Hereditary Endocrine Tumor Registries

Abstract

Context: Endocrine neoplasia syndromes are phenotypically complex, and there is a misconception that they are universally rare. Genetic alterations are increasingly recognized; however, true prevalence is unknown. The purpose of a clinical registry is to monitor the quality of health care delivered to a specified group of patients through the collection, analysis, and reporting of relevant health-related information. This leads to improved clinical practice, decision-making, patient satisfaction, and outcome.

Objective: This review aims to identify, compare, and contrast active registries worldwide that capture data relevant to hereditary endocrine tumors (HETs).

Methods: Clinical registries were identified using a systematic approach from publications (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE) peer consultation, clinical trials, and web searches. Inclusion criteria were hereditary endocrine tumors, clinical registries, and English language. Exclusion criteria were institutional audits, absence of clinical data, or inactivity. Details surrounding general characteristics, funding, data fields, collection periods, and entry methods were collated.

Results: Fifteen registries specific for HET were shortlisted with 136 affiliated peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Conclusion: There are few clinical registries specific to HET. Most of these are European, and the data collected are highly variable. Further research into their effectiveness is warranted. We note the absence of an Australian registry for all HET, which would provide potential health and economic gains. This review presents a unique opportunity to harmonize registry data for HET locally and further afield.

Keywords: clinical quality registries; database; endocrine cancers; endocrine tumors; hereditary.

Figure 1.

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) summary of search strategy.

Figure 2.

Pie chart of the most commonly represented genes.