Renal cell carcinoma incidence rates and trends in young adults aged 20-39 years

Targeted gene sequencing reveals disparate genomic mutations between young and older adults in renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of cancer that can develop at any point in adulthood, spanning the range of age-related changes that occur in the body. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the connections between age and genetic mutations in RCC have not been extensively investigated.

METHODS

Clinical and genetic data from patients diagnosed with RCC were collected from two prominent medical centers in China as well as the TCGA dataset. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their prognosticated age: young adults (YAs) and older adults (OAs). Univariate and multivariate analysis were employed to evaluate the relationships between age and genetic mutations. Furthermore, a mediation analysis was conducted to assess the association between age and overall survival, with genetic disparities serving as a mediator.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed significant differences in clinical presentation between YAs and OAs with RCC, including histopathological types, histopathological tumor stage, and sarcomatoid differentiation. YAs were found to have lower mutation burden and significantly mutated genes (SMGs) of RCC. However, we did not observe any significant differences between the two groups in terms of 10 canonical oncogenic signaling pathways-related genes mutation, telomerase-related genes (TRGs) mutation, copy number changes, and genetic mutations associated with clinically actionable targeted drugs. Importantly, we demonstrate superior survival outcomes in YAs, and we confirmed the mediating effect of genetic disparities on these survival outcome differences between YAs and OAs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal previously unrecognized associations between age and the molecular underpinnings of RCC. These associations may serve as valuable insights to guide precision diagnostics and treatments for RCC.

Subsequent Renal Cancer Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results

Renal cancer, although still rare among individuals under 45 years of age, is on the rise in the general population. The risk and timing of subsequent renal cancer in survivors of childhood cancer is not well established. Using the SEER registry, we reported the incidence of subsequent malignant renal neoplasms after treatment for primary malignancy diagnosed under 20 years of age. We evaluated clinical characteristics, standardized incidence ratio (SIR), and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Fifty-three survivors developed subsequent renal cancer (54 total cases). Of these, 54.7% were female, 88.7% were white, and 13.2% were Hispanic. Mean ages at primary malignancy and subsequent renal cancer were 10.1 and 31.1 years, respectively. Forty-seven cases were second cancers, 6 were third, and 1 was fourth. For survivors of childhood cancer, the overall SIR for renal cancer was 4.52 (95% CI: 3.39-5.89). The 5-year overall survival rate after development of subsequent renal cancer was 73% (95% CI: 58%-83%). Renal cancer occurs 4.5 times more frequently in childhood cancer survivors than in the general population, necessitating long-term care considerations.

Rising global burden of cancer attributable to high BMI from 2010 to 2019

BACKGROUND

High body mass index (BMI) is a major risk factor for cancer development, but its impact on the global burden of cancer remains unclear.

METHODS

We estimated global and regional temporal trends in the burden of cancer attributable to high BMI, and the contributions of various cancer types using the framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2019, there was a 35 % increase in deaths and a 34 % increase in disability-adjusted life-years from cancers attributable to high BMI. The age-standardized death rates for cancer attributable to high BMI increased over the study period (annual percentage change [APC] +0.48 %, 95 % CI 0.22 to 0.74 %). The greatest number of deaths from cancer attributable to high BMI occurred in Europe, but the fastest-growing age-standardized death rates and disability-adjusted life-years occurred in Southeast Asia. Liver cancer was the fastest-growing cause of cancer mortality (APC: 1.37 %, 95 % CI 1.25 to 1.49 %) attributable to high BMI.

CONCLUSION

The global burden of cancer-related deaths attributable to high BMI has increased substantially from 2010 to 2019. The greatest increase in age-standardized death rates occurred in Southeast Asia, and liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer mortality attributable to high BMI. Urgent and sustained measures are required at a global and regional level to reverse these trends and slow the growing burden of cancer attributed to high BMI.

Patterns in Cancer Incidence Among People Younger Than 50 Years in the US, 2010 to 2019

Importance

Emerging data suggest that the incidence of early-onset cancers, defined as cancers diagnosed in people younger than 50 years, is increasing, but updated data are limited.

