Trends in incidence and survival for upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) in the state of Victoria – Australia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and mortality trends of upper tract urothelial cancers (UTUC) in Victoria over the last decade. Patients and MethodsAge-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated for UTUC. These were identified using data from the Victorian Cancer Registry from 2001 until 2011 based on histological diagnoses. Age at diagnosis, sex and demographical location were compared. ResultsThe age-standardised incidence of UTUC remained stable from 2001 to 2011. There were 278 deaths from UTUC over this period with an overall 5-year survival rate of 32%. There was no significant difference in survival between 2001-06 and 2007-11 (30% vs 36%, respectively). Lower age at diagnosis was associated with a significant improvement in survival (P = 0.01). Sex and geographical location appeared to have no effect on survival. ConclusionThe 5-year survival rates for UTUC in Victoria are poor, particularly in comparison to worldwide data. In contrast to worldwide trends, the incidence of UTUC appears to be stable. No significant improvement in 5-year survival rates over the short study period was identified. These findings highlight the difficulties in managing this rare yet deadly malignancy.

Rising incidence rates and unaltered survival rates for primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a Dutch population‐based study from 1993 to 2017

“…This is in line with reported findings in other countries. An Australian population-based study including 722 patients described a stable 5-year relative survival of 30% (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006) and 36% (2007-2011) [16]. A nationwide study from the UK, which included patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2010, showed a decline in the 5-year relative survival from 60% to 48% [20].…”

“…The literature on the incidence of UTUC is sparse, and studies are often not population‐based and mostly reflect different time periods, which hampers adequate comparison with the results of the present study. An Australian study reported a stable age‐standardized incidence rate between 2001 and 2011 [ 16 ]. Another study from Australia confirmed this observation and also did not find an increase in incidence for the period 1977–2003 [ 17 ].…”

The incidence and prevalence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review

“…Nineteen studies compared UTUC incidence based on calendar time [ 15 – 18 , 22 , 25 – 28 , 34 , 39 – 47 ]. For three of these studies, more accurate numbers were obtained by contacting the study authors.…”

“…Similarly, Kockelbergh and colleagues [ 15 ] studied the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS)—which contains data from the NCDR—from 2001 to 2013 and reported a similar overall increase in incidence throughout time. The third study with accurate numbers obtained from the study authors was by Woodford and colleagues [ 18 ], who studied the Victorian Cancer Registry of Australia from 2001 to 2011 and found the incidence of UTUC to be stable throughout time.…”

Does reduced E-cadherin expression correlate with poor prognosis in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma?

“…First, UTUC has a relatively low incidence rate, but it is aggressive and affected patients have a relatively poor prognosis. [41] It is possible that E-cadherin may not stand out because patients with UTUC have a poor prognosis due to the strong aggressiveness of the carcinoma. Second, distinct genetic profiles or molecular biology between upper and lower urinary tract tumors may affect the results.…”