Resection after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced, "unresectable" pancreatic cancer

Neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection for previously explored pancreatic cancer patients is associated with improved survival

BACKGROUND

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are frequently referred to tertiary centers after unsuccessful attempted resections at other institutions. The outcome of these patients who are ultimately resected is not well understood.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with PDAC who underwent re-exploration between 1995 and 2013 at a single high volume tertiary care institution. We aimed to evaluate the association of neoadjuvant therapy prior to re-exploration on pathologic findings and clinical outcome in previously explored patients with PDAC.

RESULTS

Between 1995 and 2013, 50 of the 2,062 patients who were surgically explored underwent pancreatic resection following a previous exploration where they were deemed unresectable. The most common reason for unresectability at initial operation was vascular invasion (80%) and a presumed R2 resection. Thirty-seven (74%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy was associated with improved TNM stage (P=0.002), fewer positive lymph nodes (0 vs. 2, P=0.025), and improved median survival (24 vs. 13 months, P=0.044). Compared to R2 resected patients with PDAC who had not previously been explored, re-explored patients had significantly lower pathologic T and N stages (P<0.001) and a longer median survival (19 vs. 10 months, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PDAC deemed unresectable may warrant re-exploration. Treatment with neoadjuvant therapy between operations is associated with improved pathological stage and survival. In this highly selected group of patients, successful resection is associated with improved survival compared to R2 resections.

Combined hepatic arterial resection in pancreatic resections for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Arterial involvement in advanced pancreatic cancer generally defines local unresectability. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of combined common hepatic arterial resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer involving the hepatic artery.

METHODS

Of 348 patients with pancreatic head cancers who underwent surgical resection between June 1999 and September 2015, 21 underwent combined common hepatic arterial resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy (17) or total pancreatectomy (4). Preoperative common hepatic arterial embolization was performed in 12 patients. Preoperative CT findings of hepatic arterial involvement, postoperative complications, survival rates, and prognostic factors for survival were analyzed. Twenty-one unresectable patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who underwent laparotomy in this study period were selected as the control group.

RESULTS

Rates of pathological arterial invasion were significantly higher in patients with level III (>180⁰) CT findings (90%,9/10) than in patients with levels I and II (<180⁰) (27%, 3/11) (p < 0.01). No surgical deaths occurred. Survival after surgical resection in all 21 patients was 47.6%, 6.6%, and 6.6% at 1, 3, and 5 years, and median survival was 11 months. The preoperative serum CA19-9 level was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival, median survivals were 21.5 and 8.3 months in the low CA19-9 and high CA19-9 groups, respectively. No significant difference in survival between the high-CA19-9 group and the unresectable group was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined common hepatic arterial resection in pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy might be feasible with an acceptable rate of surgical complications, and may have a beneficial effect on the prognosis only in patients with low preoperative serum CA19-9 levels.

Predictors of Early Mortality After Surgical Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in the Era of Neoadjuvant Treatment

OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant treatments are increasingly used for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet some experience early mortality after resection. We sought to identify predictors of early mortality after PDAC resection and determine their interaction with neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with PDAC resection from March 2011 to March 2014. We compared those who died within one year after surgery to those living beyond 1 year, and those who received neoadjuvant therapy to those taken directly to surgery. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of early mortality and determine their interaction with neoadjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

Of 191 patients who underwent resection, 59 (30.9%) died within 1 year and 79 (41.4%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Early mortality patients were older, with higher comorbidity, and more likely to have lymph node positivity. Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy were younger, with lower comorbidity, and more likely to have upfront unresectable disease. Predictors of early mortality included: higher comorbidity, poorly differentiated tumor grade, and lymph node positivity. We found that neoadjuvant therapy moderated the effects of comorbidity and lymph node positivity on early mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified predictors of early mortality after PDAC resection and determined their interaction with neoadjuvant therapy.

