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Background Solid organ transplantation is associated with increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Studies with short follow up times have suggested a reduced occurrence of these cancers in recipients treated with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors as maintenance immunosuppression. We aimed to describe the occurrence of skin cancers in renal and liver transplant recipients switched from calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus-based regimes. Methods We performed a retrospective study of sirolimus conversion within the Irish national kidney and liver transplant programs. These data were linked with the National Cancer Registry Ireland to determine the incidence of NMSC among these recipients. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for post versus pre-conversion NMSC rates are referred in this study as an effect size with [95% confidence interval]. Results Of 4,536 kidney transplants and 574 liver transplants functioning on the 1 January 1994 or transplanted between 1 January 1994 and 01 January 1994 and 01 January 2015, 85 kidney and 88 liver transplant recipients were transitioned to sirolimus-based immunosuppression. In renal transplants, the rate of NMSC was 131 per 1000 patient years pre-switch to sirolimus, and 68 per 1000 patient years post switch, with adjusted effect size of 0.48 [0.31 − 0.74] (p = .001) following the switch. For liver transplant recipients, the rate of NMSC was 64 per 1,000 patient years pre-switch and 30 per 1,000 patient years post switch, with an adjusted effect size of 0.49 [0.22 − 1.09] (p .081). Kidney transplant recipients were followed up for a median 3.4 years. Liver transplants were followed for a median 6.6 years. Conclusions In this study, the conversion of maintenance immunosuppression from calcineurin inhibitors to mTOR inhibitors for clinical indications did appear to reduce the incidence of NMSC in kidney and liver transplant recipients.

AIMS: We report on the incidence of cutaneous eyelid tumours in Ireland over the 11-year-period from 2005 to 2015, we identify associations between demographic factors and cutaneous eyelid tumour risk. METHODS: Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and other cancers, located on the eyelid or canthus according to ICD-10 coding, as registered by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI), were captured from the period 2005 to 2015. Age standardised rates (ASR) were calculated according to the European Standard Population (2013). Longitudinal data analysis using linear regression, and associations with age and sex were evaluated with the statistics program R. RESULTS: There were 4824 patients diagnosed with eyelid BCC during the study period, the ASR in men and women was mean 15.87 and 13.49 per 100,00, respectively. The relative risk for eyelid BCC in men compared with women was 1.18, age was associated with incidence. There were 528 patients diagnosed with SCC; the ASR of eyelid SCC in men and women was 2.10 and 1.39 per 100,000, respectively, and increased in women annually (β = 0.07, p = 0.0005). The relative risk for eyelid SCC in men compared with women was 1.51, and age was exponentially associated with SCC. Melanoma and other eyelid tumours were uncommon—50 and 55 cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Incidence of both BCC and SCC increases with age and male sex. The incidence of eyelid SCC is increasing in women, and under age 50, eyelid BCC is more common in women than men. SYNOPSIS: We describe the recent incidence of eyelid cancers in Ireland, from National Cancer Registry Data. We find eyelid BCC, and also SCC, are associated with increased age. Rate of eyelid SCC is increasing in women.

Background: Treatment for bladder cancer includes radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion, RC is associated with long-term morbidity, kidney function deterioration and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative long-term kidney function decline and mortality. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with RC and urinary diversion in Beaumont Hospital from 1996 to 2016. We included patients who had follow up data of at least two years post procedure. We assessed the following outcomes: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preoperatively, at first and second year post-procedure, kidney function decline >10 ml/min/1.73m 2 , dialysis commencement and mortality. Logistic regression analyses were applied to assess risk factors associated, a p-value Results: We included 264 patients, with median age 68.3 years, 73,7% males. The most common diagnosis was bladder cancer 93.3%, TNM stages were grouped in T≥2 75.9%, N≥1 47.6% and M1 28%. The median eGFR preoperative was 65.8 ml/min/1.73m 2 and after 2 years 58.2 ml/min/1.73m 2 (p:0.009), 5.6% required chronic dialysis and 32.8% had a decrease >10 ml/min/1.73m 2 . Risk factors associated with ESKD included; age (HR:1.13, CI95% 1.05-1.22), and pre-operative eGFR (HR:1.04, CI95% 1.01-1.07). Overall mortality was 43.2% and 75.9% at 5 and 10 years respectively, risk factors for which were age (HR:1.1, CI95% 1.04-1.18), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.03, CI95% 1.01-1.06) and male gender (HR:14.8, CI95% 1.1-192). Conclusions: Patients with RC are at risk of progressive kidney function deterioration and elevated mortality and the main risk factors associated were age, sex, and preoperative eGFR. Regular monitoring of kidney function will permit early diagnosis and treatment.

Background. Treatment for bladder cancer includes radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion, RC is associated with long-term morbidity, renal function deterioration and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative long-term renal function decline and mortality. Methods. Retrospective study in patients with RC and urinary diversion in Beaumont Hospital from 1996 to 2016. We include patients who had assessment for at least two years post procedure and confirmed live status. We assessed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preoperatively, at first and second year, renal function decline > 10 ml/min/1.73 m2, start dialysis and mortality. Logistic regression analyses were applied to assess risk factors associated, a significant p-value 2 and after 2 years 58.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p:0.009), 5.6% required chronic dialysis and 32.8% had a decrease > 10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Risk factors associated with ESKD included age (HR:1.13, CI95% 1.05–1.22), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.04, CI95% 1.01–1.07). Overall mortality was 43.2%, 75.9% at 5 and 10 years respectively, risk factors were age (HR:1.1, CI95% 1.04–1.18), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.03, CI95% 1.01–1.06) and male gender (HR:14.8, CI95% 1.1–192). Conclusions. Patients with RC have risk of progressive renal function deterioration and high mortality and the main risk factors associated were age, sex, and preoperative eGFR. Regular monitoring of renal function will permit early diagnosis and treatment.

Some studies indicate that survival of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer may be inferior to that of younger children with similar cancers, possibly related (in part) to differences in access to centralized or standardized treatment. This study aims to evaluate differences in survival for AYA patients when compared with paediatric patients treated in Ireland over a 20-year time period. This study compares relative survival for patients diagnosed in Ireland at ages 0–15 (paediatric group) and 16–24 (AYA group) during 1994–2013, followed to the end of 2014, for cancers defined by the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC) (Third Edition) group or subgroup. Five-year relative survival estimates, and excess hazard ratios (EHR) comparing excess mortality associated with a cancer diagnosis among AYA with that in the paediatric group, are presented. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Significantly higher excess mortality was found for AYA with leukaemias, lymphomas, astrocytomas, malignant bone tumours, and Ewing and related bone sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas and ‘other/unspecified’ epithelial cancers, rhabdomyosarcomas, and ‘other and unspecified’ carcinomas. In contrast, lower excess mortality was found in the AYA group for all cancers and intracranial/intraspinal tumours, and for gliomas other than astrocytomas or ependymomas. Comparing 1994–2003 and 2004–2013 cohorts, age-related survival differences narrowed for lymphoid leukaemias, but widened for all cancers combined and intracranial/intraspinal tumours combined. Centralization of services varied depending upon cancer subtype, with leukaemias, CNS tumours and bone sarcomas most centralized. Within these, improvements in survival for leukaemias and CNS tumours have been seen for the AYA population. Reasons for age-related survival differences, and differences in time-trend by age group, are not clear. The significant narrowing of survival differences by age in more recent years for lymphoid leukaemias reflects a more marked recent increase in survival among AYA. More work is required to explain and improve other age-related survival differences.

