Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasia After Surgery

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) are rare and complex, with surgery as key therapy even in cases with metastasis. Little is known regarding the quality of life, prevalence of depression, anxiety and the impact of surgery.

METHODS: This prospective, follow-up study included 90 consecutively recruited patients with NEN after surgery in a university hospital. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-GI-NET.21, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a hospital specific questionnaire were completed during follow-up after 3 to 5 years (t1-t5).

RESULTS: Mean age was 54 (SD 15) years, 13% had secondary malignancies and 11% had psychiatric diagnoses (depression n = 8, schizophrenia n = 2) pre-existent. Critical life events occurred in 51% within 5 years before diagnosis. Surgery was done in curative intention in 82% and R0-resection rate was 90%. The median survival was 25.3 years. The 10-year survival rate was 87%, 98%, 95% and 26% for all patients (n = 90), stage I/II (n = 45), stage III (n = 25) and stage IV (n = 20), respectively (p < .001). Anxiety score was pathological in 30% after 1 year (t1) and in 10% after 5 years, depression score in 25% (t1) and 30% (t5). Fatigue and muscle/body pain were elevated symptoms with > 50 and 40 points 3 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Depression rate remains high whereas anxiety declines over time. Fatigue and muscle/body pain were identified as relevantly elevated after surgery. Systematic screening and supportive therapy should be implemented during follow-up after surgery.