Pancreatic Cancer: 80 Years of Surgery-Percentage and Repetitions

Objective. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is estimated to be 48,960 in 2015 in the US and projected to become the second and third leading causes of cancer-related deaths by 2030. The mean costs in 2015 may be assumed to be $79,800 per patient and for each resection $164,100. Attempt is made to evaluate the results over the last 80 years, the number of survivors, and the overall survival percentage. Methods. Altogether 1230 papers have been found which deal with resections and reveal survival information. Only 621 of these report 5-year survivors. Reservation about surgery was first expressed in 1964 and five-year survival of nonresected survivors is well documented. Results. The survival percentage depends not only on the number of survivors but also on the subset from which it is calculated. Since the 1980s the papers have mainly reported the number of resections and survival as actuarial percentages, with or without the actual number of survivors being reported. The actuarial percentage is on average 2.75 higher. Detailed information on the original group (TN), number of resections, and actual number of survivors is reported in only 10.6% of the papers. Repetition occurs when the patients from a certain year are reported several times from the same institution or include survivors from many institutions or countries. Each 5-year survivor may be reported several times. Conclusion. Assuming a 10% resection rate and correcting for repetitions and the life table percentage the overall actual survival rate is hardly more than 0.3%.

Locally advanced pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma: pancreatectomy with planned arterial resection based on axial arterial encasement

Pancreatectomy with arterial resection for locally advanced pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDA) is associated with high morbidity and is thus considered as a contraindication. The aim of our study was to report our experience of pancreatectomy with planned arterial resection for locally advanced PDA based on specific selection criteria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients receiving pancreatectomy for PDA between October 2008 and July 2014 were reviewed. The patients were classified into group 1, pancreatectomy without vascular resection (66 patients); group 2, pancreatectomy with isolated venous resection (31 patients), and group 3, pancreatectomy with arterial resection for locally advanced PDA (14 patients). The primary selection criteria for arterial resection was the possibility of achieving a complete resection based on the extent of axial encasement, the absence of tumor invasion at the origin of celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and a free distal arterial segment allowing reconstruction. Patient outcomes and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six SMA, two CT, four common hepatic artery, and two replaced right hepatic artery resections were undertaken. The preferred arterial reconstruction was splenic artery transposition. Group 3 had a higher preoperative weight loss, a longer operative time, and a higher incidence of intraoperative blood transfusion. Ninety-day mortality occurred in three patients in groups 1 and 2. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence, grade, and type of complications in the three groups. Postoperative pancreatic fistula and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage were also comparable. In group 3, none had arterial wall invasion and nine patients had recurrence (seven metastatic and two loco-regional). Survival and disease-free survival were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

Planned arterial resection for PDA can be performed safely with a good outcome in highly selected patients. Key elements for defining the resectability is based on the extent of the axial arterial encasement with two criteria: the origin of the CT and SMA are free from tumor invasion and the possibility of distal reconstruction.

CA19-9 Normalization During Pre-operative Treatment Predicts Longer Survival for Patients with Locally Progressed Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Compared to the widely adopted 2-4 months of pre-operative therapy for patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), our institution tends to administer a longer duration before considering surgical resection. Using this unique approach, the aim of this study was to determine pre-operative variables associated with survival.

METHODS

Records from patients with BR/LA PDAC who underwent attempt at surgical resection from 1992-2014 were reviewed.

RESULTS

After a median duration of 6 months of pre-operative treatment, 109 patients with BR/LA PDAC (BR 63, LA 46) were explored; 93 (85.3 %) underwent pancreatectomy. Those who received at least 6 months of pre-operative treatment had longer median overall survival (OS) than those who received less (52.8 vs. 32.1 months, P = 0.044). On multivariate analysis, pre-operative treatment duration was the strongest predictor of survival (hazard ratio (HR) 4.79, P = 0.043). However, OS was similar in those whose CA19-9 normalized regardless of whether they received more or less than 6 months of chemotherapy (71.4 vs. 101.8 months, P = 0.930).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative CA19-9 decline can guide treatment duration in patients with BR/LA PDAC. We endorse 6 months of therapy except in those patients whose values normalize, where surgery can be considered after a shorter course.

[Resectability of pancreatic cancer: New criteria]

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously one of the most aggressive cancers and still has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the only chance for a curative therapy approach, with which at least a 5‑year survival can be achieved for 25% of patients. Recent advances in surgical techniques have led to a change in the criteria for resectability.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the currently available evidence on the criteria for resectability of pancreatic cancer and discusses the treatment options.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was based on a selective literature search and a summary of the latest data on criteria for resectability is given.