Purpose: To report the clinical features and epidemiology of uveal melanoma in Ireland. Methods: This was an observational study of 253 patients with a new diagnosis of uveal melanoma between June 2010 and December 2015. Main outcome measures included demographics, clinical features, age-adjusted incidence, relative survival, overall survival, and distant metastases-free survival. Results: The mean patient age was 61.7 years. Tumour location was choroidal in 82%, ciliochoroidal in 9%, iridociliary in 2%, and iris in 7%. Treatment modalities included brachytherapy (ruthenium-106 and iodine-125 [64%]), enucleation (27%), and proton beam radiation (8%). The mean age-adjusted incidence of uveal melanoma in Ireland from 2010 to 2015 was 9.5 per million of the population (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4–10.7). Four-year relative survival was 81.3% (95% CI: 72.8–87.3). Four-year overall survival was 84% (95% CI: 78–90) and 4-year distant metastases-free survival was 79% (95% CI: 73–86). Conclusion: Based on this data, the incidence of uveal melanoma in Ireland is high when compared with other reported incidence rates in Europe and worldwide. Relative and observed survival were in keeping with other reported European survival rates.

Objectives/Hypothesis: TNM-classification inadequately estimates patient-specific overall survival (OS). We aimed to improve this by developing a risk-prediction model for patients with advanced larynx cancer. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: We developed a risk prediction model to estimate the 5-year OS rate based on a cohort of 3,442 patients with T3T4N0N+M0 larynx cancer. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping samples and externally validated on patient data from five external centers (n = 770). The main outcome was performance of the model as tested by discrimination, calibration, and the ability to distinguish risk groups based on tertiles from the derivation dataset. The model performance was compared to a model based on T and N classification only. Results: We included age, gender, T and N classification, and subsite as prognostic variables in the standard model. After external validation, the standard model had a significantly better fit than a model based on T and N classification alone (C statistic, 0.59 vs. 0.55, P

OBJECTIVES The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in low-prevalence countries such as the USA, UK and Ireland. Over the past two decades, diagnostic techniques have improved and new treatments have been introduced. The aim of this study was to determine whether there has been an impact on hepatoma mortality in Ireland. METHODS Anonymized cancer registration data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland were used to investigate patient characteristics and trends in treatment and survival for Irish patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed HCC between 1994 and 2008. Analyses were carried out according to sex, age, stage of disease treatment received and period of incidence. RESULTS The incidence of HCC in Ireland increased steadily from 1994 to 2008. The median overall survival was 580 days for the entire cohort, with 1, 2, 3 and 5-year survivals of 56, 46, 39 and 36%, respectively. One-year cause-specific survival improved from 38% during 1994-1998, to 51% during 1999-2002 and to 66% during 2003-2007. Five-year cause-specific survival also improved over time from 19 to 34 to 38%, respectively. Surgery was associated with 1, 2, 3 and 5-year survivals of 92, 82, 78 and 78%, respectively. CONCLUSION This is the first population-based report of incidence, treatment patterns and outcomes of HCC in Ireland. Prognosis improved over time in this biopsy-proven cohort of patients with HCC. This improvement in survival seemed to be largely because of the effect of surgical interventions.

Data on Neo+/− adjuvant treatment in older patients with cancer is sparse. The management of locally advanced esophagogastric cancer (LAEC) in older patients was evaluated to determine treatment modalities and identify factors associated with survival. Patients diagnosed with LAEC (stage II or III) over 5 years were identified from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Treatment was classified as “best supportive care (BSC),” “surgery only,” “neo/adjuvant treatment,” and “chemo/radiation alone.”Survival was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analysis (MVA) of clinicopathological factors and treatment was conducted. Forty-six percent (n = 580) of the 1251 patients were ≥ 70 years, 11% (n = 134) received BSC, 23% (n = 288) surgery only, 31% (n = 390) had chemo/radiation alone, and 35% (n = 439) had neo/adjuvant treatment. Forty-six percent, 10%, and 0% of patients < 75, ≥ 75, and ≥ 80 years of age, respectively, received neoadjuvant treatment. Age was associated with treatment received (p < 0.001). Older patients were less likely to receive neo/adjuvant treatment, surgery, and any treatment. Median survival (OS) decreased with age (< 70 years: 23 months; 70–74: 19 months; 75–79: 13 months; ≥ 80 years: 10 months). In MVA, older age, smoking, later stage, and higher grade were significantly associated with a higher risk of death. Patients receiving neo/adjuvant treatment had lower risk of death than any other treatment group regardless of age. Older patients were less likely to receive treatment for LAEC than younger patients. Patients aged ≥ 70 years benefit from neo/adjuvant treatment. Prospective clinical trials focusing on older patients and incorporating life expectancy, comorbidities, and geriatric assessment are needed to guide treatment.

Background Transplantation is a well-known risk factor for malignancy. However, outcomes of cancer in transplant recipients compared with non-transplant recipients are less well studied. We aim to study the survival in kidney transplant recipients who develop cancer and compare this with cancer outcomes in the general population. Methods We linked data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland with the National Kidney Transplant Database. The period of observation was from 1 January 1994 until 31 December 2014. Transplant recipients were considered at risk from the time of diagnosing cancer. We administratively censored data at 10 years post-cancer diagnosis. Survival was compared with all patients in the general population that had a recorded diagnosis of cancer. Results There were 907 renal transplant recipients and 426679 individuals in the general population diagnosed with cancer between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2014. In those with non-melanoma skin cancer, the hazard ratio (HR) for 10-year, all-cause mortality [HR = 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.66–3.52] and cancer-specific mortality (HR = 3.91, 95% CI 2.57–5.96) was significantly higher among transplant recipients than the general population. Patients who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.96–4.25) and prostate cancer (HR = 4.32, 95% CI 2.39–7.82) had increased all-cause but not cancer-specific mortality. Colorectal, lung, breast and renal cell cancer did not show an increased risk of death in transplant recipients. Conclusion Cancer-attributable mortality is higher in kidney transplant recipients with non-melanoma skin cancer compared with non-transplant patients. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging should reflect the increased hazard of death in these immunosuppressed patients.

