National Practice Patterns in the Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound Biopsy for Resectable Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Insights into the Role of DOTATATE PET/CT in Diagnosis

Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are typically diagnosed using endoscopic ultrasoundguided (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 1/4 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.