RESULTS

Patients with pancreatic cancer must be differentiated into those with primarily resectable disease, borderline resectable disease, locally advanced (primarily unresectable) and metastatic disease. While infiltration into the major surrounding venous vessels (e.g. superior mesenteric vein, portal vein and confluence of splenic vein) used to be a criterion for unresectable disease, these tumors can nowadays be safely resected in specialized centers. Tumor infiltration into adjacent arteries (e.g. hepatic artery, superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery) remains a clinical problem and surgical resection is often technically possible but associated with an increased morbidity and mortality and therefore not generally recommended. Borderline resectable tumors represent a special group for which neoadjuvant treatment concepts are increasingly being implemented. Radiological therapy response evaluation is challenging after neoadjuvant therapy as it is not usually associated with a radiologically detectable reduction in tumor volume.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic resections can nowadays be more radically performed due to advances in surgical techniques. This has led to a change in the criteria for resectability, especially concerning venous tumor infiltration.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with the chance of long-term survival. If a radical tumor resection is possible, 5-year survival rates of 20-25% can be achieved. Pancreatic surgery has significantly changed during the past years and resection approaches have been extended beyond standard procedures, including vascular and multivisceral resections. Consequently, borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC), which has recently been defined by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS), has become a controversial issue with regard to its management in terms of upfront resection vs. neoadjuvant treatment and sequential resection. Preoperative diagnostic accuracy to define resectability of PDAC is a keypoint in this context as well as the surgical and interdisciplinary expertise to perform advanced pancreatic surgery and manage complications. The present mini-review summarizes the current state of definition, management and outcome of BR-PDAC. Furthermore, the topic of ongoing and future studies on neoadjuvant treatment which is closely related to borderline resectability in PDAC is discussed.

A Comparison of Gastrointestinal Toxicities between Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is considered the treatment option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, but accompanying gastrointestinal toxicities are the most common complication. With the introduction of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), CCRT-related adverse events are expected to diminish. Here, we evaluated the benefits of radiation modalities by comparing gastrointestinal toxicities between 3-D CRT and IMRT.

METHODS

Patients who received CCRT between July 2010 and June 2012 in Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, were enrolled prospectively. The patients underwent upper endoscopy before and 1 month after CCRT.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients were enrolled during the study period. The radiotherapy modalities delivered included 3D-CRT (n=40) and IMRT (n=44). The median follow-up period from the start of CCRT was 10.6 months (range, 3.8 to 29.9 months). The symptoms of dyspepsia, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea did not differ between the groups. Upper endoscopy revealed significantly more gastroduodenal ulcers in the 3-D CRT group (p=0.003). The modality of radiotherapy (3D-CRT; odds ratio [OR], 11.67; p=0.011) and tumor location (body of pancreas; OR, 11.06; p=0.009) were risk factors for gastrointestinal toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT is associated with significantly fewer gastroduodenal injuries among patients treated with CCRT for pancreatic cancer.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer

This review summarizes the current status of neoadjuvant radiation approaches in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, including a description of modern radiation techniques, and an overview on the literature regarding neoadjuvant radio- or radiochemotherapeutic strategies both for resectable and irresectable pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally-advanced, primarily non- or borderline resectable pancreas cancer results in secondary resectability in a substantial proportion of patients with consecutively markedly improved overall prognosis and should be considered as possible alternative in pretreatment multidisciplinary evaluations. In resectable pancreatic cancer, outstanding results in terms of response, local control and overall survival have been observed with neoadjuvant radio- or radiochemotherapy in several phase I/II trials, which justify further evaluation of this strategy. Further investigation of neoadjuvant chemoradiation strategies should be performed preferentially in randomized trials in order to improve comparability of the current results with other treatment modalities. This should include the evaluation of optimal sequencing with newer and more potent systemic induction therapy approaches. Advances in patient selection based on new molecular markers might be of crucial interest in this context. Finally modern external beam radiation techniques (intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy), new radiation qualities (protons, heavy ions) or combinations with alternative boosting techniques widen the therapeutic window and contribute to the reduction of toxicity.