Some studies indicate that survival of AYAs with cancer may be inferior to that of younger children with similar cancers, possibly related (in part) to differences in access to centralised or standardised treatments. We sought to examine the comparative survival of paediatric & AYA patients in Ireland across a 20-year period. Methods Using the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) database, all patients diagnosed with a sarcoma age 0–24 between 1994–2014 were identified. Survival was based on matching of cases against national death certificate data complete up to 31 December 2014 &amp grouped in 2 diagnostic cohorts: 1994–2003 and 2004–2014 and examined according to the ICCC. Results 577 patients less than 25 years were diagnosed with a sarcoma between 1994–2014; 321 under 15. Significantly poorer survival was noted for the AYA patients compared with paediatric patients for the following sarcoma groups and diagnosis periods Malignant bone tumours, 1994–2013 (EHR 1.62, 1.05–2.48, P=0.026) and 1994–2003 (EHR 1.87, 1.05–3.33, P=0.032); Ewing & related tumours), 1994–2013 (EHR 2.04, 95% CI 1.11–3.72, P=0.021) and 1994–2003 (EHR 2.68, 95% CI 1.22–5.87, P=0.014); Soft tissue sarcomas), 1994–2013 (EHR 2.14, 1.29–3.53, P=0.03) and 2004–2013 (EHR 2.52, 1.20–5.25, P=0.014). Conclusions This study highlights the disparities that exist in outcomes for AYA patients with sarcomas treated in Ireland. The exact cause for this is unclear and is likely multifactorial, possibly owing to lack of standardised/centralised services. Future development on a national level is imperative.

BACKGROUND All organ transplant populations are predisposed to increased rates of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC). Since this increased risk was first appreciated, immunosuppressive regimens have changed and organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have been aggressively screened for KC. There is a perception that these measures have impacted on KC incidence but there is a paucity of population-based studies on post-transplant rates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). OBJECTIVES To identify trends in incidence rates for KC following solid organ transplantation over the past two decades. METHODS This nationwide, population-based study included all solid OTRs transplanted between 1994 and 2014. Patient data were matched to national cancer registry data to determine the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of KC in solid OTRs compared with the general population. RESULTS In total 3580 solid OTRs were included. The total follow-up time was 28 407 person-years (median follow-up 7·11 years). The overall SIRs for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and BCC were 19·7 and 7·0, respectively. Our study documents a progressive fall in the SIRs for SCC and BCC from peak SIRs (95% confidence intervals) in 1994-1996 of 26·4 (21·5-32·4) and 9·1 (7·4-11·3) to 6·3 (2·3-16·7) and 3·2 (1·4-7·1) in 2012-2014, respectively. The ratio of SCC to BCC has remained at 3 to 1 over the last two decades. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to demonstrate a significant reduction over the past two decades in the incidences of both SCC and BCC following solid organ transplantation. The SCC-to-BCC ratio was maintained, demonstrating that both are reducing equally. This trend coincided with temporal changes in immunosuppressive protocols and the introduction of skin cancer prevention programmes. What's already known about this topic? Prior studies have shown that the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has declined over recent decades following solid organ transplantation. It is not known whether the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has reduced in line with this. What does this study add? Our study documents a progressive fall in the risk of SCC and BCC following solid organ transplantation over the last two decades. The SCC-to-BCC ratio was maintained, demonstrating that both are reducing equally. The trends observed in our study coincided with temporal changes in immunosuppressive protocols and the introduction of cancer prevention programmes, suggesting that these factors have positively impacted on the risk of keratinocyte carcinoma in this cohort.

IMPORTANCE: Existing data suggest that nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is more common in renal transplant recipients than in maintenance dialysis patients. However, whether the risk of NMSC varies as the treatment modality for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) changes between dialysis and transplantation is not well described. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the incidence of NMSC is attenuated during periods of graft loss with a return to dialysis in those who receive multiple kidney transplants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective analysis of data from recipients of kidney transplants from the Irish National Kidney Transplant Service database, linked with the Irish Cancer Registry, from 1994 to 2014. All analysis took place between January 10, 2018 and March 31, 2018. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for NMSC incidence in comparison with the general population using Irish census data as the denominator. Incidence of NMSC was calculated with modality of treatment for ESKD varying over time; incidence rates and rate ratios associated with dialysis intervals were calculated using Poisson regression; and disease was defined according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes for cancer diagnosis. EXPOSURES: Kidney transplantation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Incidence rates per 1000 patient-years and incident rate ratios of NMSC after kidney transplant. RESULTS: Data from the records of 3821 deceased or living donor kidney transplant recipients were assessed; 2399 (62.8%) male and 1422 (37.2%) female recipients; mean (SD) age at time of first data recorded, 41.9 (16.0) years. A total of 3433 recipients were included who had a functioning transplant on January 1, 1994, or received a transplant after that date up to December 31, 2014: 3215 received 1 transplant, 522 a second kidney transplant, and 84 had 3 or more kidney transplants. Periods of treatment with a functioning transplant were associated with a higher incidence of NMSC diagnosis than periods of graft failure: adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR), 2.19 (95% CI, 1.56-3.07), P

Objective Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. To date, this risk in Ireland has not been investigated. We conducted a national registry study of cancer incidence following solid organ transplantation. Methods National centers for solid organ transplantation supplied their respective registry databases to cross-reference with episodes of malignancy from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) between 1994 and 2014. Standardized incidence of cancer post-transplant was compared to the general population by means of standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), and between solid organ transplant types by incidence rate ratios. Results A total of 3346 solid organ transplant recipients were included in this study. Kidney transplant recipients constituted the majority of participants (71.2%), followed by liver (16.8%), heart (6.4%), and lung (5.6%) transplants. The most common cancers within the composite of all transplant recipients included the following (SIR [95% CI]): squamous and basal cell carcinoma (20.05 [17.97, 22.31] and 7.16 [6.43, 7.96], respectively), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6.23 [4.26, 8.59]), and renal cell carcinoma (3.36 [1.96, 5.38]). Conclusions This study reports the incidence of cancer following solid organ transplantation in Ireland. These results have significant national policy implications for surveillance, and early diagnosis in this patient group.

Urachal carcinoma is an uncommon cancer whose rarity has precluded its study and evidence-based management strategies are lacking. This study assessed all urachal carcinomas in Ireland and clinical parameters in order to improve understanding. Urachal carcinomas diagnosed from 1994 to 2011 were identified from the National Cancer Registry in Ireland. Data obtained included patient age, gender, diagnostic year, pathology, tumor stage, patient treatment strategies and survival. Twenty-six urachal carcinomas were identified, the majority being adenocarcinoma. This comprised 0.3% of all invasive bladder tumors. Patients were predominantly male (62%) and over 50 years of age (58%). Twenty-two patients (85%) underwent surgery, with only six (23%) undergoing chemotherapy. On average, median overall survival was 2.6 years (range 0-15.2 yrs). Survival was longer in women (5 vs. 1.9 yrs), patients under 50 years of age (3.6 vs. 1.9 yrs), those without confirmed metastasis (4.1 vs. 0.7 yrs) and those who received chemotherapy (3.6 vs. 2.6 yrs). The overall survival of urachal carcinoma in Ireland is less than expected from published literature. This study highlights the need for centralization of rare tumors with international collaboration to identify the optimal treatment strategy and improve outcome.

