Clinical features and prognosis of malignant small bowel tumors: Experience from a university hospital in Chile

Abstract

Background: Small bowel tumors (SBT) are infrequent and represent a small proportion of digestive neoplasms. There is scarce information about SBT in Latin America. Aim: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and survival of malignant SBTs. Methods: Retrospective observational study of adult patients with histopathological diagnosis of SBT between 2007 and 2021 in a university hospital in Chile. Results: A total of 104 patients [51.9% men; mean age 57 years] with SBT. Histological type: neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (43.7%, n = 38), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (21.8%, n = 19), lymphoma (17.2%, n = 15) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (11.5%, n = 10). GIST was more frequent in duodenum (50%; n = 12) and NET in the ileum (65.8%; n = 25). Metastasis was observed in 17 cases, most commonly from colon and melanoma. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more often observed in AC ( p = 0.035), as well as gastrointestinal bleeding in GIST ( p = 0.007). The most common diagnostic tools were CT and CT enteroclysis with an elevated diagnostic yield (86% and 94% respectively). The 5 -year survival of GIST, NET, lymphoma and AC were 94.7% (95%CI: 68.1 - 99.2), 82.2% (95%CI: 57.6 - 93.3), 40.0% (95%CI: 16.5 - 82.8) and 25.9% (95%CI: 4.5 - 55.7%), respectively. NET (HR 6.1; 95%CI: 2.1 - 17.2) and GIST (HR 24.4; 95%CI: 3.0 - 19.8) were independently associated with higher survival compared to AC, adjusted for age and sex. Conclusions: Malignant SBT are rare conditions and NETs are the most common histological subtype. Clinical presentation at diagnosis, location or complications may suggest a more probable diagnosis. GIST and NET are associated with better survival compared to other malignant subtypes. (c) 2024 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.