Gliomas: survival differences between metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Metropolitan status's impact on glioma patient outcomes, including mortality and survival, is under-explored.
• Proximity to academic universities and high-volume hospitals correlates with larger patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of metropolitan status on short-term mortality and long-term survival in glioma patients.
• To compare demographic and clinical factors between glioma patients in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the SEER-18 registry to identify patients diagnosed with gliomas.
• Classified patients into metropolitan and non-metropolitan groups using rural-urban continuum codes.
• Performed univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models to assess survival.

Main Results:

• Non-metropolitan patients were older at diagnosis (51.6 vs. 49.06 years) and had a higher proportion of Caucasian, married, grade I/IV gliomas, and no surgery.
• Short-term mortality was 11.68% (metropolitan) vs. 13.04% (non-metropolitan); median survival was 15 months vs. 12 months, respectively.
• Population group, age, gender, marital status, tumor grade/location, GTR, and radiation were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 10.8% of gliomas are treated in non-metropolitan settings.
• Significant differences in patient and glioma characteristics exist based on metropolitan status.
• Metropolitan status is a key factor influencing both short-term mortality and long-term survival in glioma patients.