Karger Publishers, Neuroendocrinology, 7-8(110), p. 688-696, 2019
DOI: 10.1159/000504256
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<b><i>Background:</i></b> There is no global consensus on the optimal management of bone metastases (BMs) in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To review current management and outcomes of patients with BMs in NENs, in order to identify areas for improvement. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective study of all patients with NENs, except Grade 3 lung NENs (April 2002 to March 2018) was conducted. Baseline characteristics, nature of BMs, treatment received and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0/STATA v12. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 1,212 patients, 85 (7%) had BMs; median age 58 years. The majority had a gastro-entero-pancreatic primary (49%, <i>n</i> = 42) followed by lung (25%, <i>n</i> = 21), unknown primary (20%, <i>n</i> = 17), and “others” (6%, <i>n</i> = 5). Two-thirds (<i>n</i> = 57) had G1–2 neuroendocrine tumours, and 41% (<i>n</i> = 35) had functional tumours. Overall, 28% (<i>n</i> = 24) presented with synchronous BMs at first NEN diagnosis, and 55% (<i>n</i> = 47) developed BMs at the same time as other distant metastases. For the subpopulation of patients in whom BMs developed metachronously to other distant metastases (45%, <i>n</i> = 38), median time to development of BMs was 14.0 months. BMs were “widespread” in 61% (<i>n</i> = 52). Although only 22% (<i>n</i> = 19) reported symptoms at initial diagnosis of BMs, most (78%) developed symptoms at some time during the follow-up period (pain/hypercalcaemia 64%, skeletal-related events 20%). BMs were mainly managed with analgesia (44%, <i>n</i> = 37). Radiotherapy and bisphosphonates were used in 34% (<i>n</i> = 29) and 22% (<i>n</i> = 19) respectively. Surgery was rarely performed (2%, <i>n</i> = 2). Median OS from identification of BMs was 31.0, and 18.9 months from development of BMs-related symptoms. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In this cohort study, most patients with BMs developed symptoms. The utility of radiotherapy and/or bisphosphonates should be prospectively and systematically explored further for its potential impact on patients’ quality of life and survival outcomes.