Global trends in gallbladder cancer survival: A 30-year analysis of cancer registry data.

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer has historically been characterized with a poor prognosis. This study aims to describe the global patterns and temporal trends in gallbladder cancer survival using data from cancer registries.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review by searching six databases-PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, SEER, CNKI, and Wanfang-for using of registry-based data published before January 1, 2024. Survival data were carefully extracted and analyzed from the final set of included studies.

RESULTS

Among the 55 studies included, more than 320,000 people, suggest that survival improvements for gallbladder cancer have stagnated over the past three decades. No significant improvements in 5-year relative survival rates were observed worldwide. After age standardization, the highest 5-year relative survival rate is 30.6 % (Changzhou, China, 2011-2013 and Korea, 2013-2019), while the lowest is 6.0 % (Austria, 1990). The 5-year relative survival rate for gallbladder cancer was generally higher in Asian populations than in other regions. Survival rates were more favorable in younger individuals, with no differences in survival observed between the sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 30 years, the prognosis of patients with gallbladder cancer has not improved significantly worldwide. There is an urgent need for new treatments for gallbladder cancer as well as simple and effective screening methods to improve the survival rate of gallbladder cancer.