Bone health in neuroendocrine tumors and prognostic implications beyond skeletal metastases - Report - MDSpire

Bone health in neuroendocrine tumors and prognostic implications beyond skeletal metastases

  • By

  • Andrea Casabella

  • Iderina Hasballa

  • Anna Arecco

  • Mara Boschetti

  • Leonardo Della Sala

  • Davide Demontis

  • Alberto Sulli

  • Lara Vera

  • Alessandro Veresani

  • Diego Ferone

  • Sabrina Paolino

  • Manuela Albertelli

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Musculoskeletal Health in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors

Overview

This study evaluates musculoskeletal health in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing significant impairments in bone density and muscle mass.

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are increasingly prevalent and can lead to various complications, including musculoskeletal health issues. Understanding the impact of NETs on bone and muscle health is crucial.

Data Highlights

ParameterNET PatientsHealthy Controls
TBS (Trabecular Bone Score)Degraded in 71%Not specified
Osteopenia at Femoral Neck59%Not specified
Hypovitaminosis D Prevalence68%Not specified
Low RSMI (Sarcopenia)37%Not specified
Advanced Stage BMDLower than earlier stagesNot specified

Key Findings

  • 71% of NET patients exhibited degraded TBS.
  • 59% of patients had osteopenia at the femoral neck.
  • 68% prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was observed in the NET cohort.
  • 37% of patients showed low RSMI, indicative of sarcopenia.
  • Advanced-stage NETs were associated with significantly lower BMD and vitamin D levels.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that musculoskeletal health assessments should be integrated into the management of NET patients, particularly for those with advanced disease. Clinicians should monitor vitamin D levels and BMI as potential factors influencing patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant musculoskeletal impairments in NET patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Keck Medicine of USC, MedResources, 2023 -- Bone Metastasis Happens in Up to 50% of Advanced Cancer Cases. Is Treatment Improving?
  2. The ASCO Post, 2021 -- Study Examines Cancer-Specific Mortality Among Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors
  3. ENETS Guidelines & Standards of Care, ENETS, 2024 -- Guidelines on Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
  4. Controversies in NEN: An ENETS position statement on nutritional support in neuroendocrine neoplasms, PMC, 2025 -- Nutritional Support in NENs
  5. The ASCO Post — Study Examines Cancer-Specific Mortality Among Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors
  6. Frontiers in Oncology — Prognostic factors and survival outcomes in patients undergoing limb-sparing surgery for primary malignant bone tumors
  7. Sarcopenia and Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
  8. ENETS Guidelines & Standards of Care - enets.org
  9. Controversies in NEN: An ENETS position statement on nutritional support in neuroendocrine neoplasms - PMC

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