Brain metastases admissions in Sweden between 1987 and 2006
K E Smedby1, L Brandt, M L Bäcklund
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet Solna, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden. karin.ekstrom.smedby@ki.se
British Journal of Cancer
|October 15, 2009
Summary
The incidence of brain metastases (BM) has doubled in Sweden, with no improvement in survival despite advances in cancer treatment. This highlights a critical gap in care for patients with advanced cancer and BM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Brain metastases (BM) are the most frequent intracranial tumors, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Population-based epidemiological studies on BM incidence and trends are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and time trends of brain metastases (BM) in a population-based cohort.
- To analyze primary cancer types, incidence rates, and survival outcomes for BM patients.
Main Methods:
- A Swedish population-based cohort of 15,517 patients hospitalized with BM between 1987 and 2006 was identified.
- Data were linked to nationwide cancer incidence and death registers.
- Time to hospitalization and death was computed, and primary cancer types were assessed.
Main Results:
- The annual age-adjusted incidence of BM hospitalization doubled from 7 to 14 per 100,000 between 1987 and 2006.
- Common primary cancers included lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.
- Median survival was short at 2.7 months and did not improve over time, despite advances in primary cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- The number of patients hospitalized with BM has significantly increased in Sweden.
- Despite improvements in treating common primary cancers, survival for patients with advanced cancer and BM has not improved.
- Further research and interventions are needed to address the growing burden and poor prognosis of BM.
