A qualitative study to understand the experience of somatostatin analog treatments from the perspective of patients with neuroendocrine tumors

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07054-x
• Publication Date: 2022-04-27T09:03:09Z
• Authors: Caroline Seo; Erica Horodniceanu; Rachel Shah; Grace Goldstein; David Ray; Bonita Bennett; Alexandria Phan; Kelly McCarrier
• Keywords: Lanreotide

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) negatively impact patients' quality of life. Octreotide long-acting release (LAR) and lanreotide depot are somatostatin analogs (SSAs) approved to treat NETs. The study objective was explore SSA treatment experiences preferences patients with NETs.Qualitative interviews were conducted in US adults (≥ 21 years) NETs who had ≥ 6 months' each transitioned from octreotide LAR within the previous year. Participants asked open-ended questions about their depot, preferences, attributes.Twenty participants (mean age: 58 years; 90% female; 85% white) completed interviews. most common reasons for transition doctor recommendation (70%), not working as expected (55%), injection type preference (45%). reported 34 unique favorable attributes 82 unfavorable attributes. Symptom control frequently attribute (associated by 60% 65%). Painful (65%) cited experience dependent on administrator (35%) depot. three rated important side effects, symptom control, ability stabilize tumor.Our qualitative data provide valuable insight into that consider when making decisions. Factors related administration, should be included patient-provider communications clinical contexts.