Primary central nervous system lymphoma high incidence and poor survival in Finnish population-based analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background We report here the first population-based incidence rates and prognosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in Finland. Methods Finnish Cancer Registry data by histological diagnosis and tumor location (2007–2017) for cases with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Results During 2007–2017, 392 new cases of PCNSL were reported (195 males, 197 females). The average age-adjusted incidence was 0.68/100,000 person-years. Incidence for males was 0.74/100,000 and for females 0.63/100,000, respectively. The incidence was highest, 2.93/100,000, among people aged 75–79 years. Concerning all cases in 2007–2017 the 2-year age-adjusted relative survival rate was 33% and the corresponding 5-year survival rate was 26%. Among patients under the age of 70, the age-adjusted 5-year relative survival rate increased from 36% in 2007–2012 to 43% for 2013–2017. Among patients aged 70+ the corresponding survival rates were poor, 7 and 9%. Conclusions PCNSL incidence in Finland is among the highest reported in the world. The annual increase in incidence was 2.4%. The prognosis is still dismal, especially in elderly patients.