Survival outcome of Gallbladder cancer in the US: An updated surveillance, epidemiology, and end results-based analysis of age and gender disparities

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Introduction: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but highly lethal malignancy with significant variability in mortality based on demographic and clinical factors. This study aims to analyze the impact of gender, age, tumor stage, and treatment modalities on mortality in GBC patients, providing a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing survival outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,527 patients diagnosed with GBC between 2005 and 2021. Data were collected on demographic variables, tumor stage, treatment modalities (chemotherapy, surgery, radiation), and survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and cancer-related mortality, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The study cohort comprised 1,527 patients, predominantly female (68.11%), with most patients diagnosed between ages 60 and 79 years (56.65%). The majority were married (59.66%), and most tumors were at a regional stage (65.49%) at diagnosis. Non-Hispanic whites were the largest racial group (50.03%), followed by Hispanics (23.51%). A significant proportion of patients resided in metropolitan areas (60.64%) and had annual incomes between $60,000 and $79,999 (41.00%). High rates of radiation (85.46%) and chemotherapy (76.03%) were observed, with 81.34% undergoing surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender was associated with a higher overall mortality risk (HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.36, p Conclusion: Our study underscores the critical role of demographic and clinical factors in influencing GBC outcomes. Male gender, older age, and distant tumor stage are significant predictors of higher mortality, while chemotherapy and surgery substantially improve survival. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions and personalized treatment approaches to enhance survival rates in GBC patients, taking into account these key prognostic factors. Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced effects of racial and ethnic disparities in GBC outcomes.