Current State of Vascular Resections in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the Western world and, even in 2014, a therapeutic challenge. The only chance for long-term survival is radical surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy which can be performed in about 20% of all PDAC patients by the time of diagnosis. As pancreatic surgery has significantly changed during the past years, extended operations, including vascular resections, have become more frequently performed in specialized centres and the border of resectability has been pushed forward to achieve a potentially curative approach in the respective patients in combination with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies. In contrast to adjuvant treatment which has to be regarded as a cornerstone to achieve long-term survival after resection, neoadjuvant treatment strategies for locally advanced findings are currently under debate. This overview summarizes the possibilities and evidence of vascular, namely, venous and arterial, resections in PDAC surgery.

Vascular Resection in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors and represents the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. It is associated with a poor prognosis, likely due to the tendency of the tumor for early local and distant spread. One of the major obstacles of effectively treating PDAC is the often late diagnosis. Among all options currently available for PDAC, surgical resection offers the only potential cure with 5-year survival rate of approximately 15-20 %. However, in the absence of metastatic disease, which precludes resection, assessment of vascular invasion is an important parameter for determining resectability for pancreatic cancer. The vascular involvement in patients with pancreatic carcinoma ranges between 21 and 64 %. Historically, vascular involvement has been considered a contraindication to resective cure. Meanwhile, the surgical approach of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) combined with vascular resection and reconstruction has been widely applied in clinical practice to remove the tumor completely. Therefore, vascular invasion is no longer a surgical contraindication and the rate of surgical resection has greatly increased. Moreover, PD combined with vascular resection can account for 20 to 25 % of the total cases of PD surgery in a number of the larger pancreas treatment centers. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of management and outcome of vascular resection in PDAC surgery.

Surgery for oligometastasis of pancreatic cancer

The incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has steadily increased over the past several decades. The majority of PDAC patients will present with distant metastases, limiting surgical management in this population. Hepatectomy and pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) has been well established for colorectal cancer patients with isolated, resectable hepatic or pulmonary metastatic disease. Recent advancements in effective systemic therapy for PDAC have led to the selection of certain patients where metastectomy may be potentially indicated. However, the indication for resection of oligometastases in PDAC is not well defined. This review will discuss the current literature on the surgical management of metastatic disease for PDAC with a specific focus on surgical resection for isolated hepatic and pulmonary metastases.

Potential risk of residual cancer cells in the surgical treatment of initially unresectable pancreatic carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy

Background

With development of chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma, borderline resectable or initially unresectable cases sometimes become operable after long-term intensive chemoradiotherapy. However, there is no established strategy for adjuvant surgery with respect to whether the surgical resection should be extensive or downsized accordingly with diminished disease areas following response to chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

The clinical and pathological aspects of 18 patients with initially unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent adjuvant surgery after chemo(radio)therapy in our department from 2007 were evaluated.

Results

Overall survival from initial treatment was much better for patients with R0 resection than for patients with R1/2 resection. In two of three patients who had complete improvement of plexus (PL) invasion after chemo(radio)therapy, there had still remained pathological plexus invasion. It was shown that tumors did not shrink continuously from the tumor front, but parts remained discontinuously at the distal portion in the process of tumor regression by chemo(radio)therapy.

Conclusions

In adjuvant surgery for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, the potential risk of residual cancer in the regression area following chemoradiotherapy should be considered. Achieving R0 resection will lead to an improved prognosis, and it is necessary to consider how well the extent of resection is after a favorable response to chemoradiotherapy.

Neoadjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX and chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer improves resectability

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Though necessary for improved outcomes, surgical resection is often limited in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancers (LAPCs). We evaluated the efficacy of the approach adopted by our institution of using modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy followed by radiation with concurrent gemcitabine or capecitabine for patients with LAPCs, in an effort to enhance resectability while improving the toxicity profile compared with similar treatment regimens.

METHODS

We included 29 consecutive patients with LAPC treated at our institution with the above approach in this review. We evaluated rates of resection, locol control, and survival outcomes in this cohort.

