Real-World Epidemiological Analysis of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: A TriNetX-Based Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas (GI-NECs) are a diverse group of aggressive tumors with variable clinical outcomes. Although progress has been made in classifying and treating these cancers, detailed real-world data on their anatomical distribution and survival rates are scant. This study utilizes a large database to explore the epidemiological and anatomical distribution patterns and to assess the survival outcomes of GI-NECs. Methods: We accessed the TriNetX global health research network, comprising about 197 million patient records from 160 healthcare organizations, to perform a retrospective analysis of GI-NEC cases through November 2024. Patients were identified via the ICD-O-3 morphology code 8246/3. We analyzed TNM staging and survival rates across various GI locations. Results: We identified 4,515 cases of NECs with a nearly equal gender distribution (47.27% male, 47.35% female) and an average age of 71 years. Unknown primary sites were the most common (n=692) followed by Small intestinal NECs (n=682) and others. The least common were liver and intrahepatic biliary NECs (n=71). Survival varied significantly by site, from a high of 37.5% in small intestinal NECs to just 11.4% in hepatic/biliary NECs, highlighting notable differences even within the same organ, such as between appendiceal and cecal NECs (44.8% vs. 26.4%). Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for site-specific treatment and improved diagnostic strategies, especially for the worst-prognosis NECs found in hepatic and biliary locations. Our findings are vital for developing targeted therapies and refining prognostic tools based on anatomical sites.
Source: ASIDE Internal Medicine
Authors: Bahaaeldin Baraka, Mahmoud Nassar, Ahmed Y. Azzam, Mahmoud M. Morsy, Eyad Ibrahim, Jin Wu, Ahmad Ghorab
Institutions: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Seoul National University, American Society for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Healthcare (ASIDE), University of Houston, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Baylor College of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405841697