# Incidence, Prevalence, Survival and Mortality of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma and Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia in Australia

## TL;DR

This study analyzed the rising rates and survival trends of two blood cancers in Australia's aging population.

## Contribution

Projected future incidence trends and survival rates for CLL/SLL and WM in Australia using 2009–2018 data.

## Key findings

- CLL/SLL and WM incidence rates increased significantly from 2009 to 2018.
- 10-year survival rates were 53% for CLL/SLL and 42% for WM in 2018.
- Male sex and older age were linked to higher mortality risk in both conditions.

## Abstract

Mature B‐cell neoplasms chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are highly prevalent in older populations.

This study quantified the incidence, prevalence and relative survival/mortality rate in Australia for CLL/SS and WM and reported the past trends.

All CLL/SLL and WM cases registered from January 2009 to December 2018 in Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland were identified. Incidence rates over the observed period (2009–2018) were calculated and then projected to 2038 using linear regression. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves were used to estimate survival rates from 2009 to 2018.

Between 2009 and 2018, the annual age‐standardised incidence rates of CLL/SLL (range, 600.05–887.92 cases per 107 person‐years) and WM (range, 41.48–78.19 cases per 107 person‐years) showed an increasing trend (coefficient: 26.98 [p = 0.023] and 3.20 [p = 0.009], respectively). A similar trend was seen in age‐standardised prevalence proportions by sex and age group. KM curves showed 10‐year survival rates of 53% (CLL/SLL) and 42% (WM) at the end of the available data period (2018). Differences in survival between sexes were not statistically significant in the log‐rank test, but univariable analysis showed male sex and older age were associated with a higher risk of mortality in both condition.

The change in survival over time may reflect disease characteristics and recent advances in treatment.

Given the increasing incidence and relatively high survival of CLL/SLL and WM, strategic planning for the future management is warranted in the context of Australia’s ageing population.