Gallbladder cancer in the Netherlands: incidence, treatment and survival patterns since 1989

To examine recent trends in gallbladder cancer (GBC) in the general population in the Western world, cancer registration data on GBC in the Netherlands were analyzed.

Trends in incidence, treatment and survival, according to gender, age and stage of disease, between 1989 and 2008 for 3,917 patients were studied. Rates were age-standardized to the European standard population (European Standardized Rates - ESR).

The incidence rate for GBC in the Netherlands decreased rapidly during the period of 1989-2008, except for males younger than 60 years. Overall survival remained stable, short-term (3-month) and long-term (5-year) relative survival among surgically treated patients increased significantly. Treatment patterns for GBC changed. Surgery decreased from 55% in 1989 to 38% in 2008 (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy and/or irradiation increased from 1.0 to 5.8% (p < 0.001). Receiving best supportive care increased from 44% in 1989 to 57% in 2008 (p < 0.001).

The incidence rate for GBC in the Netherlands has decreased rapidly. Treatment patterns for GBC have changed and survival among surgically treated patients has increased.