Objective

To characterize the patterns in the incidence of early-onset cancers in the US from 2010 to 2019 and provide granular data on the cancers with the fastest-growing incidence rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study analyzed data from 17 National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 people were extracted for early-onset cancers, with rates age adjusted to the US standard population. A total of 562 145 patients with early-onset cancer between 2010 and 2019 were identified and included. Data were analyzed from October 16, 2022, to May 23, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were incidence rates and descriptive epidemiological data for people younger than 50 years with cancer. The annual percentage change (APC) of the age-standardized incidence rate was estimated using the Joinpoint regression program.

Results

Among 562 145 patients (324 138 [57.7%] aged 40-49 years; 351 120 [62.5%] female) with early-onset cancer, 4565 (0.8%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 54 876 (9.8%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 61 048 (10.9%) were Black, 118 099 (21.0%) were Hispanic, 314 610 (56.0%) were White, and 8947 (1.6%) were of unknown race and/or ethnicity. From 2010 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate of early-onset cancers increased overall (APC, 0.28%; 95% CI, 0.09%-0.47%; P = .01) and in female individuals (APC, 0.67%; 95% CI, 0.39%-0.94%; P = .001) but decreased in male individuals (APC, -0.37%; 95% CI, -0.51% to -0.22%; P < .001). In contrast, the age-standardized incidence rate of cancers in individuals aged 50 years and older decreased over the study period (APC, -0.87%; 95% CI, -1.06% to -0.67%; P < .001). In 2019, the highest number of incident cases of early-onset cancer were in the breast (n = 12 649). From 2010 to 2019, gastrointestinal cancers had the fastest-growing incidence rates among all early-onset cancer groups (APC, 2.16%; 95% CI, 1.66%-2.67%; P < .001). Among gastrointestinal cancers, those with the fastest-growing incidence rates were in the appendix (APC, 15.61%; 95% CI, 9.21%-22.38%; P < .001), intrahepatic bile duct (APC, 8.12%; 95% CI, 4.94%-11.39%; P < .001), and pancreas (APC, 2.53%; 95% CI, 1.69%-3.38%; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the incidence rates of early-onset cancer increased from 2010 to 2019. Although breast cancer had the highest number of incident cases, gastrointestinal cancers had the fastest-growing incidence rates among all early-onset cancers. These data may be useful for the development of surveillance strategies and funding priorities.

NUDT1 Could Be a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. As a member of the Nudix hydrolase superfamily, Nudix (nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X)-type motif 1 (NUDT1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Our study aims to explore the role of NUDT1 in ccRCC and its relationship with immune infiltration.

Methods

The NUDT1 expression matrix and corresponding clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The expression difference of NUDT1 in ccRCC and its relationship with the clinical characteristics were investigated using R software. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis, univariate Cox regression, multivariate Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and nomogram were utilized to evaluate the survival and prognosis of patients. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were utilized to explore the function of differential genes in low- or high-expression group of NUDT1. TCGA dataset and Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database were utilized to explore the relationship between NUDT1 and immune infiltration. Finally, TCGA dataset was utilized for gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

NUDT1 was not only overexpressed in ccRCC but also significantly correlated with clinicopathological features (P < 0.05). K-M survival analysis showed that upregulated NUDT1 was closely related to the decrease of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in ccRCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that NUDT1 was a independent prognostic indicator (HR = 1.437, 95% CI: 1.065-1.939, P=0.018). The ROC curve showed that NUDT1 had a certain accuracy in predicting the outcome of ccRCC patiens. Furthermore, a total of 150 coexpressed genes and 1,886 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO/KEGG and GSEA results suggested that NUDT1 and its DEGs were involved in the immune-related pathways. NUDT1 expression was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD8⁺ T cells, follicular helper T cells, and M0 macrophages. In addition, NUDT1 was positively related to immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, LAG3, CTLA4, and CD70, in ccRCC.

