Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are typically diagnosed using endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) biopsy, which can be associated with complications. Since 2016, DOTATATE PET/CT has emerged as an effective tool to localize and stage PNETs.
Methods: Patients with PNETs who underwent R0 resections were identified from the 2004-2019 National Cancer Database PUF. Joinpoint regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze trends in the use of biopsy.
Results: Of 16,746 R0 resected PNET patients, 44 % underwent diagnostic biopsy. Joinpoint regression showed a significant increase in the use of biopsy from 2004 to 2019 (APC 1.80, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of patients diagnosed after DOTATATE approval underwent biopsy compared to those diagnosed before (48 % vs. 42 %, p < 0.001). Adjusted analysis showed diagnosis after 2016 was associated with increased odds of biopsy (OR = 1.67, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Despite technologic advancement with DOTATATE PET/CT, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of resectable PNETs undergoing preoperative biopsy.
Keywords: DOTATATE PET/CT; Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; Ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.