Changes in the Epidemiologic Pattern of Primary CNS Tumors in Response to the Aging Population: An Updated Nationwide Cancer Registry Data in the Republic of Korea.

PURPOSE: Primary CNS tumors (PCNSTs) are tumors originating from the brain and surrounding tissues. These tumors account for a significant proportion of cancer deaths and morbidity globally. Accurate epidemiologic data are essential for shaping clinical practices, research priorities, and health care policies. This study presents the latest 2020 national data on PCNSTs from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and explores the trends in incidence and their societal implications in the context of an aging population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational study conducted using data sourced from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database by the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The study analyzed national data on PCNSTs in the ROK for the years 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2020. RESULTS: In 2020, 15,568 new PCNST cases were diagnosed in the ROK. The overall crude rate was 30.32, and the age-standardized rate was 19.37 per 100,000 persons. A decade-long trend analysis revealed an increasing trend in newly diagnosed glioblastoma and lymphoma, and a decreasing trend in embryonal tumors, in relation to the aging population of the ROK. CONCLUSION: This study shows the significant impact of demographic shifts on the epidemiologic patterns of PCNSTs in the ROK. Our findings emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to address the rising challenges posed by the changing incidence of PCNSTs related to an aging population.

Conditional Relative Survival of Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Adjusted prognostic information is important for treatment decisions, especially in elderly patients or survivors of exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC). This study aims to investigate conditional relative survival (CS) rates and conditional probabilities of death in patients with EPC. METHODS: Data of 77,975 individuals diagnosed with EPC between 1999 and 2019 were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. CS was analyzed across strata including histology groups (ductal adenocarcinoma excluding cystic or mucinous [group I, PDAC] and ductal adenocarcinoma specified as mucinous or cystic adenocarcinoma [group II]), and age. RESULTS: For PDAC, the overall 5-year relative survival (RS) rate at diagnosis, 3-year CS of 2-year survivors, and 5-year CS of 5-year survivors were 8.5%, 50.1%, and 77.6%, respectively. Overall conditional probabilities of death were 85.2% (≥ 80 years), 73.5% (70-79 years), and 62.0% (60-69 years) in year 1 after diagnosis. Among patients with localized or regional stage who underwent surgery, conditional probabilities of death of ≥ 80, 70-79, and 60-69 years were 37.7%, 32.5%, and 22.6% in the first year, and 26.6%, 27.2%, and 26.0% in year 2 after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Half of patients with EPC who survived for 2 years survived for an additional 3 years. However, 5-year PDAC survivors require follow-up as more than 20% do not survive for a further 5 years. Elderly patients should not be excluded from active treatment for localized or regional-stage PDAC, as the CS of elderly patients who are fit enough to undergo surgery is not inferior to that of younger patients.

Incidence and survival of gynecologic cancer including cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal, vulvar cancer and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in Korea, 1999-2019: Korea Central Cancer Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, trends, and survival rates of all gynecologic cancers using the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) database from 1999-2019. METHODS: Gynecologic cancer data were obtained from the KCCR database between 1999 and 2019. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs), annual percentage changes, and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated. The relative survival rate (RSR) was reported by age group, stage, and 6-year period (I: 1999-2005, II: 2006-2012, III: 2013- 2019). RESULTS: The gynecologic cancer ASRs were 26.2 and 24.9 per 100,000 individuals in 1999 and 2019, respectively. Trends of incidence in gynecologic cancer revealed a decrease in cervical cancer and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with AAPCs of -3.4 and -4.3, respectively. Conversely, the incidence of uterine, ovarian, and vulvar cancers increased with AAPCs of 4.7, 2.3, and 2.1, respectively. AAPC for vaginal cancer showed no change. The 5-year survival rate was highest for GTN (90.5%) and lowest for vaginal cancer (56.6%). An increase in age was correlated with poorer survival rates across all gynecologic cancers, excluding vaginal cancer. For all gynecologic cancer types, the prognosis deteriorates with advancing cancer stages. The RSR of uterine cancer improved consistently across all periods. The ovarian cancer RSR improved more in period III than in periods I or II. Additionally, the vulvar cancer RSR improved more in periods II and III than in period I. CONCLUSION: In Korea, the incidence of cervical cancer and GTN decreased, whereas the incidence of uterine, ovarian, and vulvar cancer increased from 1999 to 2019. The RSR for uterine, ovarian, and vulvar cancers showed consistent improvements over different periods. Effective screening programs and the adoption of advanced treatments may be necessary to further reduce the burden of gynecologic cancer.

