Glioma Epidemiology in the Central Tunisian Population: 1993-2012

• Published in: Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP Vol. 15; no. 20; pp. 8753 - 8757
• Main Authors: Trabelsi, Saoussen, Brahim, Dorra H'mida-Ben, Ladib, Mohamed, Mama, Nadia, Harrabi, Imed, Tlili, Kalthoum, Yacoubi, Mohamed Tahar, Krifa, Hedi, Hmissa, Sihem, Saad, Ali, Mokni, Moncef
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: epidemiology; Glioma; incidence; Tunisia; trends
• ISSN: 1513-7368; 2476-762X

Background: Glioma is a heterogeneous central nervous system (CNS) tumor group that encompasses different histological subtypes with high variability in prognosis. The lesions account for almost 80% of primary malignant brain tumors. The aim of this study is to extend our understanding of the glioma epidemiology in the central Tunisian region. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 393 gliomas recorded in cancer registry of central Tunisia from 1993 to 2012. Crude incidence rates (CR) and world age-standardized rates (ASR) were estimated using annual population data size and age structure. Statistic correlations were established using Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier test. Results: Tunisian glioma patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 48 years and 1.5 sex ratio (male/female). During the 19 years period of study the highest incidence value was observed in male group between 1998 and 2002 (CR: 0.28, ASR: 0.3). Incidence results underline increasing high grade glioma occurring in the adulthood in the last period (2007-2012). Median survival was 27 months, with 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates of 42%, 30% and 26%, respectively. Survival was greater in patients with younger age, lower tumor grade, infratentrial tumor location and undergoing a palliative treatment. Conclusions: This central Tunisia gliomas registry study provides important information that could improve glioma management and healthcare practice.