Risk factors for neuroendocrine neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare cancers primarily affecting the lung and digestive tract.
• Risk factors for NEN development remain largely undefined.
• This study aims to identify NEN risk factors through a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze published data to define risk factors for neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) development.
• To investigate associations between various factors (family history, BMI, diabetes, smoking, alcohol) and NEN incidence.
• To provide evidence-based insights into NEN etiology.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
• Meta-analyses were conducted by primary tumor site, abstracting relevant risk statistics (OR, HR, RR, SIR) and 95% CIs.

Main Results:

• Family history of cancer was associated with increased NEN risk across all investigated sites.
• Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and diabetes were linked to NEN development in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
• Cigarette smoking showed potential risk for NENs in the lung, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
• Alcohol consumption emerged as a potential risk factor for NENs in the pancreas and rectum.

Conclusions:

• Family history of cancer is a significant risk factor for NENs.
• Obesity and diabetes are also important contributors to NEN development.
• Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are identified as potential risk factors for specific NEN subtypes.