Conclusion

NUDT1 plays a key role in the prognosis and immune cell infiltration of ccRCC patients, indicating its potential use as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Renal Neoplasms in Young Adults

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is usually diagnosed in older adults (the median age of diagnosis is 64 years). Although less common in patients younger than 45 years, RCCs in young adults differ in clinical manifestation, pathologic diagnosis, and prognosis. RCCs in young adults are typically smaller, are more organ confined, and manifest at lower stages of disease. The proportion of clear cell RCC is lower in young adults, while the prevalence of familial renal neoplastic syndromes is much higher, and genetic testing is routinely recommended. In such syndromic manifestations, benign-appearing renal cysts can harbor malignancy. Radiologists need to be familiar with the differences of RCCs in young adults and apply an altered approach to diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. For sporadic renal neoplasms, biopsy and active surveillance are less often used in young adults than in older adults. RCCs in young adults are overall associated with better disease-specific survival after surgical treatment, and minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment options are preferred. However, surveillance schedules, need for biopsy, decision for an initial period of active surveillance, type of surgery (enucleation or wide-margin partial nephrectomy), and utilization of ablative therapy depend on the presence and type of underlying familial renal neoplastic syndrome. In this pictorial review, syndromic, nonsyndromic, and newer RCC entities that are common in young adults are presented. Their associated unique epidemiology, characteristic imaging and pathologic traits, and key aspects of surveillance and management of renal neoplasms in young adults are discussed. The vital role of the informed radiologist in the multidisciplinary management of RCCs in young adults is highlighted. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Incidence trends for twelve cancers in younger adults-a rapid review

Many cancer referral guidelines use patient’s age as a key criterium to decide who should be referred urgently. A recent rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults has been described in high-income countries worldwide. Information on other cancers is more limited. The aim of this rapid review was to determine whether other cancers are also increasing in younger age groups, as this may have important implications for prioritising patients for investigation and referral. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science for studies describing age-related incidence trends for colorectal, bladder, lung, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, breast, ovarian, uterine, kidney and laryngeal cancer and myeloma. ‘Younger’ patients were defined based on NICE guidelines for cancer referral. Ninety-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings show that the incidence of colorectal, breast, kidney, pancreas, uterine cancer is increasing in younger age groups, whilst the incidence of lung, laryngeal and bladder cancer is decreasing. Data for oesophageal, stomach, ovarian cancer and myeloma were inconclusive. Overall, this review provides evidence that some cancers are increasingly being diagnosed in younger age groups, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Cancer investigation and referral guidelines may need updating in light of these trends.

Characteristics of renal cell carcinoma in Saudi patients below the age of 50 years

Background:

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in young adults has started to increase in recent years.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to describe and compare the mode of presentation, incidence, risk factors, histopathological features, nephrectomy modalities used, and outcome in patients diagnosed with RCC below the age of 50.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 139 confirmed RCC patients diagnosed below the age of 50 years who underwent nephrectomy from January 1990 to April 2019 were included in this retrospective review. We compared the characteristics of two age groups (≤40 years and 41–50 years) and evaluated incidentally discovered versus symptomatic tumors in patients below 50 years.

Results:

Loin pain contributed to most symptomatic presentations in the older group (55%) (P = 0.014). Hypertension and diabetes were present in 24% of patients from 41 to 50 years of age versus 3.8% for hypertension and 5.7% for diabetes in the young group. (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Chromophobe was the second most common pathology (26.5%). Tumor size tended to be larger in the older group (P = 0.006). Fuhrman's grade was significantly lower in incidentally diagnosed patients (88.2%) (P = 0.006). The T stage was significantly lower in the incidental group (P = 0.005), but the mortality rate was higher in symptomatic patients (9.6%) (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

RCC increases after the age of 40–50 years in the presence of other risk factors. Chromophobe represented almost a quarter percentage of the pathology, while partial nephrectomy yielded a better outcome.

Partial nephrectomy in frail patients: Benefits of robot-assisted surgery

BACKGROUND

To compare the effect of robot-assisted (RAPN) vs. open (OPN) partial nephrectomy on short-term postoperative outcomes and total hospital charges in frail patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