Incidence and survival rates of primary uterine carcinosarcoma in Korea: a National Cancer Registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and survival rates of primary uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) in Korea. METHODS: From the Korea Central Cancer Registry, we identified patients diagnosed with primary UCS between 1999 and 2018 and collected their information, including age at diagnosis, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) summary stage, and treatment. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated. Baseline characteristics and overall survival (OS) were compared by study periods, ages, and stages at initial diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence rate of primary UCS increased markedly during the time period: ASRs, 0.02 per 100,000 in 1999 and 0.25 per 100,000 in 2018 (APC, 13.9%; p<0.001). No difference in OS was observed between patients diagnosed in 1999-2008 and those diagnosed in 2009-2018 (5-year survival rate, 46.0% vs. 48.6%; p=0.871). Considering the mean patient age at diagnosis of UCS, we divided the study population into 2 groups. Patients aged ≥60 years had a more frequent prior radiation history, received less multi-modality treatment, and showed worse OS than those aged <60 years (5-year survival rate, 42.7% vs. 53.6%; p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, both old age at diagnosis (≥60 years) and the SEER summary stage were identified as independent poor prognostic factors for OS, whereas radiation history before the diagnosis of UCS was not. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of UCS in Korea increased significantly from 1999 to 2018. Advanced stage and old age (≥60 years) at diagnosis might be poor prognostic factors for survival, but not prior radiation history.

Conditional relative survival of patients with endometrial cancer: a Korean National Cancer Registry study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate 5-year conditional relative survival (5Y CRS) rates of endometrial cancer (EC) in Korea accounting for time already survived. Subgroup-specific estimates stratified by various patient characteristics were also presented. METHODS: Using the data from the Korean Central Cancer Registry, 5Y CRS rates were calculated in patients who were diagnosed with EC between 1998 and 2017. The CRS rates were presented by year of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, histology, cancer stage, and treatment received. RESULTS: The 5-year relative survival rate at the time of diagnosis was 89.0% for all cases. The probability of surviving an additional 5 years (i.e., 5Y CRS), if the patient survived 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after diagnosis was 91.8%, 94.1%, 95.6%, 96.5%, and 97.3%, respectively. Patients with poor initial prognoses, i.e., those who were older, had non-endometrioid histology, and high stage, showed the largest improvements in 5Y CRS, reaching >90% for most subgroups, except those with serous histology (88.4%) and distant stage (77.7%). Patients aged ≥70 years had the highest probability of death in the 1st and 2nd years after diagnosis (13.8 and 11.0%), but the conditional probability of death in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th years declined rapidly to 7.3%, 4.5%, and 3.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The CRS rates for patients with EC improved with increased time elapsed from diagnosis. The greatest improvements in 5Y CRS were observed among patients who were older, those with non-endometrioid histology, and those with more advanced disease.

Trends in Incidence and Survival of Patients With Thymic Epithelial Tumor in a High-Incidence Asian Country: Analysis of the Korean Central Cancer Registry 1999 to 2017.

INTRODUCTION: To report the trends in incidence and survival associated with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) in Korea. METHODS: Data from 1999 to 2017 were obtained from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. Age-standardized incidence rates and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated. Net survival (NS) was estimated by the Pohar-Perme method. RESULTS: Among 5812 patients diagnosed with having TETs, 58.9%, 38.1%, and 3.0% were diagnosed with having thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic neuroendocrine tumor (NET), respectively. Age-standardized incidence rates were 0.50, 0.30, 0.18, and 0.02 per 100,000 for all TETs and the respective subtypes. There was an increase in incidence of all TETs (AAPC = 6.1%) and subtypes: thymoma (AAPC = 5.6%), thymic carcinoma (AAPC = 7.0%), and thymic NET (AAPC = 3.4%). Proportions of patients with thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic NET were 58.9%, 38.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. For thymoma, the relative proportion of distant stage decreased (19.4% in 2005 to 8.8% in 2017) and low-grade WHO subtype (A, AB, B1) increased faster than high-grade WHO type (B2, B3) (AAPC = 19.8% versus 9.6%). For thymoma, the 5-year NS was 82.3%. This increased from 64.3% in 1999 to 2002 to 90.6% in 2013 to 2017. For thymic carcinoma, the 5-year NS was 46.2% and only slightly increased from 39.4% in 1999 to 2002 to 47.9% in 2013 to 2017. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a high incidence of TET and its continuous increase in Korea. The proportion of thymic carcinoma was relatively higher than in the United States or Europe. Survival for thymoma improved during the study period, whereas this was not evident for thymic carcinoma or thymic NET.

