39 (adolescents and young adults, AYA) and 40+ (older adults) years. Information on selected molecular subtypes of ALL was available for cases diagnoses 2010 onwards, from ICD-0-3 histology codes that were determined by genetics and/or immunophenotyping. Overall and in each age group compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), Blacks/African- Americans (B/AAs) had significantly lower AAIRs for ALL whereas Hispanic/Latinos (H/Ls) had significantly higher AAIRs, in particular for B-cell ALL. Analysis by molecular subtypes revealed that overall, H/Ls were at higher risk for BCR::ABL1 translocation than NHWs, with the greatest difference seen in AYAs in which H/Ls had a 2.5-fold (95% CI=2.08-3.00) higher risk of BCR::ABL1. In children, H/Ls had significantly higher incidences of several ALL subtypes compared with NHWs, including BCR::ABL1 (IRR=1.5; 95% CI=1.13-1.98) and TCF3::PBX1 (IRR=2.0; 95% CI=1.43-2.79) but also ETV6::RUNX1 and high hyperdiploidy (both IRR=1.27; 95% CI=1.12-1.43). Males were at significantly higher risk than females for ALL and its subtypes across all ages combined and stratified age categories. In particular, males had a 2.5- fold increased risk of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia compared to females (IRR=2.5; 95% CI=2.28-2.73) in all ages combined, and a 3.0-fold increased risk in both AYAs (95% CI=2.59-3.46) and older adults (95% CI=2.54-3.54). Among molecular subtypes, the highest IRR was observed for BCR::ABL1 in AYAs wherein males were at 50% increased risk (IRR=1.5; 95% CI=1.27-1.76). In addition to confirming the previously reported disparities in ALL incidence by race/ethnicity and by sex, we report an increased incidence of particular molecular subtypes of ALL in Hispanics/Latinos and in males. Studies to investigate potential genetic and environmental risk factors underlying these disparities are warranted. Citation Format: Anmol A. Pardeshi, Juanita Elizabeth Quino, Nicholas Acuna, Talar Habeshian, Raymond Hughley, Isabella Ortiz, Michelle Tran, Ying Yan, Cindy Zamora, Joseph l. Wiemels, Kai-Ya Tsai, Lihua Liu, Adam J de Smith. Disparities in molecular subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia incidence by age, race/ethnicity, and sex in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A032.

Abstract A038: Uncovering the role of social determinants of health in racial disparities in cancer incidence in Alabama

Abstract Purpose Black-White racial disparities have long been recognized in cancer incidence. National estimates may not reflect racial disparities in individual states. In Alabama (AL), a primarily rural underserved state, Black Americans are more often diagnosed with breast, prostate and colorectal cancer (CRC), with Black men more often diagnosed with lung cancer. Although rurality and area-level deprivation, as social determinants of health (SDoH), have been associated with cancer, their role in explaining racial disparities in cancer incidence remains unknown. We assessed racial disparities in breast, prostate, CRC and lung cancer incidence in AL. Methods We used the Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry (ASCR) to collect data on incident cases of breast, prostate, CRC and lung cancers diagnosed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. We categorized cases according to age group (0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-64, 65-84, ≥85 years), racial/ethnic group (non-Hispanic Black/White), rural-urban status (defined by AL Rural Health Association), and national area deprivation index (ADI) quartile (Q1-Q4) of census tract at diagnosis. For each combination of these variables, we calculated age-adjusted incidence per 100,000. We conducted bivariate descriptive analysis of incidence rates by race, and rural-urban status and ADI quartile stratified by race. Results Incidence of breast, prostate and CRC cancer was higher in Black versus White individuals (breast 143 vs 127; prostate 206 vs100; CRC males 57.2 vs 45.4, CRC females 42.7 vs 32.6). Lung cancer incidence was higher in Black males and White females (Black vs White: males 82.7 vs 77.6; females 36.9 vs 49.9). In all cancers, racial differences in incidence existed by rural versus urban status (breast Black 142 vs 144, breast White 131 vs 124; prostate Black 204 vs 207, prostate White 101 vs 99.4; male CRC Black 60 vs 55.3, male CRC White 47.7 vs 43, female CRC Black 43.5 vs 42.3, female CRC White 35.2 vs 30.2; male lung Black 84.5 vs 81.7, male lung White 85.1 vs 70.2, female lung Black 31.4 vs 40.1, female lung White 54.4 vs 45.6). In all cancers, racial differences in incidence also existed by ADI status (reporting Q1 vs Q4) [breast Black 190 vs 130, breast White 144 vs 118; prostate Black 269 vs 189, prostate White 109 vs 101; CRC male Black 64.2 vs 56.7, CRC male White 41.2 vs 49.7, CRC female Black 43.4 vs 43.5, CRC female White 29.5 vs 36.6; lung male Black 73.7 vs 91, lung male White 57.9 vs 97.6, lung female Black 41 vs 37.7, lung female White 40.8 vs 60.7]. Conclusions In AL, racial differences in incidence rates for each of the most common cancers exist overall and by key SDoH. Generally, Black individuals have higher rates of cancer, particularly those in rural and low ADI areas. Next, we will perform a decomposition analysis to decompose the Black/White differences in incidence into a portion explained and unexplained by rural-urban status and ADI. Ultimately, these results may inform interventions in a rural underserved state with a large Black population at higher risk of cancer. Citation Format: Mackenzie E. Fowler, Hayden Reeves, Melissa J. Smith, Geetanjali Saini, Mahak Bhargava, Ritu Aneja. Uncovering the role of social determinants of health in racial disparities in cancer incidence in Alabama [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A038.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: Unique features and low lethality compared with small bowel adenocarcinoma.

