Misclassification Matters: A Case for Utilization of Histologic Coding in UK Biobank Analyses

Misclassification and measurement error is a significant issue in epidemiologic research. When utilizing large datasets like the UK Biobank in particular, we found that pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are often erroneously included in studies focused on exocrine pancreatic cancer. This happens when studies use only International Classification of Diseases codes to define their cases. The use of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition histologic coding can prevent this problem. This commentary examines the prevalence of this issue in published literature and highlights its potential impact on existing studies. Implementing rigorous coding practices and promoting their consistent use among researchers are crucial for ensuring valid and reliable findings in future pancreatic cancer studies using the UK Biobank.