title: Randomized crossover study in patients with neuroendocrine tumors to assess patient preference for lanreotide Autogel(®) given by either self/partner or a health care professional.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lanreotide Autogel(®) is supplied in prefilled syringes. Therefore, it is possible for patients with neuroendocrine tumors to use self-/partner-administered injections. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proportion of patients preferring self/partner injections over injections administered by health care professionals, and to describe the impact of self/partner administration on efficacy, safety, and costs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Of 62 eligible patients, 26 (42%) patients with neuroendocrine tumors treated with a stable dose of lanreotide Autogel 90 mg or 120 mg every 4 weeks agreed to participate in this Phase IV, international, open-label, crossover study, conducted at hospitals in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Patients were randomized to two blocks, starting with administration of lanreotide Autogel by either self/partner or a health care professional. Preference for injections administered by self/partner or health care professionals was measured, as well as efficacy, safety, and health care resource utilization (both direct and indirect costs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 25 evaluable patients, 22 (88%) preferred self/partner injections, mainly because they experienced increased independence. Based on all patients asked to participate (n = 62), 35% preferred self/partner injections on a regular basis. There was no difference in efficacy or safety between the two administration blocks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many patients with neuroendocrine tumors prefer self/partner injection of lanreotide Autogel, and are able to self/partner inject without any impact on efficacy or safety. This administration method seems to provide a good alternative for suitable patients to increase patient independence and reduce the number of clinic visits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Viktor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Johanson
authors.forename: Benedicte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abrahamsson
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jianu
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calissendorff
authors.forename: Najme
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Henning
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grønbæk
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Florholmen
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ohberg
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Granberg
keywords: carcinoid syndrome; lanreotide; neuroendocrine tumors; self administration; somatostatin analogs