Trends in incidence and survival of patients with vulvar cancer in an Asian country: Analysis of the Korean Central Cancer Registry 1999-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To report 20-year trends in incidence and survival of vulvar cancer in Korea. METHODS: Using data from the Korean Central Cancer Registry, age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and annual percentage changes (APCs) were calculated. Net survival (NS) was estimated by the Pohar-Perme method, and conditional net survival (CNS) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2221 patients was diagnosed with vulvar cancer during the 1999-2018 period, with an ASR of 0.32 per 100,000 person-years. Among the cases, 51.4% were squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), 21.3% were Paget disease, and 8.6% were basal cell carcinoma (BCC). There was an increase in incidence for all vulvar cancer (APC 2.4%, 95% CI 1.8-3.0). However, although BCC (APC 7.0%, 95% CI 3.3-10.8) and Paget disease (APC 5.9%, 95% CI 4.2-7.6) increased, SqCC did not (APC 0.2%, 95% CI -0.8-1.2). There was an increase in incidence in all age groups. The 5Y NS was 74.0% overall, and it did not improve significantly during the study period. The 5Y CNS of vulvar cancer increased continuously with time survived: from 74.0% (71.4-76.4) at baseline to 98.1% (95% CI, 85.4-99.8) at 5 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of vulvar cancer in Korea showed a different pattern from those in the US and Europe: SqCC incidence was relatively low and remained stable, but the incidence of BCC and Paget's disease increased. Survival did not improve in the past two decades. Patients can be considered cured after surviving for 5 years.

Mobile Phone Use and Time Trend of Brain Cancer Incidence Rate in Korea.

This study evaluated the time trends in mobile phone subscriber number by mobile network generation (G) and brain cancer incidence by type in Korea. We obtained data from the Information Technology Statistics of Korea (1984-2017) and Korea Central Cancer Registry (1999-2017). The average annual percent change was estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis. We evaluated 29,721 brain cancer cases with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 2.89/100,000 persons. The glioma and glioblastoma annual ASR significantly increased in 2.6% and 3.9% of males and 3.0% and 3.8% of females, respectively. The ASR for frontal lobe involvement was the highest. The ASR of gliomas of unspecified grade annually increased by 7.8%; those for unspecified topology and histology decreased. The incidence of glioma, glioblastoma, frontal, temporal, and high-grade glioma increased among those aged ≥60 years. No association was observed between the mobile phone subscriber number and brain cancer incidence in Korea. Furthermore, long-term research is warranted because of the latency period of brain cancer. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Conditional Relative Survival of Ovarian Cancer: A Korean National Cancer Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: Conditional relative survival (CRS) rates, which take into account changes in prognosis over time, are useful estimates for survivors and their clinicians as they make medical and personal decisions. We aimed to present the 5-year relative conditional survival probabilities of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from 1997-2016. METHODS: This nationwide retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 1997 and 2016 were included. CRS rates were calculated stratified by age at diagnosis, cancer stage, histology, treatment received, year of diagnosis, and social deprivation index. RESULTS: The 5-year relative survival rate at the time of diagnosis was 61.1% for all cases. The probability of surviving an additional 5 years, conditioned on having already survived 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after diagnosis was 65.0, 69.5, 74.6, 79.3, and 83.9%, respectively. Patients with poorer initial survival estimates (older, distant stage, serous histology) generally showed the largest increases in CRS over time. The probability of death was highest in the first year after diagnosis (11.8%), and the conditional probability of death in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years declined to 9.4%, 7.9%, 6.1%, and 5.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CRS rates for patients with ovarian cancer increased with each year they survived, but this did not reach the level of 'no excess mortality' even 5 years after diagnosis. The largest improvements in CRS were observed in patients with poorer initial prognoses. Our findings provide updated prognosis to ovarian cancer survivors and clinicians.

