JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with varying, often indolent clinico-biological characteristics according to their primary location., NETs can affect any organ and hence present with non-specific symptoms which can lead to delay in diagnosis. The incidence of NETs seems to be increasing in Australia; and data regarding characteristics of NETs among Australians is newly emerging.

Objective:

To study the clinical profiles and treatment and survival outcomes of patients with low to intermediate-grade NETs in an Australian population.

Methods:

We reviewed the data of all adult patients who received the diagnosis of NET between 2008 and 2013. The clinicopathological, treatment, and follow-up data were extracted from the local Cancer Clinical Registry. We also recorded the level of remoteness for each patient by matching the patient’s residential postcode to the corresponding Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 remoteness area category.

Results:

Data from 96 patients were included in the study (37 men [38.5%] and 59 women [61.5%]). The median age at diagnosis was approximately 63 years. A higher proportion of patients lived in the remote/rural areas (50, 52.1%), compared to (46, 47.9%) living in city/metropolitan regions. The most common primary tumor site was the gastroenteropancreatic tract, followed by the lung. The factors significantly associated with NET-related mortality were age, primary tumor site, surgical resection status, tumor grade, and clinical stage of the patient.

Conclusions:

Advanced age, unresectable tumors, evidence of metastasis, and higher-grade tumors were associated with poorer outcomes. Gastroenteropancreatic tumours had a lower risk of NET-related mortality compared to other sites.