Population-based studies comparing clinical characteristics and survival disparities between patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) and small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) in the United States are limited. Data for patients with SBA or SBNETs, obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for the years between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Between 2000 and 2018, the age-adjusted incidence of SBA experienced a marginal increase whereas SBNETs demonstrated a significant increase, emerging as the predominant subtype of small bowel cancer (SBC). Diagnoses peaked at ages 65-69years for SBA and 60-64years for SBNETs, with the latter exhibiting a heightened age-specific incidence and maintaining equilibrium in gender distribution. Clinicopathologic disparities revealed SBA's duodenal predilection, larger tumor size, and advanced stages, contrasting with SBNETs' ileal predilection, early-stage presentation, and superior outcomes. SBNETs patients underwent surgery more frequently but received less chemotherapy and radiation than SBA patients. Factors intricately correlated with a diagnosis of SBNETs included female gender, White race, advanced age, marital status, recent diagnoses, superior tumor differentiation, smaller size, distal location, and early-stage presentation. Survival analysis unveiled a remarkable 79% reduction in the mortality risk for SBNETs compared with SBA. Subgroup analysis further confirmed the consistently favorable survival advantages of SBNETs, highlighting the clinical relevance of histological classification in prognostication. Compared with SBA, SBNETs exhibited distinctive clinicopathological features characterized by a higher inclination toward low-grade and early-stage manifestations, thereby contributing to superior survival outcomes.

Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality in US Adolescents and Young Adults, 2016-2021.

(1) Background: The incidence rate of early onset-cancer (<50) has increased since 1995. Among younger people, cancers in AYAs (aged 15-39 y) are often biologically distinct tumors from those treated in the pediatric and older adult population. The current study describes trends in the United States for the most recent years including the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic. We aimed to describe the recent incidence and mortality trends of cancers in AYAs (aged 15-39 y). (2) Methods: We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER 22) from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021. Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were assessed by SEER*Stat 8.4.3 for major cancer types by sex, race/ethnicity, age, and metropolitan/nonmetropolitan status. Time trends of age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were examined by sex and metropolitan/nonmetropolitan status. (3) Results: Age-adjusted overall cancer incidence and mortality rates were stable during this study period. The age-adjusted incidence rates declined significantly for ependymoma, melanoma, carcinomas of lung, bronchus, and trachea, unspecified malignant neoplasms, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Significant increases were found for gastrointestinal tract cancers and non-Kaposi sarcomas. The age-adjusted mortality rate decreased for acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, carcinomas of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, kidney and, in women, leukemia. For some cancers, rates differed by sex, race, ethnicity, and geography. Monitoring the rates and time trends of AYA cancer emphasizes the distinct health concern for this age group.

Mapping the Hidden Terrain of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Exploring Regional Differences in Incidence and Mortality across Two Decades by Using the Largest US Datasets.

