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

Background Mature B‐cell neoplasms chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are highly prevalent in older populations. Aims This study quantified the incidence, prevalence and relative survival/mortality rate in Australia for CLL/SS and WM and reported the past trends. Materials & Methods 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. Results Between 2009 and 2018, the annual age‐standardised incidence rates of CLL/SLL (range, 600.05–887.92 cases per 10 7 person‐years) and WM (range, 41.48–78.19 cases per 10 7 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. Discussion The change in survival over time may reflect disease characteristics and recent advances in treatment. Conclusion 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.