Brain malignant tumors and magnetic resonance imaging in Brazil from 2014 to 2023: an analytical ecological study

Introduction: Brain malignant tumors remain to have one of the worst survival rates among all neoplasms. Despite its lower incidence in undeveloped countries, possibly due to scarce resources, Brazil has shown to have one of the highest mortality rates in the world. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard imaging method used for diagnosis and follow up of brain tumors in general, and most recently it has become a potential auxiliary intraoperative tool.

Objective: We sought to investigate the trends in brain cancer diagnosis and its relationship with working MRI machines in Brazil from 2014 to 2023.

Method: This is an analytical ecological study with data extracted from DATASUS’s Oncology Panel, Resident Population and National Registry of Health Establishments. Data were analyzed through Statskingdom and a linear regression was performed, considering a significance level of 0,05. Incidence was calculated per 100.000 inhabitants.

Results: From 2014 to 2023, there were 40.459 new cases of brain malignant tumors, with an incidence increase of 198.6%, demonstrating a very strong positive correlation throughout the period (R = 0,891; p < 0,001). Furthermore, in the same period, the number of working MRI machines increased 205,4%, and a very strong positive correlation was found between brain cancer diagnosis, showing that for every 100 new working MRI machines, there were 182 new cases of brain cancer diagnosed [R = 0,857; β = 0,182 (0,162-0,202); p < 0,001].

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that there was an increase in the diagnosis of brain malignant tumors in Brazil from 2014 to 2023 accompanied by an increase in the number of working MRI machines. The former could be explained by the latter, demonstrating that there was an improvement in the diagnostic panorama. However, further research needs to be done to confirm these results.

Corresponding author: Hugo Antunes Macedo (e-mail: hugoantmac@hotmail.com).