Changing prevalence of indolent lymphoid malignancies among the elderly
7579 Background: Reported changes in incidence rates and improved survival rates among patients with common indolent B-cell lymphoid malignancies have potential implications for increased disease burden among the elderly. This study examines incidence, survival, and prevalence rates of elderly patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and CLL/SLL using a large population based database. The indolent and incurable nature of these diseases makes the prevalence rate a good indicator of total disease burden. Methods: The SEER 9 public use database was analyzed using SEER*Stat software version 6.1.4. Subjects were identified by ICD-O-3 diagnostic codes. Incidence rates and trends (from 1973 to 2002) were calculated (per 100,000 population) and were age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population. Survival rates were calculated for patients diagnosed during the periods 1980–1985 and 1990–1995. Prevalence rates include patients diagnosed within 15 years prior to the prevalence date (15-year limited prevalence). Results: Annual percent change of incidence rate (per 100,000) among patients ≥65 years (from 1973 to 2002) was 2.76 (95% CI: 1.92, 3.60) for FL and -0.18 (95% CI: -0.47, 0.11) for CLL/SLL. Survival rates for patients ≥65 years was improved for both FL and CLL/SLL. Among patients with FL diagnosed between 1975–1980 and 1990–1995, 5-year survival rates were 42.2% (95% CI: 38.8, 45.6) and 50.3% (95% CI: 47.9, 52.7). Among patients with CLL diagnosed between 1975–1980 and 1990–1995, 5-year survival rates were 40.6% (95% CI: 38.8, 42.4) and 50.4% (95% CI: 48.9, 51.9). Prevalence percent increased for FL patients among ages 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and ≥85 years. Prevalence percents were unchanged among CLL/SLL patients. Conclusions: Increased FL incidence and increased survival rates have resulted in a growing disease burden among the elderly over the last decade; the prevalence of CLL/SLL has remained static. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.