Current Knowledge on UTUC Epidemiology in Poland Compared to Europe

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare cancer with limited epidemiological data in Central and Eastern Europe.
• This study addresses the need for long-term trends in UTUC incidence, mortality, and survival in Poland and Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term trends in UTUC incidence, mortality, and survival in Poland.
• To compare Polish UTUC trends with other European countries.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from Polish National Cancer Registry, Statistics Poland, and European Cancer Information System.
• Calculated age-standardized rates using European Standard Population (ESP 2013).
• Assessed temporal trends with Joinpoint regression and survival with the Pohar-Perme method.

Main Results:

• UTUC incidence and mortality increased across Europe and in Poland, with distinct patterns observed post-2017 in Poland.
• Renal pelvis cancer exhibited higher incidence and mortality than ureteral cancer.
• Five-year relative survival improved, reaching up to 62% for ureteral cancer.

Conclusions:

• Poland presents a distinctive epidemiological pattern for UTUC compared to Europe.
• Strengthening cancer registries and centralizing care protocols are recommended to improve UTUC management and reduce mortality.