This study aims to determine the survival impact of patient characteristics and treatment options associated with the early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, OCSCC. The methods are analysis of Irish cancer database examining T1/2, N0, and M0 cases of OCSCC from 1997 to 2007 inclusive. In total, 397 cases were identified. Anterolateral tongue accounted for 52.9 % of cases. Increased age at diagnosis and smoking are independent prognostic survival indicators associated with poorer outcomes. Surgery as the initial intervention was associated with significantly better survival outcomes, while surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy significantly worse outcomes. Surgical intervention is recommended as the first-line treatment in the early stage OCSCC in combination with elective neck dissection.

Background Anaplastic thyroid cancer has a median survival between 1.2 and 10 months. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer in Ireland. Methods We carried out a retrospective analysis of the Irish National Cancer Database for patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer between 2000 and 2010. Results Of a total of 64 patients (40 women, 24 men), the median age was 69 years, and 29.7% of the patients had distant metastases. The overall median survival was 2.3 months and the 1, 2, and 5-year survival was 12.5%, 6.25%, and 4.69%, respectively. On univariate analysis age, sex, metastases at diagnosis, and multimodality treatment were statistically significant indicators of prognosis, and metastases at diagnosis remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusion These results correlate with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, in which, when possible, multimodality therapy offers a survival advantage to a select group of patients. Novel therapies may offer the greatest hope for these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

Soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) account for 1% of adult and 7% of pediatric malignancies. Histopathology and classification of these rare tumors requires further refinements. The aim of this paper is to describe the current incidence and survival of STS from 1994 to 2012 in Ireland and compare these with comparably coded international published reports. This is a retrospective, population study based on the data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI). Incidence and relative survival rates for STS in Ireland were generated. Incidence of STS based on gender, age and anatomical location was examined. Annual mean incidence rate (European Age Standardized) in Ireland between 1994 and 2012 was 4.48 ± 0.15 per 100,000 person‐years. The overall relative 5‐year survival rate of STS for the period 1994–2011 in Ireland was 56%, which was similar to that reported in the U.K. but lower than in most of Europe and U.S.A. Survival rate fluctuated over the period examined, declining slightly in females but showing an increase in males. STS incidence trends in Ireland were comparable to international reports. Survival trends of STS were significantly different between Ireland and other European countries, requiring further study to understand causation.

The aetiology and clinical behaviour of breast cancers vary by oestrogen receptor (ER) expression, HER2 expression and over time. Data from the United States and Denmark show rising incidence rates for ER+ and falling incidence rates for ER- breast cancers. Given that Ireland is a somewhat similar Western population but with distinctive risk exposures (especially for lactation), we analysed breast cancer trends by ER status; and for the first time, by the joint expression of ER±/HER2±. We assessed invasive breast cancers (n = 24,845; 2004-2013) within the population-based National Cancer Registry of Ireland. The population at risk was obtained from the Irish Central Statistics Office (n = 10,401,986). After accounting for missing ER and HER2 data, we assessed receptor-specific secular trends in age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) with the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Age-period-cohort models were also fitted to further characterise trends accounting for age, calendar-period and birth-cohort interactions. ASRs increased for ER+ (EAPC: 2.2% per year [95% CI: 0.97, 3.45%/year]) and decreased for ER- cancers (EAPC: -3.43% per year [95% CI: -5.05, -1.78%/year]), as well as for specific age groups at diagnosis (30-49, 50-64 and ≥65 years). ER+/HER2- cancers rose, ER+/HER2+ cancers were statistically flat and ER-/HER± cancers declined. Secular trends for ER± cancers in Ireland were like those previously observed. Stratification by HER2± expression did not substantively alter ER± trends. The divergence of ER± incidence rates among independent Western populations likely reflects calendar-period and/or risk factor changes with differential effects for ER+ and ER- breast cancers.

TNM-classification inadequately estimates patient-specific overall survival (OS). We aimed to improve this by developing a risk-prediction model for patients with advanced larynx cancer.Cohort study.We developed a risk prediction model to estimate the 5-year OS rate based on a cohort of 3,442 patients with T3T4N0N+M0 larynx cancer. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping samples and externally validated on patient data from five external centers (n = 770). The main outcome was performance of the model as tested by discrimination, calibration, and the ability to distinguish risk groups based on tertiles from the derivation dataset. The model performance was compared to a model based on T and N classification only.We included age, gender, T and N classification, and subsite as prognostic variables in the standard model. After external validation, the standard model had a significantly better fit than a model based on T and N classification alone (C statistic, 0.59 vs. 0.55, P.001). The model was able to distinguish well among three risk groups based on tertiles of the risk score. Adding treatment modality to the model did not decrease the predictive power. As a post hoc analysis, we tested the added value of comorbidity as scored by American Society of Anesthesiologists score in a subsample, which increased the C statistic to 0.68.A risk prediction model for patients with advanced larynx cancer, consisting of readily available clinical variables, gives more accurate estimations of the estimated 5-year survival rate when compared to a model based on T and N classification alone.2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1140-1145, 2018.

SummaryBackground Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in white people, but is registered inconsistently by population-based registries. Objectives To analyse the changing profile of NMSC in a national population, to interpret evolving patterns of sun exposure and to recommend measures to reduce risk. Methods We analysed trends in the demographic, clinical and socioeconomic profile of > 50 000 cases of NMSC registered between 1994 and 2011 by the Irish National Cancer Registry, which aims to register all episodes of NMSC in the Irish population to a high degree of completeness. Results The incidence of cutaneous basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was stable from 1994 to 2002, but increased significantly (BCC more than SCC) in the subsequent decade. The largest relative increases in the incidence of BCC were in younger populations and in clothed body sites. The incidence of both cancers was lower in rural areas. Incidence of BCC and, to a lesser extent, of SCC, increased with increasing affluence in urban, but not in rural, areas. Conclusions Recent increases in skin cancers on the trunk and limbs in younger people appear to be related to increasing affluence and consequent leisure-related, episodic sun exposure. This population is at high risk of subsequent skin cancers throughout life and will need active surveillance. As preventive programmes are cost-effective in lowering the incidence of NMSC, they should be targeted at leisure exposure in young people. The recording of consistent international data on NMSC should also be a priority.

Background: Oral cancer is a significant public health problem world-wide and exerts high economic, social, psychological, and physical burdens on patients, their families, and on their primary care providers. We set out to describe the changing trends in incidence and survival rates of oral cancer in Ireland between 1994 and 2009. Methods: National data on incident oral cancers [ICD 10 codes C01-C06] were obtained from the National Cancer Registry Ireland from 1994 to 2009. We estimated annual percentage change (APC) in oral cancer incidence during 1994–2009 using joinpoint regression software (version 4.2.0.2). The lifetime risk of oral cancer to age 79 was estimated using Irish incidence and population data from 2007 to 2009. Survival rates were also examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models to explore the influence of several demographic/lifestyle covariates with follow-up to end 2012. Results: Data were obtained on 2,147 oral cancer incident cases. Men accounted for two-thirds of oral cancer cases (n = 1,430). Annual rates in men decreased significantly during 1994–2001 (APC = -4.8 %, 95 % CI: −8.7 to −0.7) and then increased moderately (APC = 2.3 %, 95 % CI: −0.9 to 5.6). In contrast, annual incidence increased significantly in women throughout the study period (APC = 3.2 %, 95 % CI: 1.9 to 4.6). There was an elevated risk of death among oral cancer patients who were: older than 60 years of age; smokers; unemployed or retired; those living in the most deprived areas; and those whose tumour was sited in the base of the tongue. Being married and diagnosed in more recent years were associated with reduced risk of death. Conclusion: Oral cancer increased significantly in both sexes between 1999 and 2009 in Ireland. Our analyses demonstrate the influence of measured factors such as smoking, time of diagnosis and age on observed trends. Unmeasured factors such as alcohol use, HPV and dietary factors may also be contributing to increased trends. Several of these are modifiable risk factors which are crucial for informing public health policies, and thus more research is needed.

e23034 Background: Neo+/- adjuvant treatment data in older patients with cancer is sparse due to exclusion of this population from clinical trials. We evaluated the management of locally advanced esophagogastric cancer (LAEC) in older Irish patients to determine treatment modalities utilized and identify factors associated with survival. Methods: Patients diagnosed with LAEC (stage II or III) over a 5 year period (2007-2011)were identified from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Follow-up was till end 2014.Demographic characteristicswere assessed. Treatment was classified as “best supportive care (BSC)”, “surgery only”, “neo/adjuvant treatment” and “chemo/radiation alone” (ie chemo, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone in the absence of surgery).Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox models. Clinicopathologic factors and treatment type found to be significant in univariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis (MVA). Results: 46%(n = 580) of the 1,251 patients were ≥70yrs, 62% had stage III disease and 51% had gastric cancer. 11% (n = 134) received BSC, 23% (n = 288) had surgery only, 31%(n = 390) had chemo/radiation alone, 35% (n = 439) had neo/adjuvant treatment. 20% (n = 39) of patients ≥75yrs had neoadjuvant treatment compared to 46% < 75 yrs. No patient ≥80yrs received neo/adjuvant treatment. With increasing age patients were less likely to receive neo/adjuvant treatment (p < 0.001), less likely to receive surgery (p < 0.001) and less likely to receive any treatment (p < 0.001).Median survival(OS) decreased with age (< 70yrs: 23months; 70-74: 19months; 75-79:13months; ≥80 years:10 months). In MVA, older age, smoking, later stage, higher grade were significantly associated with a higher risk of death.Including an interaction between treatment and age, patients receiving adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment had lower risk of death than any other treatment group regardless of age. Conclusions: Older patients were less likely to receive any treatment for LAEC than younger patients. Patients ≥70 years benefit from neo/adjuvant treatment, however,these patients are often excluded based on age. Prospective clinical trials focusing on elderly patients and incorporating life expectancy, comorbidities and geriatric assessment are needed to best guide treatment.

Background There is growing evidence that elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an independent prognostic indicator associated with poor survival in various cancers including colon cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer and gastric cancer. Several studies in early breast cancer suggest that NLR at diagnosis may be an independent negative prognostic marker in this population also. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the association between blood NLR immediately prior to surgery and recurrence free and overall survival in breast cancer patients. Methods We performed a single institution, retrospective cohort study including all patients treated for invasive breast cancer amenable to primary surgery at our institution between 1st January 2006 and 31st December 2010. Clinical and pathologic details were collected from the patient medical records. Exclusion criteria included prior malignancy, chemotherapy receipt prior to surgery, recent corticosteroid use, systemic autoimmune conditions, recent significant cardiovascular illness, infection or inflammatory condition. NLR was calculated on the most recent complete blood count performed on the day of surgery or at the pre-surgical assessment. Eligible patients were divided into high (≥4) and low ( Results We identified 357 patients, of whom 223 met eligibility criteria for analysis. At a median follow-up of 55.8 months, 18 patients (8.1%) died and 32 (14.3%) experienced disease recurrence. Kaplan Meier survival curves revealed significantly inferior overall survival (log-rank p=0.003) and recurrence free survival (log-rank p=0.01) in the high NLR group. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated an increased risk of mortality and breast cancer recurrence with pre-treatment NLR≥4, with hazard ratios of 5.49 (p=0.008, 95% CI 1.56 to 19.37) and 3.68 (p=0.016, 95% CI 1.28 to 10.58) respectively. Conclusion This study confirms pre-treatment NLR as a prognostic factor for breast recurrence and death among patients receiving curative surgery for early breast cancer. Strict inclusion criteria reduced the likelihood of confounding due to comorbidities which might affect NLR and be independently associated with poor outcomes. Our study supports the usefulness of NLR as a component of the prognostic assessment of early breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Derbrenn O Connor, Mark L Griffin, Jenna S O'Sullivan, Sean Millar, Jo O'Keeffe, Brian R Bird, Sandra Deady, Conleth G Murphy. Pre-surgical neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a prognostic indicator of recurrence free and overall survival in breast cancer patients undergoing primary surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-35.

Introduction: Extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare disease. Management is based on small-cell lung carcinoma. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is not routinely administered in EPSCC. This study investigates the role of PCI in EPSCC, by analyzing the incidence, treatment, and survival of patients with brain metastases in a national cohort. Disease biology and epidemiology are also investigated. Methods: Patients diagnosed with primary EPSCC from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland from 1995 to 2007 were identified. The number of patients who developed brain metastases, their survival, and treatment data were documented. Patients who received PCI were investigated. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment, and survival data were stratified by stage and primary site. Results: Two hundred eighty patients were identified; 141 (50.4%) were men and 139 (49.6%) were women. One hundred eighty six patients (66.4%) had extensive-stage disease, 65 (23.2%) had limited-stage disease, and in 29 patients (10.3%) the stage was unknown. Eighteen patients (6.4%) developed brain metastases, with a median overall survival of 10.1 months. Eleven (61%) received cranial irradiation, and 12 (67%) received palliative chemotherapy. Two patients in the entire cohort (0.17%) received PCI. The most common primary sites included the esophagus ( n = 43; 15.4%), cervix uteri ( n = 17; 6.0%), bladder ( n = 13; 4.6%), and prostate ( n = 10; 3.6%). Median overall survival was 15.2 months (10.2–20.6) for limited-stage disease, 2.3 months (1.7–3.1) for extensive-stage EPSCC, and 3.7 months (1.3–8.3) for disease of unknown stage. Conclusion: Brain metastases were uncommon in EPSCC compared with small-cell lung carcinoma. PCI is thus probably not warranted in this disease.

