Age-period-cohort Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma in United States Adults

The influence of age, period, and cohort factors on the incidence of kidney cancer in Spain 1990-2019: Evidence from the global burden of disease study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the influence of age, period, and cohort (A-P-C) factors on kidney cancer (KC) incidence trends in Spain from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

Employing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we employed joinpoint analysis to determine long-term patterns and A-P-C modelling to quantify net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves, and rate ratios (RRs) of period and cohort effects.

RESULTS

Over the period 1990-2019, an estimated 142,811 cases of KC were diagnosed in Spain. A consistent upward trend in KC incidence was observed for both men and women, with the male-to-female ratio remaining stable at 2.6. Joinpoint analysis identified three distinct periods for men: An initial period (1990-1995) characterised by a significant increase in rates, a subsequent period (1995-2016) characterised by a slowdown in the rate of increase, and a final period (2016-2019) in which rates have plateaued. In women, 2 time periods were observed: an initial period (1990-2007) in which rates increased significantly, followed by a period of stabilization (2007-2019). Men born in the early-mid 20th century had a rising KC risk, peaking in the 1960s. Women's risk rose steadily, peaking in the late 1990s.

CONCLUSION

A-P-C analysis reveals steady KC incidence increase in both genders over three decades. This highlights the need for targeted public health policies and effective prevention strategies.

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.

Quantification of contrast-uptake as imaging biomarker for disease progression of renal cell carcinoma after tumor ablation

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) depends greatly on the presence of extra-renal metastases.

PURPOSE

To investigate the value of total tumor volume (TTV) and enhancing tumor volume (ETV) as three-dimensional (3D) quantitative imaging biomarkers for disease aggressiveness in patients with RCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective, HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study including 37 patients with RCC treated with image-guided thermal ablation during 2007-2015. TNM stage, RENAL Nephrometry Score, largest tumor diameter, TTV, and ETV were assessed on cross-sectional imaging at baseline and correlated with outcome measurements. The primary outcome was time-to-occurrence of extra-renal metastases and the secondary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Correlation was assessed using a Cox regression model and differences in outcomes were shown by Kaplan-Meier plots with significance and odds ratios (OR) calculated by Log-rank test/generalized Wilcoxon and continuity-corrected Woolf logit method.

RESULTS

Patients with a TTV or ETV > 5 cm³ were more likely to develop distant metastases compared to patients with TTV (OR 6.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-134.4, P=0.022) or ETV (OR 8.48, 95% CI 0.42-170.1, P=0.016) < 5 cm³. Additionally, PFS was significantly worse in patients with larger ETV (P = 0.039; median PFS 51.87 months vs. 69.97 months). In contrast, stratification by median value of the established, caliper-based measurements showed no significant correlation with outcome parameters.

CONCLUSION

ETV, as surrogate of lesion vascularity, is a sensitive imaging biomarker for occurrence of extra-renal metastatic disease and PFS in patients with RCC.

Association of Hypertension and Blood Pressure With Kidney Cancer Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Data regarding health behavior-related factors and systolic or diastolic blood pressure to evaluate the association between blood pressure and kidney cancer are lacking. Using nationally representative data from the Korean National Health Insurance System, 9 746 445 participants without kidney cancer between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009 were followed up until December 31, 2017 to obtain data regarding cancer incidence. Participants were categorized, according to blood pressure, as normal (<120/80 mm Hg), elevated (120-129/<80 mm Hg), and hypertensive (≥130/80 mm Hg) with or without antihypertensive medication, according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines. Kidney cancer was noted in 11 083 participants during the 8-year follow-up. Participants with hypertension were at higher risk for kidney cancer than those without hypertension. Participants with hypertension using medication had a higher cancer risk than those not using medication and those with elevated blood pressure. The risk of kidney cancer significantly increased with higher systolic or diastolic blood pressure, in a dose-dependent manner, even after adjusting for antihypertensive medication use. Therefore, hypertension and high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, compared with normal blood pressure, were associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.

