Background
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NET) cause various symptoms impacting on nutritional status and diet. Published data indicates up to 25% of GEP NET patients are malnourished, and dietary change is prevalent. Nutrition in NETs is a prospective longitudinal study aiming to describe the impact of GEP NETs on patient’s nutritional status and quality of life. Baseline characteristics of study participants are discussed.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with a GEP NET were recruited upon initial attendance to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Melbourne, Australia). Recruitment commenced in July 2017 and is ongoing. At baseline, participant demographics and patient-reported outcome data was recorded (dietitian contact, dietary habits, and symptoms). Nutritional status was measured using the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA).
Results
Fifty two patients were approached and 47 recruited over 8-months thus far. Sixty six percent were male: average age was 59 years. Tumour grading varied (24% NET G1, 33% NET G2, 22% NET G3). The majority were diagnosed with a primary site of small bowel or pancreas (43% and 36% respectively) and had metastatic disease (77%, n=36). Thirty percent were malnourished, and only 21% (n=10) reported contact with a dietitian. Fifty seven percent had changed their diet since diagnosis.
Conclusion
The recruited patients represent a heterogeneous sample, consistent with published literature. Results highlight malnutrition and dietary change as prevalent and potentially under-recognised factors for consideration in the management of GEP NET patients. Longitudinal data is being collected in this patient cohort to explore change in nutritional status and dietary habits over time.