Background Recent studies report an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Concurrently, paediatric IBD incidence is rising, with more patients now exposed to immunomodulators from a younger age. Objectives To investigate NMSC incidence and to examine the risk associated with immunomodulators in the development of NMSC in patients with IBD. Methods This was a retrospective single-centre cohort study. Patients with IBD attending a tertiary adult hospital from 1994 to 2013 were included. Skin cancer incidence was compared with population data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) to calculate standardized incidence ratio (SIR). Logistic regression was utilized for risk factor analysis. Results Two thousand and fifty-three patients with IBD were studied. The SIR for NMSC in patients with IBD taking immunomodulators overall was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0–2.7) with age-specific rates significantly elevated across certain age categories. Exposure to thiopurines (OR: 5.26, 95% CI: 2.15–12.93, P < 0.001) and in particular thiopurines and/or tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors (OR: 6.45, 95% CI: 2.69–15.95, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with NMSC. The majority (82%) of those exposed to a TNF-α inhibitor also had thiopurine exposure. Conclusions Compliance with skin cancer preventative measures should be highlighted to all patients with IBD. There should be a low threshold for dermatology referral for immunosuppressed patients, particularly those with a history of exposure to dual immunomodulators from a young age.

The purpose of this study was to identify trends in the diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the breast in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and to examine the impact of mammography. Data on cases of newly diagnosed CIS of the breast and mode of detection (screen detected or not) were obtained, where available, from regional cancer registries between 1990 and 2007. Age-standardised diagnosis rates for the UK and the ROI, and regional screen detected diagnosis rates were compared by calculating the annual percentage change (APC) over time. The APC of the diagnosis rate amongst women aged 50-64 years (original screening age group) showed a significant 5.9% increase in the UK (1990-2007) and 11.5% increase in the ROI (1994-2007). The rate of diagnosis (50-64 years) stabilized in the UK between 2005 and 2007 and was substantially higher than in other western populations with national screening programmes. The APC of the diagnosis rate amongst those aged 65-69 years showed a significant 12.4% increase in the UK (1990-2007) and 10.3% increase in the ROI (1994-2007). amongst women aged 50-74 years in the UK, approximately 4,300 cases of CIS (≈90% ductal carcinoma in situ) were diagnosed in 2007. Our analyses have shown that screen detected CIS contributed primarily to the increase in diagnosis of CIS of the breast. The high diagnosis rate of screen detected CIS of the breast underlines the need for further research into lesion and patient characteristics that are related to progression of CIS to invasive disease to better target treatment.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer has a median survival between 1.2 and 10 months. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer in Ireland.We carried out a retrospective analysis of the Irish National Cancer Database for patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer between 2000 and 2010.Of a total of 64 patients (40 women, 24 men), the median age was 69 years, and 29.7% of the patients had distant metastases. The overall median survival was 2.3 months and the 1, 2, and 5-year survival was 12.5%, 6.25%, and 4.69%, respectively. On univariate analysis age, sex, metastases at diagnosis, and multimodality treatment were statistically significant indicators of prognosis, and metastases at diagnosis remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis.These results correlate with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, in which, when possible, multimodality therapy offers a survival advantage to a select group of patients. Novel therapies may offer the greatest hope for these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1122-E1129, 2016.

This population-based study investigates the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treatment in clinical practise generally, and for specific histologies, and identifies factors associated with treatment and survival.Data for NHL patients, diagnosed during 1999-2001, were obtained from the National Cancer Registry (Ireland). Multivariate models were analysed on survival and treatment.45-77% of patients received chemotherapy, 22-34% of patients received the radiotherapy, depending on the histology. Patients aged65, married, with early stage B-cell aggressive disease were more likely to receive chemotherapy (P0.05). Patients65 or with advanced stage were less likely to receive radiation (P0.05). Survival was poorer in older (P0.001) and unmarried patients (P0.05), and those with B-cell aggressive lymphoma (P0.001). Patients who received chemotherapy and radiation had lower hazard ratios.Overall, the use of chemotherapy and radiation in this European population was similar to the findings in the US where older patients received treatment less often. However, the age disparity here was greater than that in the US.

Objective Colorectal cancer mortality predictions for Ireland are presented for all ages and for the age group 0–64 years. Methods Log and log-linear Poisson regression modelling was fitted to colorectal cancer mortality data for each year between 1950 and 2002 to predict average European age standardized mortality rates (EASMRs) per 100 000 person years (100 000 PY−1) and average numbers of deaths. Results EASMRs for colon cancer are predicted to fall to 17.3 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 14.4, 20.2) in men and to 8.4 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 6.9, 10.2) in women by 2013–17. EASMRs for anorectal cancer are also predicted to fall to 8.0 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 6.6, 9.5) in men and to 3.0 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 2.3, 3.8) in women by this time. Truncated EASMRs for colon cancer for those aged between 0 and 64 years are predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 4.4 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 3.0, 5.8) in men and to 2.3 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 1.5, 3.2) in women. For anorectal cancer, truncated EASMRs for those aged between 0 and 64 years are also predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 2.9 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 2.0, 3.8) in men and to 0.9 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 0.4, 1.3) in women. Conclusions Ireland currently has one of the highest colorectal mortality rates in the developed world but recent downward trends, the advent of new screening tests and well targeted public health promotion programmes may lead to further reductions.

An analysis was undertaken to predict numbers of esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer deaths and their World age standardized mortality rates (WASMRs) per 100,000 person years (100,000 PY-1) in Ireland for the years 2005, 2010 and 2015.Linear and log-linear Poisson regression models were applied to 1950-2002 Irish cancer mortality data.By 2015, esophageal cancer WASMR for males is expected to rise to 9.1 100,000 PY-1, but for females to fall to 2.3 100,000 PY-1. In women under 65 yr, the WASMR is expected to decline to 0.8 100,000 PY-1 but to increase to 3.6 100,000 PY-1 in men. The stomach cancer WASMR for males is predicted to decrease to 5.3 100,000 PY-1 and for females to 2.9 100,000 PY-1. In males under 65 yr, the WASMR is predicted to fall to 1.7 100,000 PY-1 and to 1.0 100,000 PY-1 in women. The male WASMR for pancreatic cancer is predicted to decrease to 5.9 100,000 PY-1 and to 4.7 100,000 PY-1 in women. In men under 65 yr, the WASMR is predicted to drop to 1.7 100,000 PY-1 and to fall in women to 1.2 100,000 PY-1.Apart from male esophageal cancer, the findings would indicate that declines in Irish WASMRs for these three cancer types are expected to occur by 2015.