Background: There is an observed variation in the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across different US populations. Our study aims to comprehensively assess variations in HCC incidence and mortality rates across different regions of the US. Understanding these geographical differences is crucial, given prior evidence indicating variations in the incidence of viral hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and varying access to curative HCC treatment among states. Methods: HCC age-adjusted incidence rates between 2001 and 2021 were obtained from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database (which covers approximately 98% of the US population). HCC age-adjusted mortality rates between 2000 and 2022 were obtained from the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS) database (covering approximately 100% of the US population). The rates were categorized by US geographical region into West, Midwest, Northeast, and South. Incidence rates were also categorized by race/ethnicity. Time trends [annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC)] were estimated by using Joinpoint Regression via the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria (p < 0.05). Results: Between 2001 and 2021, there were 491,039 patients diagnosed with HCC in the US (74.2% males). The highest incidence rate per 100,000 population was noted in the West (7.38), followed by the South (6.85). Overall incidence rates increased between 2001 and 2015 and then significantly decreased until 2021 (APC = -2.29). Most cases were in the South (38.8%), which also had the greatest increase in incidence (AAPC = 2.74). All four geographical regions exhibited an overall similar trend with an increase in incidence over the first 10-15 years followed by stable or decreasing rates. While stratification of the trends by race/ethnicity showed slight variations among the regions and groups, the findings are largely similar to all race/ethnic groups combined. Between 2000 and 2022, there were 370,450 patients whose death was attributed to HCC in the US (71.6% males). The highest mortality rate per 100,000 population was noted in the South (5.02), followed by the West (4.99). Overall mortality rates significantly increased between 2000 and 2013 (APC = 1.90), then stabilized between 2013 and 2016, and then significantly decreased till 2022 (APC = -1.59). Most deaths occurred in the South (35.8%), which also had the greatest increase in mortality (AAPC = 1.33). All four geographical regions followed an overall similar trend, with an increase in mortality over the first 10-15 years, followed by stable or decreasing rates. Conclusions: Our analysis, capturing about 98% of the US population, demonstrates an increase in HCC incidence and mortality rates in all geographical regions from 2000 to around 2014-2016, followed by stabilizing and decreasing incidence and mortality rates. We observed regional variations, with the highest incidence and mortality rates noted in the West and South regions and the fastest increase in both incidence and mortality noted in the South. Our findings are likely attributable to the introduction of antiviral therapy. Furthermore, demographic, socioeconomic, and comorbid variability across geographical regions in the US might also play a role in the observed trends. We provide important epidemiologic data for HCC in the US, prompting further studies to investigate the underlying factors responsible for the observed regional variations in HCC incidence and mortality.

Improving access to inflammatory bowel disease care in Canada: The patient experience.

Canada has one of the highest age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Large patient volumes and limited resources have created challenges concerning the quality of IBD care, but little is known about patients' experiences. This paper aimed to better understand patient-perceived barriers to IBD care. An exploratory qualitative approach was used for this study. Fourteen focus groups (with 63 total participants) were co-facilitated by a researcher and patient research partner across eight Canadian provinces in 2018. Patients diagnosed with IBD (>18 years of age) and their caregivers were purposefully recruited through Crohn's and Colitis Canada, gastroenterology clinics and communities, and national social media campaigns. Focus group sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Most participants self-identified as being white and women. The analysis generated four key themes regarding patient-perceived barriers and gaps in access to IBD care: (1) gatekeepers and their lack of IBD knowledge, (2) expenses and time, (3) lack of holistic care, and (4) care that is not patient-centered. An additional four themes were generated on the topic of patient-perceived areas of health system improvement for IBD care: (1) direct access to care, (2) good care providers, (3) electronic records and passports, and (4) multidisciplinary care or an 'IBD dream team'. This research contributes to the limited global knowledge on patients' experiences accessing IBD care. It is valuable for the development of care plans and policies to target gaps in care. Patients have identified system-level barriers and ideas for improvement, which should be taken into consideration when implementing system redesign and policy change.

Worldwide analysis of actionable genomic alterations in lung cancer and targeted pharmacogenomic strategies

