Assessing the management of bone metastases in patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine neoplasms: Re-audit of clinical practice

Abstract

Introduction: There remains no global consensus on the optimal management of bone metastases in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (BM-NEN). Aim(s): To re-audit the clinical management of BM-NEN following the incorporation of institutional guidelines (TC-BM Guid) established in 2018 (PMID: 31639796). Materials and methods: Retrospective study of all patients with BM-NEN diagnosed from Jan-Dec 2019 following TC-BM Guid. Characteristics of BM-NEN and treatment received were evaluated against TC-BM Guid. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v14. Results: Of 354 patients, 40 (11%) had BM (gastrointestinal: 53%, N=21; lung: 15%, N=6; unknown primary: 12%, N=5; other: 20%, N=8). BM were “widespread” in 80% (N=32). Compared to the cohort prior to TC-BM Guid implementation (2002-2018, N=85), incidence of symptoms (any), pain/hypercalcemia, and skeletal-related events were lower (45%, N=18 vs 78%, N=66; 40%, N=16 vs 64%, N=54; 13%, N=5 vs 20%, N=17, respectively). Use of analgesia for symptomatic BMs (80%, N=32 vs 44%, N=37) and use of bisphosphonates (33%, N=13 vs 22%, N=19) were higher. Use of radiotherapy and surgery were similar (23%, N=9 and 3%, N=1 respectively). The re-audit showed that management adhered to TC-BM Guid in the majority of patients (95%, N=38), including 4 patients who received best supportive care due to poor performance status (PS) and short prognosis (<3 months), which was not previously detailed in the guidelines. Conclusion: TC-BM Guid are deliverable, and current management of BM-NEN mostly adhered to these. Following this, TC-BM Guid were updated to reflect recommendations for symptomatic management only (best supportive care) for patients with poor PS/short life-expectancy.