Incidence and Long-Term Outcomes of Biliary Tract Cancers in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976 to 2018.

Simple Summary: Biliary tract cancers, which include cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, and ampulla of Vater cancers, are a significant health concern due to their increasing incidence and poor survival rates. Using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, this study tracks changes in incidence and survival rates among residents aged 20 and over in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976 to 2018. The findings illustrate a rise in overall biliary tract cancers from 6.53 cases to 10.25 cases per 100,000 person-years between 1976 and 2018 (p = 0.004). The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has significantly increased from 0.25 to 3.93 per 100,000 person-years over the four decades, with a more pronounced increase observed in males, while gallbladder cancer incidence has decreased among women. Despite improvements in median survival times from 4.2 months to 10.8 months over the four decades (p = 0.019), the overall prognosis remains very poor. This study highlights the evolving epidemiology of these cancers and the critical need for enhanced diagnostic and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. Biliary tract cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, and ampulla of Vater cancers, rank second among hepatobiliary cancers, known for their poor prognoses. The United States has witnessed a notable increase in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma incidence. This study examines the incidence and survival outcomes of biliary tract cancers in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976 to 2018. Using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP), residents aged 20 and above were analyzed across four eras. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted for age and sex, and temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma exhibited a significant escalation in incidence rates over time, while gallbladder cancers showed a decline among women. Median survival times for biliary tract cancers notably improved. These findings confirm the rising incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and suggest improving survival rates. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis for biliary tract cancers remains very poor, emphasizing the continual need for enhanced management strategies and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]