Pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors (PD-NETs) are prevalent in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), according to a retrospective cohort study involving 287 individuals. Moreover, they are linked with early death even after intervening surgically.

All participants had MEN-1 and were treated at the Mayo Clinic from 1997 to 2014. Among the results:

• 7 in every 10 patients had 217 PD-NETs.
• Among those with a PD-129, nearly two-thirds had surgery.
• 14% of patients who had surgery died at an average of 51 years of age.
• Tumor size, metastasis at surgery or tumor type did not predict mortality.
• For every year older at surgery, metastasis odds increased by 6%.
• Among those who were observed/medically managed without known metastases, average tumor growth was 0.02 cm/year.
• 7% of non-surgical patients died at a median age of 77 years.

The authors noted that counseling about risks/benefits of treatment is integral.