Background: Estrogen receptor (ER) status in breast cancer is strongly associated with etiologic factors, prognosis and treatment response. Data suggest that population-based incidence rates of ER-positive (ER+) tumors are increasing and ER-negative (ER-) cancers have fallen over time in the United States (US), Denmark and Scotland. Whether these trends are consistent in other populations with different etiologic exposures and across ER±/HER2± subtypes is unknown. We, therefore, analyzed breast cancer secular trends in Ireland by ER expression; and for the first time, by joint expression of ER±/HER2±, a well-established clinical marker of uncertain etiological significance. Methods: This study included invasive breast cancers (n=24,845; 2004-2013) among women aged 20-84 years within the population-based National Cancer Registry of Ireland (97% coverage). The general population at risk (n=10,401,986) was obtained from the Irish Central Statistics Office. Using a validated approach to account for missing ER/HER2-status, we assessed ER± and ER±/HER2± secular trends with age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Over the 10-year follow-up period, 19,264 ER+ and 4,161 ER- breast cancers were diagnosed (1,420 were ER-unknown). ASRs increased significantly for ER+ (EAPC: 2.20%/year (95%CI: 0.97, 3.45%/year)) and decreased significantly for ER- cancers (EAPC: -3.43%/year (95%CI: -5.05, -1.78%/year)). The ER-specific trends were qualitatively similar among three age groups ( Conclusion: Secular trends for ER± cancers in Ireland were similar to those previously observed in the US and Denmark. Further, trends for ER/HER2 followed those for ER, although rates were constant for ER+/HER+ tumors. The divergence of cancer incidence patterns by ER among independent populations over time could reflect comparable changes in risk factor exposures with dual or opposite effects for risk of ER+ and ER- cancers (e.g., obesity, age at first birth/parity). Additionally, although HER2 is a well-established clinical predictive and prognostic marker for breast cancer outcome, it did not appear to substantively impact breast cancer incidence trends. Citation Format: Maeve Mullooly, Jeanne Murphy, Gretchen L. Gierach, Brittny Davis, Paul Walsh, Sandra Deady, Thomas I. Barron, Mark E. Sherman, Philip S. Rosenberg, William F. Anderson. Estrogen receptor positive and negative breast cancer secular trends in Ireland (2004-2013) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 257. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-257

Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal and gallbladder cancers. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients are at risk of developing de novo malignancies, however limited/conflicting data exists regarding cancer risk post OLT for PSC. Aim To examine all recorded malignancies over 2 decades in OLT-PSC patients; to compare these to non-transplanted PSC cohort; to analyse for any associated factors. Method We studied PSC patients attending SVUH (1/1/1994–30/9/2016). We integrated this database with National Cancer Registry Ireland, to enable accurate determination of number of malignancies. Results 173 PSC pts (75.7% male) have attended SVUH since 1994. 107 (61.8%) have undergone 124 OLT. 27/107 were transplanted for cholangiocarcinoma. 12 de novo cancers (excluding non-melananomatous skin) were found during 737.8 person years of follow-up. Median time to cancer diagnosis post OLT was 5 years. As expected, cholangiocarcinoma as OLT indication (p=0.005) and older age at transplant (p=0.05) were associated with higher mortality. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) remains a major complication. 5 pts developed lymphoma post OLT (4.7% of cohort). Two patients developed CRC post OLT; 4 developed colonic dysplasia. 3/4 underwent colectomy. All who developed colonic dysplasia/CRC post OLT had IBD. All 5 colectomies for dysplasia/CRC showed significant co-existing inflammation. Conclusions This represents national cancer figures for PSC-OLT. The rates of PTLD are slightly higher than previously reported. We could not find any association between the development of PTLD and immunosuppressive regimes for IBD post OLT. This study highlights that IBD/PSC patients remain at significant risk of colonic neoplasia after OLT and require intensive surveillance.

PURPOSE: As cancer control strategies have become more successful, issues around survival have become increasingly important to researchers and policy makers. The aim of this study was to examine the role of a range of clinical and socio-demographic variables in explaining variations in survival after a prostate cancer diagnosis, paying particular attention to the role of healthcare provider(s) i.e. private versus public status. METHODS: Data were extracted from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1998-2009 (N = 26,183). A series of multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were used to examine the role of healthcare provider and socio-economic status (area-based deprivation) on survival, controlling for age, stage, Gleason grade, marital status and region of residence. Survival was based on all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Older individuals who were treated in a private care setting were more likely to have survived than those who had not, when other factors were controlled for. Differences were evident with respect to marital status, region of residence, clinical stage and Gleason grade. The effect of socio-economic status was modified by healthcare provider, such that risk of death was higher in those men of lower socio-economic status treated by public, but not private providers in the Cox models. The logistic models revealed a socio-economic gradient in risk of death overall; the gradient was larger for those treated by public providers compared to those treated by private providers when controlling for a range of other confounding factors. CONCLUSION: The role of healthcare provider and socio-economic status in survival of men with prostate cancer may give rise to concerns that warrant further investigation.

Some studies suggest that there are urban–rural variations in cancer incidence but whether these simply reflect urban–rural socioeconomic variation is unclear. We investigated whether there were urban–rural variations in the incidence of 18 cancers, after adjusting for socioeconomic status. Cancers diagnosed between 1995 and 2007 were extracted from the population-based National Cancer Registry Ireland and Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and categorised by urban–rural status, based on population density of area of residence at diagnosis (rural 15 people per hectare). Relative risks (RR) were calculated by negative binomial regression, adjusting for age, country and three area-based markers of socioeconomic status. Risks were significantly higher in both sexes in urban than rural residents with head and neck (males RR urban vs. rural = 1.53, 95 % CI 1.42–1.64; females RR = 1.29, 95 % CI 1.15–1.45), esophageal (males 1.21, 1.11–1.31; females 1.21, 1.08–1.35), stomach (males 1.36, 1.27–1.46; females 1.19, 1.08–1.30), colorectal (males 1.14, 1.09–1.18; females 1.04, 1.00–1.09), lung (males 1.54, 1.47–1.61; females 1.74, 1.65–1.84), non-melanoma skin (males 1.13, 1.10–1.17; females 1.23, 1.19–1.27) and bladder (males 1.30, 1.21–1.39; females 1.31, 1.17–1.46) cancers. Risks of breast, cervical, kidney and brain cancer were significantly higher in females in urban areas. Prostate cancer risk was higher in rural areas (0.94, 0.90–0.97). Other cancers showed no significant urban–rural differences. After adjusting for socioeconomic variation, urban–rural differences were evident for 12 of 18 cancers. Variations in healthcare utilization and known risk factors likely explain some of the observed associations. Explanations for others are unclear and, in the interests of equity, warrant further investigation.

