Insights into the epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma in North Africa and the Middle East

Abstract

Purpose - Recent improvements in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with the introduction of targeted agents, have increased the need of accurate data on its epidemiology. This descriptive study was designed to collate comprehensive information on RCC epidemiology from North Africa and the Middle East, which could provide the basis for further research.

Methods - A network of reference oncologists in North Africa and the Middle East were invited to share all available national and regional information on RCC epidemiology, captured in a comprehensive questionnaire. No statistical analysis was planned as the intention was to conduct a purely descriptive study.

Results - The results reported that the incidence of RCC within the region is in the range of 0.9–2.35/100,000 for men (with Lebanon as an exception at 4.3/100,000 for men) and 0.5– 1.7/100,000 for women, which is considerably lower than in Europe and the USA. No mortality or survival data are available. The age at diagnosis (mean < 60 years) is lower than in Western countries and a high proportion of patients in North Africa and the Middle East (21‒45%) have metastatic disease at diagnosis.

Conclusions - The information presented here provides a more complete and current picture of RCC in North Africa and the Middle East; however, there are still gaps in the data. Further research is needed to allow planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation.