Chondrosarcoma in Japan: an analytic study using population-based National Cancer Registry

Abstract

Background: Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare malignant bone tumor exhibiting diverse histological features and clinical behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, prognostic factors, and subtype-specific differences of CS in Japan using National Cancer Registry data.

Methods: We analyzed data from CS cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2019, calculating age-adjusted incidence, estimating overall survival, and identifying prognostic factors through multivariate analysis.

Results: The study identified 1015 CS cases with an age-adjusted incidence of 0.159 per 100 000 population and a mean overall survival of 1205.2 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex, younger age (15-39 years), histological subtypes other than dedifferentiated CS, localized disease, and surgical treatment were associated with better prognoses. Conversely, male sex, older age (≥75 years), dedifferentiated subtype, advanced stage, and non-surgical treatment were linked to a higher risk of death. Significant differences in sex distribution, age at diagnosis, tumor location, disease stage, and tumor differentiation were observed among CS subtypes.

Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into CS epidemiology, prognostic factors, and subtype-specific characteristics in Japan. The identification of high-risk groups emphasizes the need for improved therapeutic strategies and supportive care. The observed heterogeneity among CS subtypes underscores the importance of individualized management approaches in treating this complex malignancy.

Keywords: National Cancer Registry; chondrosarcoma; histological subtypes; prognostic factors; survival analysis.