Ependymoma, NOS and anaplastic ependymoma incidence and survival in the United States varies widely by patient and clinical characteristics, 2000-2016.

backgroundEpendymoma is a rare CNS tumor arising from the ependymal lining of the ventricular system. General differences in incidence and survival have been noted but not examined on a comprehensive scale for all ages and by histology. Despite the rarity of ependymomas, morbidity/mortality associated with an ependymoma diagnosis justifies closer examination.

methodsIncidence data were obtained from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute, and survival data from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results, from 2000 to 2016 for anaplastic ependymoma and ependymoma, not otherwise specified (NOS). Age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 000 person-years were analyzed by age, sex, race, and location. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

resultsIncidence of anaplastic ependymoma was highest in ages 0 to 4 years. African American populations had lower incidence but had a 78% increased risk of death compared to white populations (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.78 [95% CI, 1.30-2.44]). Incidence was highest for anaplastic ependymoma in the supratentorial region. Adults (age 40+ years) had almost twice the risk of death compared to children (ages 0-14 years) (HR: 1.97 [95% CI, 1.45-2.66]). For ependymoma, NOS, subtotal resection had a risk of mortality 1.86 times greater than gross total resection ([HR: 1.86 [95% CI, 1.32-2.63]).

conclusionsAfrican American populations experienced higher mortality rates despite lower incidence compared to white populations. Extent of resection is an important prognostic factor for survival. This highlights need for further evaluation of treatment patterns and racial disparities in the care of patients with ependymoma subtypes.