Based on data from the Global Cancer Statistics 2022, lung cancer stands as the most lethal cancer worldwide, with age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates of 23.6 and 16.9 per 100,000 people, respectively. Despite significant strides in precision oncology driven by large-scale international research consortia, there remains a critical need to deepen our understanding of the genomic landscape across diverse racial and ethnic groups. To address this challenge, we performed comprehensive in silico analyses and data mining to identify pathogenic variants in genes that drive lung cancer. We subsequently calculated the allele frequencies and assessed the deleteriousness of these oncogenic variants among populations such as African, Amish, Ashkenazi Jewish, East and South Asian, Finnish and non-Finnish European, Latino, and Middle Eastern. Our analysis examined 117,707 variants within 86 lung cancer-associated genes across 75,109 human genomes, uncovering 8042 variants that are known or predicted to be pathogenic. We prioritized variants based on their allele frequencies and deleterious scores, and identified those with potential significance for response to anti-cancer therapies through in silico drug simulations, current clinical pharmacogenomic guidelines, and ongoing late-stage clinical trials targeting lung cancer-driving proteins. In conclusion, it is crucial to unite global efforts to create public health policies that emphasize prevention strategies and ensure access to clinical trials, pharmacogenomic testing, and cancer research for these groups in developed nations.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated declines in cancer incidence by race/ethnicity and census-tract level SES, rurality, and persistent poverty status.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on cancer screening and treatment, particularly in 2020. However, no single study has comprehensively analyzed its effects on cancer incidence and disparities among groups such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), persistent poverty (PP), and rurality. Utilizing the recent data from the United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, we calculated delay- and age-adjusted incidence rates for 13 cancer sites in 2020 and 2015-2019. Percent changes (PCs) of rates in 2020 compared to 2015-2019 were measured and compared across race/ethnic, census tract-level SES, PP, and rurality groups. Overall, incidence rates decreased from 2015-2019 to 2020, with varying PCs by cancer sites and population groups. Notably, NH Blacks showed significantly larger PCs than NH Whites in female lung, prostate, and colon cancers (e.g., prostate cancer: NH Blacks -7.3, 95% CI: [-9.0, -5.5]; NH Whites: -3.1, 95% CI: [-3.9, -2.2]). Significantly larger PCs were observed for the lowest versus highest SES groups (prostate cancer), PP versus non-PP groups (prostate and female breast cancer), and all urban versus rural areas (prostate, female breast, female and male lung, colon, cervix, melanoma, liver, bladder, and kidney cancer). The COVID-19 pandemic coincided with reduction in incidence rates in the U.S. in 2020 and was associated with worsening disparities among groups, including race/ethnicity, SES, rurality, and PP groups, across most cancer sites. Further investigation is needed to understand the specific effects of COVID-19 on different population groups of interest.

790. RISK FACTORS FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER IN NORTHEAST INDIA: A MULTI-CENTRIC CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract Background Northeast India has a high incidence of esophageal cancer(EC), with age-adjusted incidences ranging from 19 to 50 per 100,000 (in females and males respectively). This is over ten times the average incidence of EC in India. The local preparation of raw betel nut,‘kwai’, is integral to the culture, but its role has not been established. This study aimed to assess the role of betel nut, with or without tobacco as a causative agent for EC. The role of alcohol was also studied. Methods A multi-centric, matched case-control study was performed from October 2022 to March 2024 in three centres situated in the Northeast region of India. All cases of biopsy proven squamous EC, arising from the cricopharynx to the gastroesophageal junction were included, with matched controls (1:3 ratio) being patients visiting the hospital for minor ailments and healthy volunteers from the community. A validated questionnaire was administered by trained trial coordinators. The data was analysed using a conditional multivariate logistic regression which incorporated the individual matching of cases with 3 controls. A p-value of &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 185 cases and 556 controls were matched for age (± 5 years), ethnicity, and gender. There was an increased risk of EC for those consuming betelnut with slaked lime [Calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2] (Odds Ratio(OR) of 3.77 (Confidence Interval(CI) 1.30-10.92)); alcohol (OR 2.00 CI: 1.80-6.67) and tobacco (OR 3.47 CI:1.80-6.67). The risk was higher for those who swallowed the betel quid and juice as compared with those who spit it out (OR 4.01 CI: 2.24-6.73). The risk was increased in those consuming betelnut while hungry, instead of a meal (OR 10.40 CI 3.66-29.57). The risk was increased in those with no formal education (OR of 4.13 CI: 2.01-8.49). On adjusting with other risk factors (tobacco and alcohol), the risk was highest for betelnut with tobacco (OR 7.84 CI 2.12-29.90) and betelnut with alcohol (OR 2.84 CI 1.11-7.29). All these OR were statistically significant. Conclusion Consumption of betelnut with slaked lime increases the risk of EC. This risk is increased by the concomitant use of tobacco and alcohol.

Epidemiology, survival and new treatment modalities for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare biliary tract cancer with increasing incidence and poor survival rates. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and survival trends of iCCA patients over 20 years using a national cancer database, and assess the temporal association between survival and landmark clinical trials. Data was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) were calculated from 2000 to 2020. Overall survival was analyzed based on diagnosis time and disease stage. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2020. Landmark clinical trials were reviewed to determine temporal changes in survival. In this analysis of 28,918 iCCA patients, the AAIR increased from 0.49 per 100,000 in 2000 to 1.38 in 2020 [annual percent change (APC) 6.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.32 to 7.56], with a notable decline from 2019 to 2020. Incidence rates overall displayed an uptrend course across subgroups divided by sex, race, age, and disease stage. The age-adjusted median overall survival (mOS) improved from 5.28 months in 2000 to 9.3 months in 2013, then stabilized between 8.0-9.0 months after 2013. Using 2010 as a cutoff, when the ABC-02 trial was published, the decade-based mOS increased from 6.55 months in 2000-2010 to 9.06 months in 2010-2020. During 2015-2020, the overall mOS was 8.8 months, with mOS of 24.3, 12.1, and 5.4 months for local, regional, and distant stages, respectively. The study indicates a steady rise in iCCA incidence since 2000 across all subgroups. Survival rates improved since 2000 but stabilized after 2013, following the ABC-02 trial publication in 2010. The impact of more recent clinical trials on survival rates requires further analysis in the coming years.

Cholinesterase Inhibitor Initiation Does Not Increase the Risk of Fall-Related Injury in Older Adults Treated With Beta-Blockers: A Self-Controlled Case Series Design.

Prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) concurrently with beta-blockers might cause syncope that increases the risk of fall-related injuries (FRIs). This self-controlled case series study assesses the risk of FRIs associated with initiating ChEIs while receiving beta-blockers among Medicare fee-for-service-insured nursing home (NH) residents in the United States. We identified individuals at their first dispensing of a beta-blocker between 2016 and 2019 after at least 45 days of long-stay NH residency. Individuals were followed from the first day of beta-blocker use until beta-blocker discontinuation, Medicare disenrollment, death, or study end. ChEI initiation was classified as the first 60 days of new ChEI dispensing after 45 days of no ChEI exposure. FRIs were assessed during beta-blocker use periods, and age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) for ChEI-initiation days versus other days were calculated using conditional Poisson regression models. Analyses were weighted for event-dependent observation periods due to the high risk of mortality after an FRI in this population. Subgroup analyses were conducted for several key time-fixed variables, including sex, age, ChEI type, ChEI dose, beta-blocker selectivity, and beta-blocker dose. The FRI risk after ChEI initiation was not elevated among 837 residents who experienced an FRI while using beta-blockers (IRR=0.90 [95%CLs 0.71, 1.15]). Analyses of ChEI initiation in several subgroups yielded similar results. There was no substantial difference in FRI risk when initiating ChEIs among older NH residents receiving beta-blocker therapy versus periods without ChEI initiation, suggesting that there is no clinically significant pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction between beta-blockers and ChEIs.

Pediatric melanoma incidence and survival: a fifteen-year nationwide retrospective cohort study in Korea.

The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and the associated risk factors influencing its occurrence and survival among Koreans aged <20 years. In this retrospective cohort investigation, we identified cases of incident melanoma diagnosed in Korean patients aged 0-19 years between 2004 and 2019, utilizing the National Health Insurance database. We assessed annual fluctuations in age-adjusted incidence rates and examined 5-year survival rates based on various factors, including sex, age, income level, sun-exposed sites, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Of 1160 patients, 51.4% were male and 48.6% were female. The mean age of the patients was 11 years, mostly belonging to the top 25% high-income group. The head and neck regions were the most frequently affected sites. The overall age-adjusted incidence rate of melanoma was 0.22 per 100,000 persons. This rate witnessed a decline of 4.5% annually from 2004 to 2012, followed by a subsequent increase of 12.6% annually from 2012 to 2019. Notably, patients with CMM in low-sun-exposed sites exhibited poorer survival rates compared with those in high-sun-exposed areas ( P < 0.05). The incidence of melanomas in children and adolescents in Korea has shown a rising trend since 2012. Further research is needed to investigate the etiology and risk factors in pediatric patients.

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma of the cheek: a case report

BackgroundPrimary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is a rare neoplasia of the sweat gland. The age-adjusted incidence was 0.024 tumors per 100,000 person-years. It is possible that the actual number of tumors may be slightly higher than previously estimated as some cases of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma may have been mistaken for benign tumors and removed by laser therapy without histologic examination.Case presentationWe report a 58-year-old Chinese man with primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma. The patient presented to our care with an indolent nodule on the left cheek, which was proven to be a mucinous adenocarcinoma by excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical staining. Following a comprehensive evaluation, including whole-body computed tomography and positron emission tomography, metastases from other sites were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma. The patient underwent an additional wide resection surgery to ensure a safe margin and was then recommended to undergo regular follow-up.ConclusionThis case is one of the few published Chinese cases in literature of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma. Diagnosis of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is challenging, and treatment options are limited. Collaboration between clinicians and pathologists is crucial for optimal outcomes. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to provide evidence for the management of this disease.