RESULTS

The median follow up for this series of patients was 15.2 months. Approximately half the patients were unresectable at presentation. After neoadjuvant therapy, 41.3% of all patients were able to undergo resection of their tumors and 83% achieved an R0 resection. One-year local control for the entire cohort was 85%; one-year progression-free and overall were 49.2% and 65.5%, respectively. High rates of metastatic disease were seen regardless of resectability. There were minimal toxicities in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy with induction modified FOLFIRINOX and chemoradiation presents a well-tolerated, promising treatment approach for patients with LAPC. High rates of metastatic disease highlight the need to optimize systemic and targeted agents for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatectomy with major arterial resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy gemcitabine and S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) with arterial invasion is currently a contraindication to resection and has a miserable prognosis.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with locally advanced PC involving the celiac axis and/or common hepatic artery (CHA) who received chemoradiotherapy (CRT) composed of gemcitabine, S-1, and external beam irradiation over the last 2 years were investigated. Thirteen patients underwent pancreatectomy with major arterial resection: 6 distal pancreatectomies with resection of the celiac axis, 4 total pancreatectomies with resection of both the celiac axis and the CHA, and 3 pancreatoduodenectomies with resection of the CHA. Preoperative arterial embolization and/or arterial reconstruction to prevent ischemic gastropathy and hepatopathy was performed in 7 of the 13 patients.

RESULTS

Distant metastases were found in 3 patients after CRT. One patient did not consent to operation after CRT. The morbidity rate of the 13 patients who underwent surgery was 62% (8/13), but no deaths occurred. Although there were no responders on CT, >90% of tumor cells were necrotic on histopathology in 5 of 13 tumors after CRT. Invasion of the celiac axis remained in 5 tumors, and extrapancreatic plexus invasion remained in 8 tumors, but an R0 resection was achieved in 12 of 13 tumors. Lymph node metastases were found in 3 of 13 cases. The overall 1-year survival rate from commencement of CRT and resection was 12 of 13 patients.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant CRT containing gemcitabine and S-1 and subsequent pancreatectomy with major arterial resection for patients with locally advanced PC with arterial invasion were carried out safely with an acceptable R0 resection acceptable morbidity and mortality, and encouraging survival (12 of 13) at 1 year postoperatively.

Concomitant major vessel resection in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Increasing evidence has contraindicated extended radical dissection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC). With the recent improvement of perioperative management techniques and multimodal treatment strategy for PC, concomitant major vessel resection and reconstruction has thus been aggressively attempted in association with comparatively better pathologically negative surgical margins and postoperative survival. We have discussed the clinical relevance of concomitant major vessel resection mainly focusing on indications for such resection with borderline resectable tumor associated with chemoradiotherapy, distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer, and adjuvant surgery for initially unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Multidisciplinary neoadjuvant management for potentially curable pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. Despite advances in surgical technique, radiotherapy technologies, and chemotherapeutics, the 5-year survival rate remains approximately 20% for the 15% of patients who are eligible for surgical resection. The majority of this group suffers metastatic recurrence. However, despite advances in therapies for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, only surgery has consistently proven to improve long-term survival. Various combinations of chemotherapy, biologic-targeted therapy, and radiotherapy have been evaluated in different settings to improve outcomes. In this context, a neoadjuvant (preoperative) treatment strategy offers numerous potential benefits: (1) ensuring delivery of early, systemic therapy, (2) improving selection of patients for surgical therapy with truly localized disease, (3) potential downstaging of the neoplasm facilitating a negative margin resection in patients with locally advanced disease, and (4) providing a superior clinical trial mechanism capable of rapid assessment of the efficacy of novel therapeutics. This article reviews the recent trends in the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with a particular emphasis on a multidisciplinary neoadjuvant approach to treatment.

Resection of Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of surgical resection of borderline resectable (BL) and locally advanced (LA) 'unresectable' pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

A review of a prospectively maintained database for pancreatic resections was undertaken to identify patients undergoing resection for BL and LA pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy between January 2007 and December 2012. Clinicopathological, surgical and survival outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients with LA (n = 34) or BL cancer (n = 11) underwent surgery after a mean (± SD) of 7 ± 4 preoperative chemotherapy cycles. Ninety-day mortality was 6.7%, and overall morbidity was 33.3%. An R0 resection was achieved in 34 patients, and 4 patients showed a complete pathological response. Overall median postoperative survival was 17 months (21 after the start of neoadjuvant treatment). Overall and disease-free survival was 74.9 and 43.6% at 1 year and 21.2 and 10.3% at 3 years, respectively. In BL cancer patients, the 3-year survival was significantly higher compared to that of LA cancer patients (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Curative intent resection in BL and LA cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be achieved with reasonable mortality and morbidity and an encouraging 3-year survival. After neoadjuvant therapy, resection provides a better overall survival for BL compared to LA cancer patients.

