Quality of life after surgery for neuroendocrine tumors

LIFE-NETs (Life Following Excision of Neuroendocrine Tumors): a Multi-institutional Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Quality of Life After Surgery for Neuroendocrine Tumors

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT06981455

This study looks at how surgery for neuroendocrine tumors affects the quality of life for patients to help improve their care after the operation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment246 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (other)
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06981455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on assessing the quality of life (QOL) of patients who have undergone surgery for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It aims to gather comprehensive, multi-institutional data to better understand the post-operative experiences of these patients. The study will involve a prospective international cohort and will identify factors that influence QOL measures following surgery. By emphasizing both tumor control and quality of life, the research seeks to inform surgical decisions in the management of NETs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with well-differentiated grade 1 to 3 neuroendocrine tumors who consent to surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma or those who decline surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into improving the quality of life for patients undergoing surgery for neuroendocrine tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature on post-surgical quality of life for NETs, the study aims to fill a gap in knowledge, suggesting a novel approach to understanding patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years old
* Diagnosis of well-differentiated grade 1 to 3 NETs via histopathology (biopsy) or imaging (measurable tumor on CT or MRI with avidity on SSTR-PET scan).
* Consents to surgery for resection of localized, loco-regional, or metastatic gastro-enteric (midgut) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-operative diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma on histopathology (biopsy) or imaging (measurable tumor on CT or MRI with avidity on FDG-PET scan and no avidity on SSTR-PET scan).
* Declines surgery.
* Unable to respond to study questionnaires (not proficient in local language).

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neuroendocrine Tumors, Neuroendocrine Tumor GEP Grade 1-3, surgery, quality of life, carcinoid, neuroendocrine

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.