Swiss Neuroendocrine Tumor (SwissNET) Registry: Update After Three Years.

Introduction: To improve epidemiological data on patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in Switzerland, the Swiss registry for NETs (SwissNET) was established in 2008. Here we present the current state of the registry in 2011. Aim(s): The SwissNET registry is an interdisciplinary collaboration aiming at prospectively collecting clinical, pathological and biochemical information regarding patients with NETs in Switzerland based on a histologically confirmed diagnosis. Materials and methods: After having obtained patient consent, contributing centres are visited by a study nurse, patient files are analysed and data are transferred into the database with disagreements resolved by a member of the SwissNET board. Inclusion criteria encompass NETs of gastrointestinal and pulmonary origin (typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoid). Results: Three-hundred and fifteen patients from 35 centres have been included. Mean age at diagnosis was 59.5 years. Mortality was 11.4%. The primary tumor was located in the foregut in 40%, in the midgut in 46%, in the hindgut in 3% (11% unknown). Mortality differed significantly according to location (p=0.005) but was similar for female and male patients. Conclusion: The SwissNET registry encompasses an increasing number of NET patients in Switzerland, covering a representative part of the country. Results are comparable to those from registries in other surrounding countries. The growing number of included patients may indicate an increased awareness for NETs in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]