Incidence of Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors Nearly Tripled Over Two Decades, Study Finds

A rare type of lung cancer is being diagnosed far more often than it was two decades ago, according to new population-based research from the University of Toronto. The study, published Oct. 2 in JAMA Network Open , found that the incidence of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) increased nearly threefold in Ontario between 2000 and 2020. Survival outcomes also varied widely by tumor type and stage, highlighting the need for more personalized treatment and follow-up strategies.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of rare tumors that begin in hormone-producing cells found throughout the body. When these tumors start in the lungs, they are called lung NENs and account for more than 20% of all neuroendocrine cancers.

Lung NENs include several types that behave very differently.