The PEI-Q paradox: Qualitative assessment of exocrine function in NET patients treated with SSAs

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Introduction: Somatostatin-analogues (SSAs) are first-line treatment of unresectable, symptomatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), though can cause pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). PEI symptoms of diarrhoea, bloating, and steatorrhea overlap with those of NETs (carcinoid sequelae), and both have a negative impact on quality of life. The Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Questionnaire (PEI-Q) can be used to assess PEI; however, we hypothesise that the score will be unreliable in SSA-induced PEI due to concurrent improvement of carcinoid symptoms.

Aim(s): We aim to assess the utility of the PEI-Q score in patients commencing SSA therapy for NETs.

Materials and methods: Patients commencing SSA therapy for NETs were recruited from December 2020. The PEI-Q was used to capture patient-reported outcomes at baseline, 2 and 6 months after starting treatment.

Conference:

Presenting Author: Hall L

Authors: Hall L, Powell-Brett S, Thompson O, Bradley E, Smith S,

Keywords: Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI), Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET), Patient Reported Outcome,