Surgical treatment for renal masses in the elderly: analysis of oncological, surgical and functional outcomes

PURPOSE

Radical treatment in elderly patients with renal tumor remains debatable due to uncertainties regarding the risk of surgical complications, risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and survival benefit. The aim of the study was to assess outcomes of radical treatment for renal cancer in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis enrolled 507 consecutive patients treated with partial or radical nephrectomy due to renal mass. Patients with upfront metastatic disease (n=46) and patients lost to follow-up (n=110) were excluded from the analysis. Surgical, functional (screen for ESRD development) and survival outcomes were analyzed in patients aged >75 years in comparison to younger individuals.

RESULTS

The analyzed group included 55 elderly patients and 296 younger controls. Within the cohort a total of 148 and 203 patients underwent radical and partial nephrectomies respectively. The rate of surgical complications, including grade >3 Clavien- Dindo complications, did not differ between groups (3.6% vs. 4.4%, p=0.63). Median length of hospital stay was equal in both groups (7 days). During a follow-up (median 51.9 months, no difference between groups), ESRD occurred in 3.4% of controls and was not reported in elderly group (p=0.37). Younger patients demonstrated a statistically significant advantage in both overall survival and cancer-specific survival over elderly patients (OS 94.6% vs. 87% p=0.036, CSS 97.3% vs. 89.1% p=0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment in elderly patients with renal tumor is as safe as in younger individuals and does not increase the risk of ESRD. However, cancer specific survival among these patients remains shorter than in younger patients.

Comparative Analysis of Renal Functional Outcomes and Overall Survival of Elderly vs Nonelderly Patients Undergoing Radical Nephrectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in renal function and overall survival in elderly vs nonelderly patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal masses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed available records of 392 patients undergoing RN from 2008 through 2013. Patients were divided into elderly, defined as ≥70 years old (n = 110), or nonelderly (n = 282) at the time of nephrectomy. The groups were compared for perioperative characteristics, renal functional outcomes, and overall survival. Standard Student's t-tests were used for continuous variables and Fischer's exact tests for categorical comparisons. Kaplan-Meier estimate models for survival were compared using log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Elderly patients were more likely to have comorbidities. Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of elderly patients was significantly lower (65.6 vs 77.9 mL/minute/1.73 m², p = 0.0002), as was GFR at discharge (47.7 vs 57.2 mL/minute/1.73 m², p = 0.001) and at maximum follow-up (46.8 vs 57.4 mL/minute/1.73 m², p = 0.001). Of the patients with GFR >60 before surgery, de novo CKD stage III progression (defined as GFR <60) was detected in 74% of elderly and 53% nonelderly (odds ratio 2.47; 95% confidence interval 1.25-4.88; p = 0.01). Overall survival was not statistically different. When stratified for elderly and preoperative GFR <60, overall survival curves were not statistical different (log-rank test, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients who undergo RN have worse renal functional outcomes. Following nephrectomy, these patients are at higher risk of CKD progression than nonelderly patients. However, there does not appear to be a difference in overall survival between cohorts, even when stratified for preoperative GFR <60. These findings should be considered during preoperative decision-making.

Less overdiagnosis of kidney cancer? an age-period-cohort analysis of incidence trends in 16 populations worldwide

The increasing rates of kidney cancer incidence, reported in many populations globally, have been attributed both to increasing exposures to environmental risk factors, as well as increasing levels of incidental diagnosis due to widespread use of imaging. To better understand these trends, we examine long-term cancer registry data worldwide, focusing on the roles of birth cohort and calendar period, proxies for changes in risk factor prevalence and detection practice respectively. We used an augmented version of the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series to analyze kidney cancer incidence rates 1978-2007 in 16 geographically representative populations worldwide by sex for ages 30-74, using age-period-cohort (APC) analysis. The full APC model provided the best fit to the data in most studied populations. While kidney cancer incidence rates have been increasing in successive generations born from the early twentieth century in most countries, equivalent period-specific rises were observed from the late-1970s, although these have subsequently stabilized in certain European countries (the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Finland, Spain) as well as Japan from the mid-1990s, and from the mid-2000s, in Colombia, Costa Rica and Australia. Our results indicate that the effects of both birth cohort and calendar period contribute to the international kidney cancer incidence trends. While cohort-specific increases may partly reflect the rising trends in obesity prevalence and the need for more effective primary prevention policies, the attenuations in period-specific increases (observed in 8 of the 16 populations) highlight a possible change in imaging practices that could lead to mitigation of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Trends in the Management of Small Renal Masses: A Survey of Members of the Endourological Society