Conditional relative survival of cervical cancer: a Korean National Cancer Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: Conditional relative survival (CRS) considers changes in prognosis over time and may offer more useful estimates for survivors. We aimed to investigate CRS among patients with cervical cancer stratified by various factors that influence survival probability. METHODS: This nationwide retrospective study used data from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. We included 78,606 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer as their first cancer between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2015, and who were followed until December 31, 2016. CRS and the conditional probabilities of death for the following 1 year were stratified by age at diagnosis, histology, cancer stage, treatment, year of diagnosis, and social deprivation index. RESULTS: The 5-year relative survival rate at the time of diagnosis was 80.6% for all cases. The probability of surviving an additional 5 years conditioned on having already survived 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after diagnosis was 85.7%, 90.6%, 93.5%, 95.3%, and 94.3%, respectively. Patients with poorer initial survival estimates (older, advanced stage, non-squamous cell histology) generally showed the largest increases in CRS over time. Patients aged ≥70 years had the highest probability of death in the first year after diagnosis (24.5%), but the conditional probability of death in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years declined abruptly to 13.1%, 7.5%, 5.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CRS rates for patients with cervical cancer improved over time, particularly among patients with poorer initial prognoses. Our estimates enable patients to make better informed decisions regarding follow-up care and their personal life.

A Nationwide, Population-Based Epidemiology Study of Primary Central Nervous System Tumors in Korea, 2007-2016: A Comparison with United States Data.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiologic characteristics and survival of patients with primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Korea and to compare our findings with those from the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data on primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed between 2007 and 2016 from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs) were evaluated. We applied the classification and definitions of the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States to our analysis for direct comparison with United States data. RESULTS: A total of 115,050 primary brain and CNS tumors were identified, and the ASR of all tumors was 22.01 per 100,000 individuals, which was lower than the 23.41 in the United States. However, the ASR of malignant tumors was significantly lower herein (4.27) than in the United States (7.08). Meningeal tumors were the most common histologic group among all tumors (ASR, 8.32). The 5-year RSR of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 86.4%, and that of all malignant tumors was 44.1%, which was higher than the 35.8% observed in the United States. Among malignant tumors, glioblastomas had the lowest 5-year RSR (12.1%). CONCLUSION: In Korea, malignant brain and other CNS tumors have a lower incidence and better survival outcome.

Different Patterns of Conditional Survival of Breast Cancer Patients by Age and Histologic Types: Evidence from the Korean Nationwide Registry.

BACKGROUND: Conditional relative survival (CRS), which is the survival estimate of patients who have already survived for a certain period of time after diagnosis, could provide more relevant information on the current prognosis of cancer survivors than the standard 5-year relative survival (RS). This study aimed to estimate the 5-year CRS of Korean breast cancer patients. METHODS: We identified 145,083 breast cancer cases diagnosed between 2002 and 2013 in the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The CRS was estimated for every year after diagnosis, according to sex, age, histologic type, and stage. RESULTS: The 5-year RS at diagnosis was 90.8%, and the 10-year RS was 85.7%. The 5-year CRS was 91.0% and 94.3% at 1 year and 5 years after diagnosis, respectively. Very young and very old patients had worse 5-year CRS after 5 years of survival than those of other age groups (92.2% in the <40-year and 92.6% in the ≥70-year groups vs. 95.4% in 40-49-year, 94.3% in 50-59-year, and 93.7% in 60-69-year groups). The 5-year CRS of metaplastic carcinoma increased from 82.0% at diagnosis to 95.2% at 5 years after diagnosis, compared with that of lobular carcinoma (from 93.1% to 92.5%). Hardly any excess mortality (5-year CRS ≥ 95%) was seen within 7 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the CRS of breast cancer survivors in Korea has increased, but varies by sex, age, stage, and histologic type. IMPACT: These findings provide more detailed information to breast cancer survivors and clinicians.

