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OBJECTIVES: Somatostatin analogs (SSAs; lanreotide autogel and octreotide long-acting release) are used to treat neuroendocrine tumors; however, factors that influence SSA use are unclear. METHODS: This real-world, observational study collected data from private/public pharmacy claims for patients using SSAs in Canada. Data relating to dosing regimens, injection burden, treatment persistence, and costs were retrospectively analyzed for treatment-naive patients. RESULTS: Overall, 1545 patients were included in the analysis of dosing regimens, 908 for injection burden, 453 for treatment persistence, and 903 for treatment-associated costs. Compared with lanreotide, treatment with octreotide long-acting release was more likely associated with treatment above the maximum recommended dose (odds ratio, 16. 2; 95% confidence interval, 4. 3-136. 2; P < 0. 0001), higher weighted average long-acting SSA injection burden (13. 4 vs 12. 5, P < 0. 0001), and a higher number of rescue medication claims per patient (0. 22 vs 0. 03, P < 0. 0001). Treatment with lanreotide autogel was associated with greater treatment persistence (hazard ratio, 0. 58; 95% confidence interval, 0. 42-0. 80; P = 0. 001) and lower mean annual costs of treatment than octreotide long-acting release (Canadian dollars 27, 829. 35 vs 31, 255. 49; P < 0. 0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide valuable insight into SSA use in clinical settings and may inform treatment selection.
Cheung et al. (Sat,) studied this question.