Treatment modalities for small renal masses (SRMs) include open or minimally invasive radical or partial nephrectomy, and laparoscopic or percutaneous ablations. Members of the Endourological Society were surveyed to evaluate how practitioner and clinical practice characteristics may be associated with the management of SRMs over time. The survey assessed characteristics of urologists (recency of residency and fellowship training, clinical practice type and location, and treatment modalities available) and their management of SRMs over the past year and over the course of the year 5 years prior. Of the 1495 surveys e-mailed, there were 129 respondents (8.6%). Comparing the past year to 5 years prior, there was increasing utilization of robotic partial nephrectomy (p < 0.001) and robotic radial nephrectomy (p = 0.031). In contrast, there was decreasing utilization of open partial nephrectomy (p < 0.001), open radical nephrectomy (p = 0.039), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (p = 0.002), and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (p = 0.041). Employment of laparoscopic ablation decreased (p = 0.001), but that of percutaneous ablation did not change significantly. For masses treated with image-guided therapy, there was increasing utilization of microwave ablation (p = 0.008) and decreasing usage of radiofrequency ablation (p = 0.002). Future studies should focus on the most effective treatment modalities based on provider, patient, and tumor characteristics.

An Empiric Evaluation of the Effect of Variation in Intensity of Followup for Surgically Treated Renal Neoplasms on Cancer Specific Survival

PURPOSE

Followup protocols after the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma lack clear evidence linking the intensity of imaging surveillance to improved outcomes. In this context we characterized the relationship between surveillance imaging intensity and cancer specific survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using SEER-Medicare data we identified 7,603 men with renal cell carcinoma treated surgically between 2004 and 2009. Multivariable negative binomial regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between patient level characteristics and the variation in imaging intensity. We modeled the association between kidney cancer specific mortality and imaging intensity using Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazards regression with other cause death treated as a competing risk for 2 separate followup periods (15 and 36 months).

RESULTS

More than 40% of patients in the short interval cohort and more than 50% in the intermediate interval group underwent no chest imaging during the evaluated survivorship period. More than 30% of patients in both followup periods had no abdominal imaging tests performed. Overall, followup imaging did not appear to confer an improvement in disease specific survival compared to undergoing no imaging in the 2 survivorship periods.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains considerable variation in the posttreatment surveillance regimen for patients with renal cell carcinoma in the United States. More importantly, this study raises important questions regarding the link between posttreatment surveillance imaging and survival.

Treating the two extremes in renal cell carcinoma: management of small renal masses and cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic disease

The incidental renal mass represents a heterogeneous group that contains both benign and malignant pathologies. The majority of renal cell carcinomas are discovered incidentally, without the presence of symptoms directly related to the mass, and are closely associated with the term small renal masses because of the discovery before the onset of symptoms. In general, small renal masses are defined as 4 cm or smaller, and may account for greater than half of renal cell carcinoma diagnosis. The use of renal mass biopsy may offer additional pathological information but the clinician must be reminded of the technical and diagnostic limitations of renal mass biopsy. Patient-dependent factors, such as life expectancy and comorbidities, guide the management of small renal masses, which include active surveillance, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, and ablative techniques (cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation). Partial nephrectomy has demonstrated durable oncologic control for small renal masses while preserving renal function and, if feasible, is the current treatment of choice. In the other extreme of the renal cell carcinomas spectrum and in the presence of metastatic disease, the removal of the renal primary tumor is termed cytoreductive nephrectomy. Two randomized trials (SWOG 8949 and EORTC 30947) have demonstrated a survival benefit with cytoreductive nephrectomy before the initiation of immunotherapy. These two studies have also been the motivation to perform cytoreductive nephrectomy in the targeted therapy era. Currently, there are two ongoing randomized prospective trials accruing to investigate the timing and relevance of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the contemporary setting of targeted therapy.

