Radioligand therapies (RLTs) and healthcare system readiness: from the experience in GEP-NET, a retrospective analysis on DRG and mobility to improve the accessibility to the future RLT in Italy

Background and objectives: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a rare diverse group of malignancies, which range from well-differentiated indolent tumors to high-grade aggressive forms. Based on the World Health Organization classification, GEP-NETs are divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and poorly differentiated carcinomas. While localized GEP-NETs are primarily treated surgically, non-resectable GEP-NETs have evolved toward targeted therapies, including radioligand therapy. This study describes inpatient resource utilization and inter-regional healthcare mobility for patients with GEP-NETs in Italy, focusing on radioligand therapy. Methods: We retrieved Italian Hospital Discharge Records (SDO) from 2018 to 2021. Given the absence of specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for GEP-NETs, all potentially related diagnoses were included. Radioligand therapy-related hospitalizations were identified using Diagnosis-Related Group code 409 for radiotherapy, focusing on discharge disciplines of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, or radiation oncology. We analyzed hospitalization rates by region and regimen and assessed inter-regional mobility using the Attraction and Escape Mobility Indexes. Results: Over the study period, 4837 radioligand therapy-related GEP-NET hospitalizations were recorded, with 2942 involving the targeted disciplines. Hospitalizations increased by 48.4%, mainly owing to growth in short-stay (0-1 day) discharges (from 37 in 2018 to 228 in 2021), while longer stays (≥ 2 days) rose from 552 to 644. Day hospital accounted for only 0.2% of cases. Regional disparities were prominent, with Emilia-Romagna, Lombardia, and Sicilia managing 88.9% of cases; ten regions recorded no hospitalizations, reflecting a high mobility index (45.8%) and significant inter-regional patient mobility. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for regulatory adjustments, resource allocation improvements, and healthcare system adaptations to effectively support innovative therapies for GEP-NETs. Addressing these needs is essential to optimize patient outcomes and address regional disparities in Italy's healthcare system.