A Real-World Observational Study of the Use and Associated Costs of Treating Neuroendocrine Tumors With Somatostatin Analogs in Canada

Somatostatin analogs (SSAs; lanreotide autogel and octreotide long-acting release) are used to treat neuroendocrine tumors; however, factors that influence SSA use are unclear. METHODS: This real-world, observational study collected data from private/public pharmacy claims for patients using SSAs in Canada. Data relating to dosing regimens, injection burden, treatment persistence, and costs were retrospectively analyzed for treatment-naive patients. RESULTS: Overall, 1545 patients were included in the analysis of dosing regimens, 908 for injection burden, 453 for treatment persistence, and 903 for treatment-associated costs. Compared with lanreotide, treatment with octreotide long-acting release was more likely associated with treatment above the maximum recommended dose (odds ratio, 16.2; 95% confidence interval, 4.3–136.2; P < 0.0001), higher weighted average long-acting SSA injection burden (13.4 vs 12.5, P < 0.0001), and a higher number of rescue medication claims per patient (0.22 vs 0.03, P < 0.0001). Treatment with lanreotide autogel was associated with greater treatment persistence (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.80; P = 0.001) and lower mean annual costs of treatment than octreotide long-acting release (Canadian dollars $27,829.35 vs $31,255.49; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide valuable insight into SSA use in clinical settings and may inform treatment selection.