Survival in stomach cancer: analysis of a national cancer information system and a population-based cancer registry in Colombia

Background: Stomach cancer is among the most frequent, is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Assessing its survival is important to guide evidence-based health policies. Aims: To estimate stomach cancer survival in Colombia (2014-2019) with data from the National Cancer Information System (NCIS) and in Cali with data from the Cali Population Cancer Registry (RPCC) (1998-2017). Methods: NCIS estimated the overall 3-year net survival for 8,549 people, while RPCC estimated 5-year net survival for 6,776 people. Results: The 3-year net survival was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5-38.1). Net survival was higher in people with special insurance (61.7%; 95% CI: 44.8-74.8) or third payer (40.5%; 95% CI: 38.7-42.3) than state insurance (30.7%; 95% CI: 28.7-32.8). It was also higher in women and people diagnosed at early stages. Multivariable analysis showed consistency with survival estimations with a higher risk of death in men, people with state insurance, and diagnosed at advanced stages. In Cali, the 5-year net survival remained stable in men during the last 20 years. In women the 5-year net survival in women increased 8.60 percentage points, equivalent to a 50% increase compared to the 1998-2002 period. For 2013-17, it was 19.1% (95%CI: 16.2-22.2) in men, and 24.8% (95% CI: 20.4-29.3) in women. Conclusions: Population survival estimates from the RPCC were lower than those observed in the NCIS. The differences in their methods and scope can explain variability. Nevertheless, our findings could be complementary to improve cancer control planning in the country.

Antecedentes: El cáncer de estómago se encuentra entre los más frecuentes y es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Evaluar su supervivencia es importante para orientar las políticas de salud basadas en la evidencia. Objetivos: Estimar la supervivencia del cáncer de estómago en Colombia (2014-2019) con datos del Sistema Nacional de Información del Cáncer (NCIS) y en Cali con datos del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali (RPCC) (1998-2017). Métodos: El NCIS estimó la supervivencia neta a tres años para 8,549 personas y el RPCC la calculó a 5 años para 6,776 personas registradas en sus bases de datos. Resultados: La supervivencia neta a tres años en Colombia fue del 36.8% (IC 95%: 35.5-38.1). La supervivencia neta fue mayor en personas con seguro especial (61.7%; IC 95%: 44.8-74.8) o tercer pagador (40.5%; IC 95%: 38.7-42.3) que el seguro estatal (30.7%; IC 95%: 28.7-32.8). También fue mayor en mujeres y personas diagnosticadas en etapas tempranas. El análisis multivariable mostró consistencia con la estimación de supervivencia con mayor riesgo de muerte en hombres, personas con seguro estatal y diagnosticados en estadios avanzados. En Cali, la supervivencia neta a 5 años se mantuvo estable en los hombres durante los últimos 20 años. En las mujeres aumentó 8.60 puntos porcentuales, equivalente a un aumento del 50% en comparación con el período 1998-2002. Para el período 2013-17 fue 19.1% (IC 95%: 16.2-22.2) en los hombres y 24.8% (IC 95%: 20.4-29.3) en las mujeres. Conclusiones: Las estimaciones de supervivencia del RPCC fueron más bajas que las obtenidas por el NCIS. Las diferencias en sus métodos y alcance pueden explicar la variabilidad. Sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos pueden ser complementarios para mejorar la planificación del control del cáncer en el país..

Survival in stomach cancer: analysis of a national cancer information system and a population-based cancer registry in Colombia.

