Delays In Neuroendocrine Tumour Diagnosis
Capstone Summary:
Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are rare and slow growing tumours that occur in various organs. While considered rare, NETs were found to be increasing in both incidence and prevalence globally and in Canada. Owing to the non-specificity of the symptoms, diagnosing NETs is very difficult and patients often face long delays and high rates of misdiagnosis.The delays in diagnosis faced by NET patients are not trivial as the mean patient-reported time for diagnosis is about 52 months, but can be as long as 5 years. Furthermore, following the delay, many patients are diagnosed at a point at which the tumour has metastasized.
This presents a pressing need for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
The aim of this project is to identify the points of delay during the diagnostic journey of a NET patient, understand why delays are occuring at these points, and develop and implement solutions to improve NET diagnosis in Ontario.
Capstone Team:
Majd Ghadban, BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons)
St. Michael's Hospital - Keenan Research Centre St. Michael's Hospital - Keenan Research Centre
Research Volunteer Research Volunteer
Capstone Supervisor:
Prof. Joseph Ferenbok, PhD
Translational Research Program Temerty Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto
Revolutionary Translator Director
Capstone Advisory Committee:
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