Casting a Wider NET: Defining Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumours using the 13C-Mixed-Triglyceride Breath Test

Abstract

Introduction: Somatostatin-analogues (SSAs) are first-line treatment of unresectable, symptomatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). However, SSAs inhibit pancreatic secretions which could lead to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). PEI negatively impacts patient quality-of-life and nutritional status. We aimed to establish impact of SSAs on pancreatic exocrine function in patients with NETs, using the 13C-Mixed-Triglyceride (13C-MTG) breath test.