Background: Stomach cancer is among the most frequent, is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Assessing its survival is important to guide evidence-based health policies. Aims: To estimate stomach cancer survival in Colombia (2014-2019) with data from the National Cancer Information System (NCIS) and in Cali with data from the Cali Population Cancer Registry (RPCC) (1998-2017). Methods: NCIS estimated the overall 3-year net survival for 8,549 people, while RPCC estimated 5-year net survival for 6,776 people. Results: The 3-year net survival was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5-38.1). Net survival was higher in people with special insurance (61.7%; 95% CI: 44.8-74.8) or third payer (40.5%; 95% CI: 38.7-42.3) than state insurance (30.7%; 95% CI: 28.7-32.8). It was also higher in women and people diagnosed at early stages. Multivariable analysis showed consistency with survival estimations with a higher risk of death in men, people with state insurance, and diagnosed at advanced stages. In Cali, the 5-year net survival remained stable in men during the last 20 years. In women the 5-year net survival in women increased 8.60 percentage points, equivalent to a 50% increase compared to the 1998-2002 period. For 2013-17, it was 19.1% (95%CI: 16.2-22.2) in men, and 24.8% (95% CI: 20.4-29.3) in women. Conclusions: Population survival estimates from the RPCC were lower than those observed in the NCIS. The differences in their methods and scope can explain variability. Nevertheless, our findings could be complementary to improve cancer control planning in the country.

Antecedentes: El cáncer de estómago se encuentra entre los más frecuentes y es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Evaluar su supervivencia es importante para orientar las políticas de salud basadas en la evidencia. Objetivos: Estimar la supervivencia del cáncer de estómago en Colombia (2014-2019) con datos del Sistema Nacional de Información del Cáncer (NCIS) y en Cali con datos del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali (RPCC) (1998-2017). Métodos: El NCIS estimó la supervivencia neta a tres años para 8,549 personas y el RPCC la calculó a 5 años para 6,776 personas registradas en sus bases de datos. Resultados: La supervivencia neta a tres años en Colombia fue del 36.8% (IC 95%: 35.5-38.1). La supervivencia neta fue mayor en personas con seguro especial (61.7%; IC 95%: 44.8-74.8) o tercer pagador (40.5%; IC 95%: 38.7-42.3) que el seguro estatal (30.7%; IC 95%: 28.7-32.8). También fue mayor en mujeres y personas diagnosticadas en etapas tempranas. El análisis multivariable mostró consistencia con la estimación de supervivencia con mayor riesgo de muerte en hombres, personas con seguro estatal y diagnosticados en estadios avanzados. En Cali, la supervivencia neta a 5 años se mantuvo estable en los hombres durante los últimos 20 años. En las mujeres aumentó 8.60 puntos porcentuales, equivalente a un aumento del 50% en comparación con el período 1998-2002. Para el período 2013-17 fue 19.1% (IC 95%: 16.2-22.2) en los hombres y 24.8% (IC 95%: 20.4-29.3) en las mujeres. Conclusiones: Las estimaciones de supervivencia del RPCC fueron más bajas que las obtenidas por el NCIS. Las diferencias en sus métodos y alcance pueden explicar la variabilidad. Sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos pueden ser complementarios para mejorar la planificación del control del cáncer en el país..

Burden and magnitude of risk in HIV/AIDS in the Colombian health system: a real-world data approach / Carga y magnitud del riesgo en VIH/SIDA en el sistema de salud colombiano: enfoque de datos del mundo real