A Nationwide, Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Childhood Brain Tumors in Korea, 2005-2014: A Comparison with United States Data.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the epidemiologic characteristics of childhood brain tumors (CBT) in Korea, and compared our findings with those from the United States. METHODS: We searched the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database of the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) from 2005 to 2014, which included all Korean patients with CBT aged 0 to 19 years at diagnosis. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and the 5-year relative survival rate (RSR) were determined. The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) classification and definitions were applied to allow direct comparison with U.S. RESULTS: A total of 6,027 CBTs were identified. The ASR of all CBTs was 5.08 per 100,000 population, which was significantly lower than that in the United States (5.57). However, the ASR of nonmalignant CBTs in Korea (2.48) was significantly higher than that in the United States (2.15). Embryonal tumors (ASR: 0.99 and 0.72 in the 0-4 and 5-9 year age groups, respectively) were the most common CBTs in these respective age groups. Germ cell tumors (0.78) and pituitary tumors (1.63) were the most common CBTs in the 10-14 and 15-19 year age groups, respectively. The 5-year RSR of CBTs was 84% and varied according to histology. CONCLUSIONS: High incidences of nonmalignant and germ cell tumors are distinct CBT features in Korean children and adolescents. IMPACT: To our knowledge, this is the first and largest population-based epidemiologic study of CBTs in Asia. Our findings support the notion that East Asian populations have a higher incidence of central nervous system germ cell tumors than other races.

Conditional relative survival of oral cavity cancer: Based on Korean Central Cancer Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Conditional relative survival (CRS) describes the survival chance of patients who have already survived for a certain period of time after diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Thus, CRS can complement the conventional 5-year relative survival, which does not consider the time patients have survived after their diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the 5-year CRS among Korean patients with oral cancer and the related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 15,329 oral cavity cancer cases with a diagnosis between 1993 and 2013 in the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The CRS rates were calculated according to sex, age, subsite, histology, and stage at diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5-year relative survival was 57.2%, and further analysis revealed that the 5-year CRS increased during the first 2years and reached a plateau at 86.5% after 5years of survival. Women had better 5-year CRS than men after 5years of survival (90.0% vs. 83.3%), and ≤45-year-old patients had better 5-year CRS than older patient groups (93.3% vs. 86.4% or 86.7%). Subsite-specific differences in 5-year CRS were observed (tongue: 91% vs. mouth floor: 73.9%). Squamous cell carcinoma had a CRS of 87.3%, compared to 85.5% for other histological types. Localized disease had a CRS of 95.7%, compared to 87.3% for regional metastasis. CONCLUSION: Patients with oral cavity cancer exhibited increasing CRS rates, which varied according to sex, age, subsite, histology, and stage at diagnosis. Thus, CRS analysis provides a more detailed perspective regarding survival during the years after the initial diagnosis or treatment.

An Updated Nationwide Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors in Republic of Korea, 2013.

BACKGROUND: This report aims to provide accurate nationwide epidemiologic data on primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the Republic of Korea. We updated the data by analyzing primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2013 using the data from the national cancer incidence database. METHODS: Data on primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2013 were collected from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated in terms of gender, age, and histological type. RESULTS: A total of 11,827 patients were diagnosed with primary brain and CNS tumors in 2013. Brain and CNS tumors occurred in females more often than in males (female:male, 1.70:1). The most common tumor was meningioma (37.3%). Pituitary tumors (18.0%), gliomas (12.7%), and nerve sheath tumors (12.3%) followed in incidence. Glioblastomas accounted for 41.8% of all gliomas. In children (<19 years), sellar region tumors (pituitary and craniopharyngioma), embryonal/primitive/medulloblastoma, and germ cell tumors were the most common tumors. CONCLUSION: This study should provide valuable information regarding the primary brain tumor epidemiology in Republic of Korea.

Nationwide Population-Based Incidence and Survival Rates of Malignant Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors in Korea, 2005-2012.