Incidence of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers in Korea: An update

The incidence of cancer is sharply increasing. Cancer is a leading cause of death as well as a significant burden on society. The incidence of urological cancer has shown a higher than average increase and will become an important concern in the future. Therefore, an overall and accurate understanding of the incidence of urological cancer is essential. In this study, which was based on the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, annual incident cases, age-standardized incidence rates, annual percentage change (APC), and distribution by age group were examined in kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers, respectively. From 1999 to 2011, the total number of each type of urological cancer was as follows: kidney cancer (32,600 cases, 25.5%), bladder cancer (37,950 cases, 29.7%), and prostate cancer (57,332 cases, 44.8%). The age-standardized incidence rates of prostate cancer showed a significant increase with an APC of 12.3% in males. Kidney cancer gradually increased with an APC of 6.0% for both sexes and became the second most frequent urological cancer after 2008. Bladder cancer showed no significant change with an APC of -0.2% for both sexes and has decreased slightly since 2007. The distribution of kidney cancer according to age showed two peaks in the 50- to 54-year-old and 65- to 69-year-old age groups. Bladder and prostate cancers occurred mostly in the 70- to 74-year-old age group. The proportions of male to female were 2.5:1 in kidney cancer and 5.6:1 in bladder cancer. We have summarized the incidence trends of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers and have provided useful information for screening and management of these cancers in the future.

Epidemiological evidences on overdiagnosis of prostate and kidney cancers in Korean

OBJECTIVES:

The prostate specific antigen test is widely used as the main method of screening prostate cancer in Korea. Additionally, the use of ultrasound sonography may lead to overdiagnosis of kidney cancer as well as thyroid cancer. This study aimed to highlight epidemiological evidences regarding overdiagnosis of prostate and kidney cancers in Korean.

METHODS:

The annual trends of national incidence and mortality of prostate and kidney cancers provided by the Korean Statistical Information Service were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The rate of increase in the incidence of prostate and kidney cancer was 6 and 5 times higher than that of mortality between 2000 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, the age group showing the highest incidence in prostate cancer shifted from 85 years and older to 75-79 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

This evidence suggests that prostate and kidney cancers are overdiagnosed in Korea. Further research in this area, using national cancer registry databases, should be encouraged to prevent overdiagnosis.

A nonrandomized prospective comparison of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy in the elderly to a younger cohort: an analysis of 339 patients with intermediate-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in elderly patients focusing on perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes in comparison with a younger cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a prospectively maintained institutional review board-approved database, 339 patients were divided into 2 groups defined by age ≥ 70 (n = 71) or <70 years (n = 268) at the time of RAPN. They were compared for perioperative outcomes and complications, including risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage progression. The standard t test and chi square test were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Logistic regression identified risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction. Kaplan-Meier estimates modeled tumor recurrence at 368 and 462 days in the elderly and young, respectively.

RESULTS

Elderly patients were more likely to have hypertension (86% vs 60%; P < .001) or coronary artery disease (27% vs 9%; P < .001), and rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and diabetes were also higher. Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the elderly (70 vs 82 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < .001). Twenty-four percent of elderly patients progressed in CKD stage as compared to 14% in the younger cohort (P = .08). Elderly age was not a statistically significant risk factor for CKD progression (relative risk, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-6.05; P = .11). Surgical and medical complication rates were similar between the cohorts (P = .75 and .80, respectively) as were Kaplan-Meier estimates of risk of tumor recurrence (P = .47). Limitations include nonrandomized, single-center study, and intermediate-term follow-up for oncologic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients undergoing RAPN had no increased risk of perioperative complications. CKD progression and risk of oncologic recurrence were similar to younger patients at intermediate-term follow-up.

Delivering kidney cancer care in rural Central and Southern Illinois: a telemedicine approach

There is a growing body of experience and research suggesting that telemedicine (video conferencing, smart phones and online patient portals) could be the solution to addressing gaps in the provision of specialised healthcare in rural areas. The proposed role of telemedicine in providing needed services in hard to reach areas is not new. The United States Telecommunication Act of 1996 provided the initial traction for telemedicine by removing important economic and legal obstacles regarding the use of technology in healthcare delivery. This initial ruling has been supplemented by the availability of federal funding to support efforts aimed at developing telemedicine in underserved areas. In this paper, we explore one aspect of disease disparity pertinent to rural Illinois (kidney cancer incidence and mortality) and describe how we are planning to use an existing telemedicine program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIUSOM) to improve kidney cancer (Kca) care in rural Illinois. This represents an example of the possible role of telemedicine in addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas/communities and provides a description of general challenges and barriers to the implementation and maintenance of such systems.