Background: Rising cancer incidence and survival mean that the number of cancer survivors is growing. Accumulating evidence suggests many survivors have long-term medical and supportive care needs, and that these needs vary by survivors' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. To illustrate how cancer registry data may be useful in survivorship care service planning, we generated population-based estimates of cancer prevalence in Ireland and described socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the survivor population. Methods: Details of people diagnosed with invasive cancer (ICD10 C00-C96) during 1994-2011, and who were still alive on 31/12/2011, were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry, and tabulated by cancer site, sex, current age, marital status, initial treatment, and time since diagnosis. Associations were investigated using chi-square tests. Results: After excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, 17-year cancer prevalence in Ireland was 112,610 (females: 58,054 (52%) males: 54,556 (48%)). The four most prevalent cancers among females were breast (26,066), colorectum (6,598), melanoma (4,593) and uterus (3,505) and among males were prostate (23,966), colorectum (8,207), lymphoma (3,236) and melanoma (2,774). At the end of 2011, 39% of female survivors were aged = 70 compared to 25% and 46% of males (p < 0.001). More than half of survivors of bladder, colorectal and prostate cancer were >= 70. Cancers with the highest percentages of younger (< 40) survivors were: testis (50%); leukaemia (females: 28%; males: 22%); cervix (20%); and lymphoma (females: 19%; males: 20%). Fewer female (57%) than male (64%) survivors were married but the percentage single was similar (17-18%). More female (25%) than male survivors (18%; p < 0.001) were >= 10 years from diagnosis. Overall, 69% of survivors had undergone cancer-directed surgery, and 39%, 32% and 18% had received radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, respectively. These frequencies were higher among females than males (surgery: 82%, 54%; radiotherapy: 42%, 35%; chemotherapy: 40%, 22%; hormone therapy: 23%, 13%). Conclusions: These results reveal the socio-demographic and clinical heterogeneity of the survivor population, and highlight groups which may have specific medical and supportive care needs. These types of population-based estimates may help decision-makers, planners and service providers to develop follow-up and after-care services to effectively meet survivors' needs.

The investigation of specific characteristics of Lepeophtheirus salmonis populations on farmed salmon was made possible by the examination of the parasite infestation parameters of regular non destructive samples taken for up to six years in five bays. Perennial persistence of seasonal patterns of infestation as exhibited by intensity, prevalence and abundance was examined. Site specific characteristics were detected which appeared to be independent of inter-annual variations. Seasonal variations in individual lice size and fecundity, and temporal variation in population dynamics on the farmed fish in the five bays are considered in the context of the not inconsiderable changes in husbandry and lice control practices which have been introduced in the industry over the six year period.

Infestation patterns of Caligus elongatus on farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout were investigated at several sites along the west coast of Ireland. Parasite abundances were examined in relation to host species, farm location and season. Differences were found in the relative prevalence of infestation between salmon and rainbow trout. Caligus elongatus generally contributed more as a proportion of the total lice burden on rainbow trout than on Atlantic salmon. Evidence of possible parasite transmission from wild fish stocks was found at a number of sites where marked seasonal changes in parasite abundance were observed. A wide size distribution of adult female Caligus elongatus was found at a number of sites.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy associated with exposure to asbestos. The protracted latent period of MPM means that its incidence has continued to rise across Europe after the introduction of restrictions on asbestos use. In order to obtain a clearer indication of trends in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), incidence and survival were assessed based on all MPM cases reported since the establishment of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCR).NCR recorded 337 MPM diagnoses in the ROI during 1994-2009. Survival was assessed for all cases diagnosed with adequate follow-up (n=330). Crude and European age-standardized incidence rates were calculated for all cases and for 4-year periods. A Cox model of observed (all-cause) survival was used to generate hazard ratios for the effect of: gender; age at diagnosis; diagnosis cohort; region of residence; histological type; and tumour stage. Single P-values for the variables indicated were calculated using either a stratified log-rank test or stratified trend test.Over the study period the age-standardized MPM incidence in the ROI rose from 4.98cases per million (cpm) to 7.24cpm. The 1-year survival rate for all MPM cases was 29.6% (CI 24.7-34.6%). Excess mortality risk was associated with age at diagnosis (75-89 yrs vs. 55-64 yrs, HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.35-2.63, P0.001) and tumour stage (III vs. I HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.00-2.48, P0.05; IV vs. I HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.08-2.21, P0.05). Age showed a significant survival trend (P0.001) but tumour stage did not (P=0.150). There was significant heterogeneity between the survival of patients resident in different regions (P=0.027).MPM incidence and mortality continued to rise in the ROI after the restrictions on asbestos use and the predictors of survival detected in this study are broadly consistent with those identified for other countries.

Trials were conducted in experimental tanks and in commercial scale sea cages to evaluate the ability of wrasse to control sea lice infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon smolts. In a 3 h tank trial rockcook wrasse, Centrolabrus exoletus (L.), removed an average of 19 lice per fish h−1 from salmon smolts infested mainly by Caligus elongatus Nordmann (93%) and with lower numbers of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer) (7%). Goldsinny wrasse, Ctenolabrus rupestris (L.), did not remove lice from salmon over this 3 h period. Chalimus stages I and II were removed at a lower rate than were older and larger life history stages. Both species of wrasse failed to prevent rapid increases in infestations of C. elongatus in commercial cages in 1992 and 1993 at initial wrasse to salmon ratios ranging from 1:37 to 1:146. However, SCUBA diving observations confirmed that both wrasse species did remove C. elongatus from salmon in these cages. In the 10 m deep cages, wrasse occurred mainly at depths greater than 6 m while salmon occurred primarily between 2 and 5 m. Goldsinny had a significantly shallower distribution than rockcook. Both species associated closely with the cage net and with objects in the cage and interactions with salmon appeared to be relatively uncommon. Rigorously controlled trials on commercial farms need to be carried out in order to define protocol for the use of wrasse under these conditions.

This investigation of the diet of 801 corkwing wrasse (Crenilabrus melops: Teleostei; Labridae) from Galway Bay and a sample of 51 corkwings from Dinard has shown that this species is primarily a carnivorous feeder, taking a varied diet with molluscs and crustaceans predominating. A gradual, size-related dietary shift was apparent, crustacean food being favoured by the younger, smaller fish and molluscan food by older, larger fish. A decrease in niche breadth indicated an increase in dietary specialization with increasing length. Little seasonal variation was observed in the consumption of the major food categories. Feeding intensity, however, was influenced by the sea-water temperature. Non-feeding fish were recorded only between November and March in Galway Bay, and approximately two-thirds of the population examined in February had empty guts. Feeding intensity of males was significantly lower than that of females during the breeding season.

The gut contents of 99 ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta: Teleostei; Labridae) sampled between April and July in Galway Bay, Ireland and 95 ballan wrasse sampled between April and June in Dinard, Brittany, France were examined. Decapods and bivalves were the major prey categories in both areas, algae and gastropods were also frequently eaten but in much smaller amounts. The volume of the major food categories did not vary significantly with fish length. However, fish longer than 20 cm did consume greater volumes of bivalves than smaller fish. An increase in dietary diversity during the breeding season was observed. Ballan and corkwing (Crenilabrus melops) exploited many of the same food categories but with different emphases. Bivalves, which were major prey of corkwing, were also very important to the ballan captured simultaneously at the same site.