Pathology reporting of pancreatic cancer following neoadjuvant therapy: challenges and uncertainties

An increasing number of studies investigate the use of neoadjuvant treatment for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. While a strong rationale supports this approach, study results are difficult to interpret and compare due to marked variance in multiple aspects of study design and performance. Divergence in pathology examination and reporting as a cause for heterogeneity and incomparability of study results has not been brought into this discussion yet, despite the fact that several key outcome measures for neoadjuvant treatment are pathology-based. This article discusses areas of controversy and difficulty regarding the evaluation of the extent of residual tumour tissue, grading of tumour regression and assessment of the margins, and explains the important clinical implications of the present uncertainty and divergence in pathology practice.

Surgical management of pancreatic neoplasms: what's new?

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Although some patients will present with premalignant pancreatic lesions (i.e., intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms) or localized tumors amenable to curative resection, the majority of patients will unfortunately present with technically unresectable or metastatic disease. This review of the recent medical literature will discuss the optimal work-up and management of premalignant pancreatic lesions and the surgical management of localized, borderline resectable, and locally advanced (i.e., unresectable) pancreatic tumors. It will focus on new criteria used to define surgical "resectability," the significance and clinical impact of surgical margins, the role of multimodality therapy in the management of patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced tumors, the role of surgery for local or distant recurrence, and minimally invasive surgical approaches.

Prognostic impact of CA 19-9 on outcome after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

To asses the impact of CA 19-9 and weight loss/gain on outcome after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

METHODS

We analyzed 289 patients with LAPC treated with CRT for LAPC. All patients received concomitant chemotherapy parallel to radiotherapy and adjuvant treatments. CA 19-9 and body weight were collected as prognostic and predictive markers. All patients were included into a regular follow-up with reassessment of resectability.

RESULTS

Median overall survival in all patients was 14 months. Actuarial overall survival was 37 % at 12 months, 12 % at 24 months, and 4 % at 36 months. Secondary resectability was achieved in 35 % of the patients. R0/R1 resection was significantly associated with increase in overall survival (p = 0.04). Intraoperative radiotherapy was applied in 50 patients, but it did not influence overall survival (p = 0.05). Pretreatment CA 19-9 significantly influenced overall survival using different cutoff values. With increase in CA 19-9 levels, the possibility of secondary surgical resection decreased from 46 % in patients with CA 19-9 levels below 90 U/ml to 31 % in the group with CA 19-9 levels higher than 269 U/ml.

DISCUSSION

This large group of patients with LAPC treated with neoadjuvant CRT confirms that CA 19-9 and body weight are strong predictive and prognostic factors of outcome. In the future, individual patient factors should be taken into account to tailor treatment.

Splenic artery use for arterial reconstruction in pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Extended resections in the upper GI tract, especially for pancreatic malignancies, can require resection of the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery. Besides venous or allogenous grafting, the splenic artery can be used for reconstruction in both positions.

PURPOSE

We hereby describe the different technical possibilities of interposition or transposition to use the splenic artery for restoration of arterial perfusion of the liver or the small bowel following resection of the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of the splenic artery is a convenient and appropriate possibility to reconstruct the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery in pancreatic resection with regard to interposition and especially transposition of this vessel. It should be considered in patients suitable to undergo these procedures to extend resectability in pancreatic cancer surgery.

Combined liver and multivisceral resections

Background. Combined liver and multivisceral resections are infrequent procedures, which demand extensive experience and considerable surgical skills. Methods. An electronic search of literature related to this topic published before June 2013 was performed. Results. There is limited scientific evidence of the feasibility and clinical outcomes of these complex procedures. The majority of these cases are simultaneous resections of colorectal tumors with liver metastases. Combined liver and multivisceral resections can be performed with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality rates only in carefully selected patients. Conclusion. Lack of experience in these aggressive surgeries justifies a careful selection of patients, considering their comorbidities.

Is superior mesenteric artery reimplantation during surgery for pancreaticoduodenal tumors an underutilized procedure?

Resection and reimplantation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as part of a pancreaticoduodenal resection for cancer is rarely performed even in high-volume centers because of the risks inherent in this procedure and the perceived lack of oncological benefit associated with arterial resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. The role of arterial resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy has recently been reevaluated, and this procedure may be of greater benefit than previously believed in selected patients. It also has a definite role when necessary to resect low-grade pancreatic and peripancreatic malignancies or to salvage intraoperative injury to the SMA. This small case series presents the authors experience with this procedure.

