Due to the rare focus on ureteral cancer survival analyses, this study investigates post-surgery cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) rates, along with prognostic factors affecting these outcomes. It aims to enhance understanding of disease progression and determinants of patient survival.

This research undertook a retrospective analysis of ureteral cancer patients who received surgical intervention from 2004 to 2017, utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The primary endpoint was survival, with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year CSS and OS rates calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Initial univariate Cox proportional hazards analyses identified factors impacting survival, with those yielding a p-value under 0.05 progressing to multivariate Cox regression analysis to ascertain significant prognostic indicators.

The investigation encompassed 1,349 patients diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and papillary TCC of ureter. CSS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years post-surgery were observed at 87.1%, 66.3%, and 56.9%, respectively. In comparison, OS rates for the same time intervals were recorded at 82.8%, 56.7%, and 43.2%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed sex, age, tumor grade, AJCC staging, and the application of radiotherapy as significant prognostic indicators for CSS. For OS, significant prognostic factors included sex, age, and AJCC staging, underscoring their critical role in determining patient outcomes following surgical intervention for ureteral cancer.

The survival outcomes for ureteral cancer are not yet satisfactory. Sex, age, and cancer stage emerge as pivotal prognostic elements, significantly impacting CSS and OS following surgery. Recognizing these factors is essential for clinicians, as they offer critical insights that inform treatment strategies and patient management.