Incidence, Prevalence, Survival and Mortality of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma and Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia in Australia.

BACKGROUND

Mature B-cell neoplasms chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are highly prevalent in older populations.

AIMS: This study quantified the incidence, prevalence and relative survival/mortality rate in Australia for CLL/SS and WM and reported the past trends.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

All CLL/SLL and WM cases registered from January 2009 to December 2018 in Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland were identified. Incidence rates over the observed period (2009-2018) were calculated and then projected to 2038 using linear regression. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were used to estimate survival rates from 2009 to 2018.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2018, the annual age-standardised incidence rates of CLL/SLL (range, 600.05-887.92 cases per 107 person-years) and WM (range, 41.48-78.19 cases per 107 person-years) showed an increasing trend (coefficient: 26.98 [p = 0.023] and 3.20 [p = 0.009], respectively). A similar trend was seen in age-standardised prevalence proportions by sex and age group. KM curves showed 10-year survival rates of 53% (CLL/SLL) and 42% (WM) at the end of the available data period (2018). Differences in survival between sexes were not statistically significant in the log-rank test, but univariable analysis showed male sex and older age were associated with a higher risk of mortality in both condition.

DISCUSSION: The change in survival over time may reflect disease characteristics and recent advances in treatment.

CONCLUSION

Given the increasing incidence and relatively high survival of CLL/SLL and WM, strategic planning for the future management is warranted in the context of Australia's ageing population.