Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: Reprogramming Cancer Cells to iPSCs to Study Disease Progression and Treatment Targets
Published on: February 2, 2024
Persistent Global Associations Between Gallbladder-Biliary Diseases and Pancreatic Cancer: Evidence from 204
Xiaoyang Chen1, Bin Xu1, Shun Wang2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Xindu District People's Hospital Of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Despite anatomical proximity and shared physiological pathways, population-level evidence examining temporal associations between gallbladder-biliary diseases and pancreatic cancer remains limited. We systematically evaluated correlational patterns using three decades of global health surveillance data.
Methods:
We conducted a population-based ecological analysis using Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 data spanning 1990-2021 across 204 countries and territories. Spearman correlations quantified temporal associations across five health metrics, with dose-response relationships assessed through decile-based categorization and spatial heterogeneity evaluated using continental-level comparisons.
Results:
Significant positive correlations emerged between gallbladder-biliary diseases and pancreatic cancer, with Spearman coefficients ranging from 0.740 to 0.843 (all p < 0.001), persisting after age-standardization. Temporal stability showed exceptional consistency, with a coefficient of variation of 2.2% across 32 years. The strongest correlations occurred in the 20-54 years age group despite the highest burden being in the 55 + years group, suggesting critical biological windows. Significant dose-response gradients existed (p < 0.001). Continental analysis revealed differential correlation strengths: Oceania (r = 0.93), Asia (r = 0.90), Europe (r = 0.70), Americas (r = 0.68), and Africa (r = 0.63). Pancreatic cancer burden escalated by 45.7% while gallbladder-biliary disease burden remained stable. Associations persisted following risk factor adjustment, suggesting disease-specific pathways.
Conclusions:
This global analysis provides compelling population-level evidence for sustained temporal associations between gallbladder-biliary diseases and pancreatic cancer. The demonstrated dose-response relationships and age-specific patterns suggest biological linkages warranting integrated disease management and targeted surveillance strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
01:17Gallbladder
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins...