Brain tumors in Sweden: Data from a population-based registry 1999–2012

Abstract

background. The Swedish brain tumor registry has, since it was launched in 1999, provided significant amounts of data on histopathological diagnoses and on important aspects of surgical and medical management of these patients. The purpose is mainly quality control, but also as a resource for research. Methods. Three Swedish healthcare regions, constituting 40% of the Swedish population, have had an almost complete registration. The following parameters are registered: diagnosis according to SNOMED/WHO classification, symptoms, performance status, pre-and postoperative radiology, tumor size and localization, extent of surgery and occurrence of postoperative complications, postoperative treatment, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, other treatments, complications and toxicity, occurrence of reoperation/s, participation in clinical trials, multidisciplinary conferences and availability of a contact nurse. results. Surgical radicality has been essentially constant, whereas the use of early (within 72 hours) postoperative CT and MRI has increased, especially for high-grade glioma, which is a reflection of quality of surgery. Survival of patients with high-grade glioma has increased, especially in the age group 60-69. Patients aged 18-39 years had a five-year survival of 40%. Waiting times for the pathological report has been slightly prolonged. Geographical differences do exist for some of the variables. conclusion. Population-based registration is valuable for assessment of clinical management, which could have impact on patient care. As a result of short survival and/or the propensity to affect cognitive functions this patient group has considerable difficulties to make their voices heard in society. We therefore believe that a report like the present one can contribute to the spread of knowledge and increase the awareness for this patient group among caregivers and policy makers.

European Association for Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas

“…While some studies reported gradually improved outcome with increasing extent of resection, only gross total resection may be associated with improved outcome. 34,35 RT has been standard of care for glioblastoma for decades, roughly doubling survival. 17,36 Standard dose is 60 Gy in 1.8-2 Gy fractions; 50 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions improved survival relative to best supportive care in patients 70 years or older with good KPS.…”

The Danish Neuro-Oncology Registry: establishment, completeness and validity

“…Other national brain tumor registries, such as the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States [21] or the Austrian Brain Tumour Registry [22], have also reported high completeness of patients, although this has not been verified by comparing to a gold standard population as in this study. Regional brain tumor registries in France [23] and Sweden [24] have also reported high completeness.…”

Pre-diagnostic serum levels of EGFR and ErbB2 and genetic glioma risk variants: a nested case-control study

“…The 5-year survival rate for patients with glioblastomas has improved with combined chemoradiotherapy, but still most patients are not long-term survivors [2]. Curative treatment is rare due to the infiltrative growth of the tumor [3].…”