Epidemiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Chilean and Amerindian population in Chile

Abstract

The study aim was to analyze incidence and presentation features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Chile, in Amerindian population and in non-Native. Between 2012 and 2019, 912 patients were diagnosed, and 13 (1.4%) were Amerindian. The estimated incidence in Chilean population was 1.17/100,000 person per year, while in Amerindian, 0.09/100,000 person per year. Median age was 73 years. At diagnosis, 48, 27, and 25%, had low (0), intermediate (I/II) and high-risk (III/IV) disease on Rai classification. Diagnostic immunophenotypic Matutes score was ≥4 in 90%. Median follow-up was 37 months (range 2–87). 5-year OS was 56%, with median overall survival (OS) not reached. It was worse in men, ≥65 years, high-risk and those with increased prolymphocytes (CLL/PL). This study shows low incidence and worse OS in Chilean CLL patients, compared to those from European countries, despite similar clinical features. It also demonstrates that CLL is very uncommon in Amerindian population.

Keywords:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• immunophenotype
• Latin America
• Amerindian
• incidence

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to all physicians that sent the samples of their patients to the Flow Cytometry lab at Hospital del Salvador, to be studied. Hospital del Salvador, Dr. Camila Peña; Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeaux: Dr. Vivianne Lois; Hospital Gustavo Fricke; Dr. Christine Rojas; Hospital Regional del Temuco: Dr. Marisa Capurro; Hospital San Juan de Dios: Dr. Valeska Vega; Hospital Regional de Concepcion: Dr. Monica Romero; Hospital San Borja Arriaran: Dr. Alvaro Pizarro; Hospital de Talca: Dr. Gabriela Mendoza; Hospital Sotero del Rio: Dr. Hernan Rojas; Hospital de Talcahuano: Dr. Jacqueline Oliva; Hospital La Serena: Dr. Ninette Blanchard; Hospital Van Buren: Dr. Bernardita Rojas; Hospital de Los Angeles; Dr. Juan Carlos Medina; Hospital de Osorno: Dr. Maria Luisa Gonzalez; Hospital de Arica; Dr. Cecilia Hales; Hospital de Punta Arenas: Dr. Daniela Cardemil. Also, the technicians at the lab: Silvia Labra, Pilar Reyes, Carolina Soto, Cristian Saldivia, Karen Figueroa.

Disclosure statement

Jorge J. Castillo: Consulting or Advisory Role: Janssen, Roche/Genentech, Beigene, AbbVie/Pharmacyclics. Research Funding: Pharmacyclics, AbbVie, Janssen, BeiGene, TG Therapeutics. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).