Dr. Yao on Health-Related QOL in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors

James C. Yao, MD, professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses a study exploring health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Researchers discussed that patients with active NETs were associated with a decreased QOL. In patients whose tumors were resected and their disease was in remission, their QOL was closer to the general population. It was also found that patients with carcinoid syndrome had QOL issues impacted by their disease.

Further analyses concluded that 2 or 3 bowel movements daily had minimal impact on patient QOL. However, those with 4 or more bowel movements daily had a decreased QOL.