Within the National Inpatient Sample database we identified 2745 RCC patients treated with either RAPN or OPN between 2008 and 2015, who met the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty-defining indicator criteria. We examined the rates of RAPN vs. OPN over time. Moreover, we compared the effect of RAPN vs. OPN on short-term postoperative outcomes and total hospital charges. Time trends and multivariable logistic, Poisson and linear regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Overall, 1109 (40.4%) frail patients were treated with RAPN. Rates of RAPN increased over time, from 16.3% to 54.7% (p < 0.001). Frail RAPN patients exhibited lower rates (all p < 0.001) of overall complications (35.3 vs. 48.3%), major complications (12.4 vs. 20.4%), blood transfusions (8.0 vs. 13.5%), non-home-based discharge (9.6 vs. 15.2%), shorter length of stay (3 vs. 4 days), but higher total hospital charges ($50,060 vs. $45,699). Moreover, RAPN independently predicted (all p < 0.001) lower risk of overall complications (OR: 0.58), major complications (OR: 0.55), blood transfusions (OR: 0.60) and non-home-based discharge (OR: 0.51), as well as shorter LOS (RR: 0.77) but also higher total hospital charges (RR: +$7682), relative to OPN.

CONCLUSIONS

In frail patients, RAPN is associated with lower rates of short-term postoperative complications, blood transfusions and non-home-based discharge, as well as with shorter LOS than OPN. However, RAPN use also results in higher total hospital charges.

The impact of sex and age on distribution of metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to investigate age and sex-related discrepancies on distribution of metastases in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

Within the National Inpatient Sample database (2008-2015) we identified 9607 patients with metastatic RCC. Trend test and Chi-square test analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between age and site of metastases, according to sex.

RESULTS

Of 9607 patients with metastatic RCC, 6344 (65.9%) were men and 3263 (34.1%) were women. Thoracic, abdominal, bone and brain metastases were present in 51.1 vs. 52.8%, 42.6 vs. 44.3%, 29.9 vs. 29.2% and 8.6 vs. 8.8% of men vs. women, respectively. Increasing age was associated with decreasing rates of thoracic (from 55.5 to 48.5%) and brain (from 8.6 to 5.8%) metastases in men and with decreasing rates of abdominal (from 48.3 to 39.6%), bone (from 32.6 to 24.9%) and brain (from 8.8 to 5.4%) metastases in women. (all p < 0.05). Rates of concomitant metastatic sites also decreased with increasing age, from 57.1 to 50.8% in men and from 54.1 to 50.2% in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Important age and sex-related differences exist in the distribution of RCC metastases. The distribution of metastases is marginally different between sexes. Specifically, more advanced age is associated with lower rates of thoracic and brain metastases in men and with lower rates of abdominal, bone and brain metastases in women. Age and sex should be take into consideration into the staging management strategy, as well as into the follow-up strategy of patients with metastatic RCC.

Prognostic factors in patients with small renal masses: a comparison between <2 vs. 2.1-4 cm renal cell carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Few data factually support the prognostic distinction between renal cell carcinomas (RCC) < 2 vs. 2.1-4 cm, in terms of cancer-specific mortality (CSM). We investigated CSM rates over time in <2 vs. 2.1-4 cm RCC, according to patient and tumor characteristics.

METHODS

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, we focused on patients with T_1aN₀M₀ RCC who underwent either radical or partial nephrectomy between 2000 and 2015. Temporal trends, Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariable Cox-regression analyses assessed CSM.

RESULTS

Of 43,147 T_1aN₀M₀ patients, 12,238 (28.4%) harbored RCC < 2 cm and 30,909 (71.6%) 2.1-4 cm RCC. The distribution of histological subtypes according to 2 cm cut-off was as follows: a). clear-cell G1/G2: 64.5 vs. 61.8%; b). papillary G1/G2 15.9 vs. 11.1%; c). clear-cell G3/G4: 9.9 vs. 16.1%; d). papillary G3/G4 4.9 vs. 5.4%; and e). chromophobe 4.9 vs. 5.2%. Five-year CSM rates were invariably lower in RCC < 2 cm than in 2.1-4 cm, for all histological subtypes and grade groups (a-e), even after additional multivariable adjustment for age and residual tumor size differences. 5-year CSM rates improved in more contemporary years, in both tumor size groups (< 2 vs. 2.1-4 cm), but to a greater extent in 2.1-4 cm renal masses.

CONCLUSION

Our results validate the presence of prognostically more favorable CSM outcomes in RCC < 2 cm vs. 2.1-4 cm, across all histological subtypes and grades. Moreover, temporal improvements were also recorded in both <2 and 2.1-4 cm RCC groups, with more pronounced improvements in patients with 2.1-4 cm renal masses. However, prospective randomized trials are needed to further confirm our results.