Abstract Aim: To assess the epidemiological situation of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in the municipalities and regions of Colombia in 2018. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data from the High-Cost Diseases Fund from February 1st, 2018 to January 31st, 2019. We included sociodemographic, clinical variables, and related to geographic location. We calculated incidence, prevalence, and mortality according to the Colombian geographical regions, department and municipality of residence. Crude and age-standardized rates were estimated. Results: By 2018, 10,930 new cases of PLWHA were reported, being more frequent in males, aged between 25 to 49 years. 39.32% were reported with AIDS and 35.27% had undetectable HIV viral load. During 2018, there are 109,056 PLWHA in Colombia. The highest age-standardized incidence and prevalence were reported in Florencia (Cauca) (354.28 per 100,000 and 3.32 per 100people, respectively). The age-standardized incidence rate was 22.12 per 100,000 population (95% CI 21.71-22.54). Age-standardized prevalence and mortality were 0.23 per 100 population (95% CI 0.22-0.23) and 3.78 per 100,000 population (95% CI 3.61-3.96), respectively. Conclusion: Different strategies should be implemented to improve the identification of risk factors in the population, especially in some regions of Colombia and prevent transmission.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la situación epidemiológica de las personas que viven con el VIH y el SIDA (PVVS) en los municipios y regiones de Colombia en 2018. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal con datos secundarios del Fondo Colombiano de Enfermedades de Alto Costo entre febrero 1 de 2018 al 31 de enero de 2019. Incluimos variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con la ubicación geográfica. Calculamos la incidencia, prevalencia y mortalidad según la región geográfica colombiana, el departamento de residencia y el municipio. Se estimaron tasas crudas y estandarizadas por edad. Resultados: Para el 2018, 10.930 nuevos casos de PVVS fueron reportados, siendo más frecuentes en hombres, en edades entre 25 a 49 años. 39.32% fueron reportados con SIDA y 35.27% tuvieron una carga viral de VIH indetectable. 109,056 PVVS en Colombia. Las incidencia y prevalencia ajustadas por edad más altas se informaron en Florencia (Cauca) (354.28 por 100,000 y 3.32 por 100 personas, respectivamente). La tasa de incidencia estandarizada por edad fue de 22.12 por 100,000 habitantes (IC 95% 21.71-22.54). La prevalencia y mortalidad ajustadas por edad fueron 0.23 por 100 habitantes (IC 95% 0.22-0.23) y 3.78 por 100.000 habitantes (IC 95% 3.61-3.96), respectivamente. Se deben implementar diferentes estrategias para mejorar la identificación de los factores de riesgo en la población, especialmente en algunas regiones geográficas de Colombia y prevenir la transmisión.

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica en menores de 13 años que viven con VIH en Colombia. 2018: un estudio de corte transversal / Epidemiological and clinical characterization in minors under 13 years living with HIV in Colombia. 2018: a crosssectional study

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los niños que viven con el VIH/sida, en Colombia. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de tipo corte transversal analitico, realizado en los menores de 13 años que viven con el VIH /sida y que fueron reportados a un organismo técnico colombiano en el 2018. Se estimó la prevalencia del VIH/sida y se caracterizaron los niños con VIH y niños con sida. Resultados: 655 niños tenían la infección. La prevalencia de VIH/sida fue de 0,05 (IC 95% 0,04 - 0,07) por 1.000 niños. El 50,08% pertenecían al sexo femenino y el 79,85% al régimen subsidiado. La transmisión materno infantil predominó en el 89,16%. El 83,21% usaban tratamiento antirretroviral. El 50,08% se encontraba indetectable. Las principales enfermedades que definieron el sida fueron la neumonía y el síndrome de desgaste. La región de residencia, el último conteo de linfocitos T CD4+ y el diagnóstico temprano de VIH mostraron diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos. Conclusión: La reducción de la transmisión materno infantil del VIH ha sido una meta mundial; sin embargo, fue el principal mecanismo de transmisión en los menores de 13 años en Colombia. Las acciones deben dirigirse a la prevención de la transmisión y al diagnóstico temprano del VIH.

Abstract Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children living with HIV / AIDS in Colombia. Methods: Retrospective observational study of analytical cross section, carried out in children under 13 years of age living with HIV / AIDS and who were reported to High Cost Diseases Fund in 2018. The prevalence of HIV / AIDS was estimated and children with HIV and children with AIDS were characterized. Results: 655 children had the infection. The HIV / AIDS prevalence was 0.05 (95% CI; 0.04 - 0.07) per 1,000 children. 50.08% were female and 79.85% to the subsidized insurance. Mother-to-child transmission predominated in 89.16%. 83.21% of children used antiretroviral treatment and 50.08% were undetectable. The main diseases that defined AIDS were pneumonia and wasting syndrome. The region of residence, the last CD4 T cells counts and early diagnosis of HIV showed statistical differences between the groups. Conclusion: Reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV has been a global goal; however, it was the main transmission mechanism in the children under 13 in Colombia. Actions should be directed to prevent transmission and early diagnosis of HIV.

