Glioma epidemiology in the central Tunisian population: 1993-2012.
BACKGROUND
Glioma is a heterogeneous central nervous system (CNS) tumor group that encompasses different histological subtypes with high variability in prognosis. The lesions account for almost 80% of primary malignant brain tumors. The aim of this study is to extend our understanding of the glioma epidemiology in the central Tunisian region.


METHODS
We analyzed 393 gliomas recorded in cancer registry of central Tunisia from 1993 to 2012. Crude incidence rates (CR) and world age-standardized rates (ASR) were estimated using annual population data size and age structure. Statistic correlations were established using Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier test.


RESULTS
Tunisian glioma patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 48 years and 1.5 sex ratio (male/female). During the 19 years period of study the highest incidence value was observed in male group between 1998 and 2002 (CR: 0.28, ASR: 0.3). Incidence results underline increasing high grade glioma occurring in the adulthood in the last period (2007-2012). Median survival was 27 months, with 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates of 42%, 30% and 26%, respectively. Survival was greater in patients with younger age, lower tumor grade, infratentrial tumor location and undergoing a palliative treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This central Tunisia gliomas registry study provides important information that could improve glioma management and healthcare practice.
Department of Cytogenetics, Molecular genetics and Reproductive Biology, Farhet Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia E-mail : tsaoussen@yahoo.fr.
Saoussen
S
Trabelsi
Dorra H'mida-Ben
DH
Brahim
Mohamed
M
Ladib
Nadia
N
Mama
Imed
I
Harrabi
Kalthoum
K
Tlili
Mohamed Tahar
MT
Yacoubi
Hedi
H
Krifa
Sihem
S
Hmissa
Ali
A
Saad
Moncef
M
Mokni
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003906:Developing Countries; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014416:Tunisia / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult