Other publication
Data on Healthcare Resource Utilization (HCRU) and Treatment Modalities in Patients (Pts) with Advanced (adv), Well-Differentiated (WD) Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) of Gastrointestinal (GI) or Lung Origin in Finland
Authors: Gaasvik L, Aavikko M, Kurki S, Oddershede L
Publication year: 2018
Journal:: Neuroendocrinology
ISSN: 0028-3835
Web address : https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/487699
Introduction: The majority of all NETs develop in the GI
tract and about one
third develop in the lungs; approximately 43%
and 51% of pts, respectively,
are diagnosed with adv disease (regional or
distant metastasis). While GI and
lung NETs are rare, their incidence has
increased markedly over the past four
decades. The severe and progressive nature of
adv NET suggests significant
costs for pts and payers. Aim(s): Describe the incidence and prevalence, and
characterize HCRU and treatment modalities in
pts with adv WD NET of GI or
lung origin in Southwest Finland. Materials and
methods: Retrospective data
was collected from Auria Biobank (2004-2013).
Electronic records were used
to identify pts with WD GI or lung NET (grade
1 and 2; Ki-67 <20%). Data on
HCRU, including hospital treatment periods,
hospital days, outpatient visits,
medical procedures, and laboratories were
collected. Results: 265 pts were
diagnosed with NET. 99/265 (37%) pts had a WD
NET of GI or lung origin with
an increasing incidence over the study period.
33/99 pts had an adv disease,
and 14/33 a non-functional tumor. Most types
of HCRU were slightly higher
among pts with non-functional tumors than pts
with functional tumors and the
higher HCRU are exemplified by more inpatient
and outpatient visits per
patient year. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs)
were administered in 19/30 pts,
and usage was greater in pts with functional
NET; 3/30 pts received
chemotherapy; none of the pts were treated
with interferon. Conclusion:
There seems to be an increasing trend in the
incidence of lung or GI NET as
previously described in the literature. These results indicate slightly higher
HCRU in pts with non-functional than functional adv, WD GI and lung NET.