Patterns of breast, prostate and cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Colombia: an administrative registry data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is widely recognized as a global public health problem. Breast, prostate, and cervical cancer are among the most frequent types in developing countries. Assessing their incidence and mortality by regions and municipalities is important to guide evidence-based health policy. Our aim was to describe the incidence and mortality trends for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer across regions and municipalities in Colombia during 2018. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis with data from people with breast, prostate, or cervical cancer, reported to the National Administrative Cancer Registry during 2018. A descriptive analysis was performed. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were estimated at national, regional, and municipal levels. Finally, we identify the regions and municipalities with significantly higher or lower incidence and mortality rates compared to national estimations. RESULTS: Breast cancer was the most frequent type among all new cases and deaths in Colombia. Breast, prostate and cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 were: 18.69 (CI 95%: 18.15-19.25) and 10.48 (CI 95%: 10.07-10.91); 11.34 (CI 95%: 10.90-11.78) and 7.58 (CI 95%: 7.22-7.96); 5.93 (CI 95%: 5.62-6.25) and 4.31 (CI 95%: 4.05-4.58), respectively. Eastern region had both, incidence and mortality rates, significantly lower than national for all types of cancer. By municipalities, there was a heterogeneous pattern. Nonetheless, Agua de Dios (Cundinamarca), had one of the highest incidence rates for all types. CONCLUSIONS: We observed clear differences in cancer incidence and mortality across regions and municipalities, depending on each type of cancer. Our findings are important to improve screening coverage, early detection, and treatment in the country.

Primary prophylaxis was associated with lower arthropathy in Colombian men with haemophilia B: A longitudinal analysis (2015-2019).

INTRODUCTION: The risk of chronic haemophilic arthropathy (CHA) is related to severity. Evidence suggests that primary prophylaxis (PPr) could reduce CHA incidence and its impact on quality of life. AIM: To evaluate the association between PPr and CHA in Colombian males with haemophilia B (HB) during 2015 to 2019. METHODS: A panel-time analysis was performed with data provided by the National Health System to update a nationwide open cohort of people with congenital coagulopathies. The association was evaluated in a logistic random-effect regression model (LRERM), adjusted by age at diagnosis, prophylaxis dose and frequency, severity, haemarthrosis and high-titre inhibitors. RESULTS: During 2015-2019, a total of 362 men with HB and treated with either, primary, secondary or tertiary prophylaxis were identified. At baseline, CHA prevalence in the cohort was 36.84% (n = 133), median age was 19.0 years (IQR: 10.0-27.0), and median age at diagnosis was 1.0 year (IQR: 0.0-4.0). PPr was prescribed in 37.85% (n = 137), and median dose (IU/Kg/dose) was almost the same for primary vs. secondary/tertiary prophylaxis. Patients in PPr had a lower frequency of severe HB, CHA, haemarthrosis, infectious complications and high-titre inhibitors than those in secondary or tertiary prophylaxis (STPr). In the LRERM, PPr was associated with a significant reduction of 89.70% in the odds of CHA (aOR = 0.103, IC 95%: 0.040, 0.270; P < .001), compared with STPr. CONCLUSIONS: PPr decreased the odds of CHA by 89.70% in males with HB in Colombia. Our findings are consistent with previous studies and support the strategy to prescribe PPr to our patients.

Significant Cellular Viability Dependence on Time Exposition at ELF-EMF and RF-EMF In Vitro Studies.

The human concern about the effect of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has changed over time from the effects produced by EMFs of extremely low frequencies (ELFs) to the effects produced by exposure to a radio frequency (RF), with concerns shifting toward EMFs due to the development of new technologies and forms of communication. Previous studies have analysed the effects produced at different frequencies without considering in detail the effect of the time of exposure. Therefore, in the present study, we analysed in vitro the effect produced by a 100 µT EMF at different ELFs and exposure times in glioblastomas, as well as the effect produced in a fibroblast by an RF-EMF of 2.54 GHz. Our results indicate a significant time dependence in cell viability of fibroblasts exposed to an RF-EMF of 2.54 GHz and a non-time-dependent effect in cell viability of glioblastomas exposed to an ELF-EMF, highlighting the possible relation between frequency and time of exposure.