PURPOSE: Malignant central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs), although rare, are thought to occur more frequently among Asians. However, a recent population-based study revealed no differences in GCT incidence between Asians and Caucasians. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the incidence and survival rates of CNS GCTs using the national cancer incidence database, and to compare these rates to those in the United States and Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted CNS GCT patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2012 from the Korea Central Cancer Registry database. Age-standardized rates (ASRs), annual percentage change, and the male-female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. To estimate the survival rate, we used data for patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2010 and followed their cases until December 31, 2013. RESULTS: The ASR for CNS GCT between 2005 and 2012 was 0.179 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.166 to 0.193), with an overall male-to-female (M:F) IRR of 2.95:1. However, when stratified by site, the M:F IRR was 13.62:1 for tumors of the pineal region and 1.87:1 for those located in nonpineal regions. The most frequent histologic type was germinoma (76.0%), and the most frequent location was the suprasellar region (48.5%). The 5-year survival rate of germinoma patients was 95.3%. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of CNS GCTs in Korea during 2005-2012 was 0.179 per 100,000, which was similar to that of the Asian/Pacific Islander subpopulation in the United States. Moreover, the CNS GCT survival rate in Korea was similar to rates in Japan and the United States.

Population-based Incidence and Survival for Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in Korea, 1999-2009.

PURPOSE: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon brain tumor accounting for 2%-5% of all primary brain tumors. Few population-based analyses of survival for patients with PCNSL have been conducted, particularly in Asian countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, 1,062 cases of PCNSL newly diagnosed from 1999 to 2009 were analyzed. The crude rate, age-standardized rate (ASR), and annual percent change were calculated. To estimate the observed survival, we restricted the data to between 1999 and 2007 and followed the cases until December 2010. The overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and piecewise Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The ASR for PCNSL between 1999 and 2009 was 0.17 per 100,000, and the annual percent change from 1999 to 2009 was 8.8% (p < 0.001). The ASR of males was higher than that of females, and the older groups (60s or over) showed the largest increase in incidence rates. For all ages, the five-year survival from PCNSL was 29.9% between 1999 and 2007. Survival from PCNSL is known to show strong association with age at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: These results are similar to those of previous studies. Our findings may be helpful to clinicians and patients in determining long-term prognoses for PCNSL.

Incidence of primary spinal cord, spinal meninges, and cauda equina tumors in Korea, 2006-2010.

PURPOSE: Primary spinal cord and appendage tumors (PSCAT) originating from the spinal cord, spinal meninges, and cauda equina are uncommon. Worldwide, population-based cancer registry data are mostly based on malignant tumors only, which means few data are available on PSCATs, including non-malignant tumors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide information regarding the incidence of both non-malignant and malignant PSCATs in Korea on a national level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incidence of PSCATs was estimated from cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 using the National Cancer Incidence Database in Korea. Age-adjusted rates were calculated using the world standard population, and male-to-female rate ratios were calculated by histology type. RESULTS: Of all PSCATs registered (n=3,312), 86.6% were non-malignant. The overall age-adjusted incidence of PSCATs was 1.08 per 100,000 person-years, with an incidence of 0.99 per 100,000 in females and 1.15 in males. The most common site of PSCATs was the spinal cord (83.4%), followed by spinal meninges (16.1%) and cauda equina (0.5%). The most common histological type was neurilemmoma (41.3%), followed by meningiomas (20.1%) and ependymomas (7.6%). Men had significantly higher rates than women for ependymomas and lymphomas but had lower rates for meningiomas. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first population-based analysis of PSCATs in Korea.

An updated nationwide epidemiology of primary brain tumors in republic of Korea.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to provide accurate nationwide epidemiologic data on primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Republic of Korea. In 2010, we had reported first nationwide epidemiologic data on primary brain tumors diagnosed in 2005. In this report, we updated the data by analyzing primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2010 using the data from national cancer incidence database. METHODS: Data on primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2010 were collected from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated in terms of gender, age, and histological type. RESULTS: A total of 10,004 patients diagnosed with primary brain and CNS tumors in 2010 were included in this study. Brain and CNS tumors occurred in females more often than in males (female to male, 1.59 : 1). The most common tumor was meningioma (35.5%). Pituitary tumors (18.7%), gliomas (15.1%), and nerve sheath tumors (10.3%) were followed in incidence. Glioblastoma accounted for 34.6% of all gliomas. In children (<20 years), sellar region tumors (pituitary and craniopharyngioma), embryonal/primitive/medulloblastoma, and germ cell tumors were the most common tumors. CONCLUSION: Data from this study should provide valuable information regarding the primary brain tumors epidemiology in Republic of Korea.