RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Risk Factors for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

This study aims to understand why there's been a recent increase in certain rare growths, called neuroendocrine neoplasms, particularly those found in the digestive system and lungs. Researchers are investigating various factors that might increase a person's risk of developing these growths. These include a family history of cancer, lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol, and health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. They are also looking into whether depression might play a role, either on its own or because of related habits or medications. The study isn't testing a new treatment or medicine; instead, it's a 'case-control' study, which means it looks back at people's health records to compare those who have these growths with those who don't, to identify potential risk factors. It uses existing health data from Bavaria, Germany, to help shed light on this trend.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Bavarian Cancer Registry

Enrolment target

14,250

Start

15 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Neuroendocrine Neoplasm of Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract (Disorder)

What is this study about?

This research project is trying to figure out why a particular type of rare growth, called a neuroendocrine neoplasm, seems to be popping up more often these days, especially in places like the gut and lungs. These growths are not always cancerous, but understanding why they form is important.

You might be wondering what exactly a 'risk factor' is. It's simply anything that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. For this study, researchers are exploring several potential risk factors that have been suggested in earlier studies. These include whether someone in your family has had cancer, if you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you have certain health conditions like diabetes or obesity. They are also looking at something that hasn't been studied much in this area before: depression. They want to see if depression itself, or perhaps habits linked to depression, or even medicines taken for depression, could be connected to these growths.

The main goal of this study is to identify these risk factors. By doing so, doctors and scientists can get a better understanding of why the number of these neuroendocrine neoplasms has been increasing over recent decades. This information could eventually help in finding ways to prevent or manage these conditions better in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores why rare growths (neuroendocrine neoplasms) are increasing.
It focuses on growths in the gut and lungs.
Potential risk factors include family history, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, obesity, and depression.
It uses existing patient records, so no direct participation is needed.
The goal is to better understand these conditions and improve future care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from people who live in Bavaria, Germany, and who were part of their public health insurance system. This covers most people in that region, about 85% of the population. To be included, people must also have seen a doctor at least once for an outpatient appointment in Bavaria between 2021 and 2023.

Since this study uses existing health records, you wouldn't directly 'join' in the usual sense or need to attend appointments. The researchers are simply reviewing information that is already collected.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did you live in Bavaria, Germany?
Were you covered by public health insurance in Bavaria?
Did you see a doctor for an outpatient visit in Bavaria between 2021 and 2023?
Do you understand that this study uses past records and doesn't require new action from you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a bit different because it's a 'case-control' study using existing health records. This means you wouldn't be directly involved. You wouldn't need to attend any appointments, take any new medications, or have any special tests. Researchers are simply looking back at anonymised data that has already been collected from the Bavarian Cancer Registry and the health insurance records. There is no direct participation needed from individuals, so there are no visits, assessments, or follow-up involved for you.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only uses existing, anonymised patient records, there are no direct risks to individuals. Your personal information will be protected. The main benefit is that the study aims to improve our understanding of why neuroendocrine neoplasms are becoming more common. This knowledge could help doctors better prevent, diagnose, or treat these conditions in the future. As you are not directly participating, the concept of 'withdrawing' does not apply to you personally in this type of research.

Locations (1)

Bavarian Cancer Registry, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority
Verified postcode
Nuremberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a neuroendocrine neoplasm?

It's a type of growth that starts in special cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cells are found all over the body, including the gut and lungs, and they can produce hormones. These growths can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Will I have to do anything if I'm included in this study?

No, you won't have to do anything. This study looks at existing health records from the past, so you won't need to attend appointments, take medicines, or have any tests.

What is a 'case-control' study?

It's a type of study where researchers compare a group of people who have a certain condition (the 'cases') with a similar group of people who don't have the condition (the 'controls'). They look back at their past health and lifestyle information to try and find differences that might explain why some people developed the condition.

Why are they studying this?

Researchers want to understand why these particular growths seem to be happening more often. By finding possible risk factors, they hope to get closer to preventing or managing them better in the future.

Will my personal data be safe?

Yes, your personal data will be protected. The study uses anonymised records, meaning your name and other identifying information are removed to ensure privacy.

How to find out more

Sven Voigtländer

sven.voigtlaender@lgl.bayern.de +49-(0)9131-6808 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.