Abstract 223P
Background
Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a rare form of cancer with a reported prevalence of 35 cases per 100,000 individuals. The vague nature of NET symptoms leads to a complicated care pathway, making early diagnosis challenging. Studies have shown that assessment by NET specific multidisciplinary tumor boards (NET MDT) can lead to a change in diagnosis in up to 7% of NET cases, including changes in site, stage of disease, tumor type and grade. Notably, treatment modifications were observed in over half of patients post-evaluation. In Mexico, specific data regarding this diagnosis journey is lacking. Therefore, this study seeks to gather the perspectives of Mexican oncologists regarding the medical management of NET patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 68 out of 700 medical oncologists registered in the Mexican Society of Oncology (SMEO) voluntarily participated. A 12-item electronic survey, validated by 2 NET experts (Mexico City and Barcelona), was applied during the SMEO Congress 2023. All 68 participating oncologists completed the survey. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages. Chi2 and Fisher tests were used to address differences between groups.
Results
Among the surveyed oncologists, 21% worked in a private institution, 18% in a public institution and 62% worked across both. Notably, 81% had less than 10 years of oncological practice. Despite their relative experience, 74% reported feeling experienced and confident in caring for NET patients (p=0.049). Surprisingly, although it is a very rare tumor, 75% of those surveyed do not have a multidisciplinary committee on neuroendocrine tumors in their hospital (p=0.033). Table: 223P
| Characteristic | Type of medical practice | p-value2 | |||
| Overall, N = 681 | Private, N = 141 | Public, N = 121 | Both, N = 421 | ||
| Experience and confidence of caring of patient with NET | 0.049 | ||||
| No | 18 (26%) | 5 (36%) | 6 (50%) | 7 (17%) | |
| Yes | 50 (74%) | 9 (64%) | 6 (50%) | 35 (83%) | |
| Multidisciplinary tumor boards availability | 0.033 | ||||
| No | 51 (75%) | 14 (100%) | 9 (75%) | 28 (67%) | |
| Yes | 17 (25%) | 0 (0%) | 3 (25%) | 14 (33%) |
1n (%) 2Fisher's Exact Test for Count Data with simulated p-value (based on 2000 replicates); Pearson's Chi-squared test.
Conclusions
This study highlights a critical opportunity in Mexico: the establishment of more NET MDT aimed at facilitating early diagnosis. Advocacy for improved referral pathways to specialized NET centers should be prioritized, as it has the potential to enhance patients' clinical outcomes.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.