Trends in incidence, mortality, and survival for kidney cancer in Canada, 1986-2007

Purpose

Kidney cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers worldwide. We aimed to examine the trends in incidence, mortality, and survival for this cancer in Canada.

Methods

Incidence data for kidney cancer for 1986–2010 were from the Canadian Cancer Registry and the National Cancer Incidence Reporting System. These data were only available up to 2007 for the province of Quebec and consequently for the same year nationally, for Canada. Mortality data for 1986–2009 were from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database. Changes in age-standardized rates were analyzed by Joinpoint regression. Incidence rates were projected to 2025 using a Nordpred age-period-cohort model. Five-year relative survival ratios (RSR) were analyzed for 2004–2008 and earlier periods.

Results

Between 1986 and 2007, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) per 100,000 rose from 13.4 to 17.9 in males and 7.7 to 10.3 in females. Annual increases in ASIR were greatest for age groups <65 years (males) and ≥65 years (females). The ASIRs increased significantly over time in both sexes for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) but not for other kidney cancer types. RCC rates are projected to increase until at least 2025. Mortality rates decreased only slightly in each sex since 1986 (0.4 %/year in males; 0.8 %/year in females). The 5-year RSR for kidney cancer was 68 % but differed largely by morphology and age, and has increased slightly over time.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of kidney cancer in Canada has risen since at least 1986, led largely by RCC. Increasing detection of incidental tumors, and growing obesity and hypertension rates are possible factors associated with this increase. Greater prevention of modifiable risk factors for kidney cancer is needed.

Hydrogen sulfide treatment ameliorates long-term renal dysfunction resulting from prolonged warm renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to rise concurrently with the increased prevalence of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Treatment for small renal masses continues to be partial nephrectomy mostly involving the clamping of renal blood vessels. Although necessary, this technique results in warm renal ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) to the afflicted kidney. We have recently demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a novel endogenous gaseous molecule, protects against prolonged cold and short-term warm renal IRI. In the current study, we examined whether exogenous H2S has long-term protective effects against warm renal IRI associated with renal surgical procedures.

METHODS

Uni-nephrectomized Lewis rats underwent 1 hour of warm ischemia induced by clamping of the renal pelvis. Animals underwent either intraperitoneal treatment with phosphate buffered saline (PBS; IRI group) or PBS supplemented with 150 μM NaHS (H2S group), and were compared against Sham-operated rats.

RESULTS

H2S treatment improved long-term renal function as serum creatinine at day 7 was significantly decreased in the H2S group compared to IRI animals (p < 0.05). H2S treatment decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory markers TLR-4, TNF-α, IFNγ, IL-2 and ICAM-1, increased the expression of pro-survival molecule Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic marker BID at postoperative day 1. H2S-treated kidneys also showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in infiltration of macrophages at day 7 post-IRI compared to no treatment.

CONCLUSION

H2S treatment improved long-term renal function and decreased long-term inflammation associated with warm IRI, and may offer a novel therapeutic approach to preventing warm IRI-induced renal injury associated with renal surgical procedures.

Cancer incidence and mortality projections up to 2020 in Catalonia by means of Bayesian models

PURPOSE

To predict the burden of cancer in Catalonia by 2020 assessing changes in demography and cancer risk during 2010-2020.

METHODS/PATIENTS

Data were obtained from Tarragona and Girona cancer registries and Catalan mortality registry. Population age distribution was obtained from the Catalan Institute of Statistics. Predicted cases in Catalonia were estimated through autoregressive Bayesian age-period-cohort models.

RESULTS

There will be diagnosed 26,455 incident cases among men and 18,345 among women during 2020, which means an increase of 22.5 and 24.5 % comparing with the cancer incidence figures of 2010. In men, the increase of cases (22.5 %) can be partitioned in three components: 12 % due to ageing, 8 % due to increase in population size and 2 % due to cancer risk. In women, the role of each component was 9, 8 and 8 %, respectively. The increased risk is mainly expected to be observed in tobacco-related tumours among women and in colorectal and liver cancers among men. During 2010-2020 a mortality decline is expected in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

The expected increase of cancer incidence, mainly due to tobacco-related tumours in women and colorectal in men, reinforces the need to strengthen smoking prevention and the expansion of early detection of colorectal cancer in Catalonia.