Glioma Epidemiology in the Central Tunisian Population: 1993-2012

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Glioma is a heterogeneous central nervous system (CNS) tumor group that encompassesdifferent histological subtypes with high variability in prognosis. The lesions account for almost 80% of primarymalignant brain tumors. The aim of this study is to extend our understanding of the glioma epidemiology in thecentral Tunisian region. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We analyzed 393 gliomas recorded in cancer registry of centralTunisia from 1993 to 2012. Crude incidence rates (CR) and world age-standardized rates (ASR) were estimatedusing annual population data size and age structure. Statistic correlations were established using Chi-square andKaplan-Meier test. <br/><b>Results</b>: Tunisian glioma patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 48 yearsand 1.5 sex ratio (male/female). During the 19 years period of study the highest incidence value was observedin male group between 1998 and 2002 (CR: 0.28, ASR: 0.3). Incidence results underline increasing high gradeglioma 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 youngerage, lower tumor grade, infratentrial tumor location and undergoing a palliative treatment. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Thiscentral Tunisia gliomas registry study provides important information that could improve glioma managementand healthcare practice.