Two immune faces of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: possible implication for immunotherapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive human neoplasms, having extremely poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of <1 % and a median survival of 6 months. In contrast to other malignancies, pancreatic cancer is highly resistant to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed to improve the survival of patients with PDAC. Based on our data showing that patients with higher CD8+ T cell tumour infiltration exhibited prolonged overall and disease-free survival compared to patients with lower or without CD8+ T cell tumour infiltration, we suggested that immunotherapy could be a promising treatment option for PDAC. However, clinical data from the chemoradioimmunotherapy with interferon-α (IFN) trial did not point to an improved efficiency of chemoradiation combined with IFN as compared to chemoradiotherapy alone, suggesting an important role of the immune suppression induced by PDAC and/or unspecific immune stimulation. In support of this hypothesis, we found that the PDAC patients and experimental mice had an increased number of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These results allowed us to conclude that PDAC provokes not only an anti-tumour immune response, but also strong immune suppression. Thus, we supposed that new immunotherapeutical strategies should involve not only stimulation of the immune system of PDAC patients, but also exert control over the tumour immune suppressive milieu.

Portal vein resection in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a United Kingdom multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Until recently, in the United Kingdom, borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with invasion into the portomesenteric veins often resulted in surgical bypass because of the presumed high risk for complications and the uncertainty of a survival benefit associated with a vascular resection. Portomesenteric vein resection has therefore remained controversial. We present the second largest published cohort of patients undergoing portal vein resection for borderline resectable (T3) adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a UK multicenter retrospective cohort study comparing pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection (PDVR), standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and surgical bypass (SB). Nine high-volume UK centers contributed. All consecutive patients with T3 (stage IIA to III) adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas undergoing surgery between December 1998 and June 2011 were included. The primary outcomes measures are overall survival and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes measure is operative morbidity.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight patients underwent surgery for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer; 840 PD, 230 PDVR, and 518 SB. Of 230 PDVR patients, 129 had primary closure (56%), 65 had end to end anastomosis (28%), and 36 had interposition grafts (16%). Both resection groups had greater complication rates than the bypass group, but with no difference between PD and PDVR. In-hospital mortality was similar across all 3 surgical groups. Median survival was 18 months for PD, 18.2 months for PDVR, and 8 months for SB (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study, the second largest to date on borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, demonstrates no significant difference in perioperative mortality in the 3 groups and a similar overall survival between PD and PDVR; significantly better compared with SB.

[Multimodal oncological therapy concepts, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs: effects on surgical morbidity and mortality]

Systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy for patients with malignant tumors lead to unfavorable surgical conditions with increased risks of postoperative complications. For gastric cancer and cancer of the esophagogastric junction, surgery after neoadjuvant treatment is associated with a mortality of approximately 5 %. Given the increase in metastatic surgery for colorectal carcinoma, surgeons should be aware of the specific side effects of therapeutic drugs to ensure an optimal course of treatment. The impact of chemotherapy-induced hepatic lesions on postoperative development is unclear. Bevacizumab treatment should be stopped at least 5 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events, bleeding and wound healing complications. Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating agents alter wound healing and preoperative alterations should be carefully evaluated. For patients with chronic corticosteroid therapy, perioperative supplementation should be considered when planning surgery as well as routine dosages.

Outcomes with FOLFIRINOX for borderline resectable and locally unresectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Trials examining FOLFIRINOX in metastatic pancreatic cancer demonstrate higher response rates compared to gemcitabine-based regimens. There is currently limited experience with neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective review of outcomes of patients with borderline resectable or locally unresectable pancreatic cancer who were recommended to undergo neoadjuvant treatment with FOLFIRINOX.

RESULTS

FOLFIRINOX was recommended for 25 patients with pancreatic cancer, 13 (52%) unresectable and 12 (48%) borderline resectable. Four patients (16%) refused treatment or were lost to follow-up. Twenty-one patients (84%) were treated with a median of 4.7 cycles. Six patients (29%) required dose reductions secondary to toxicity. Two patients (9%) were unable to tolerate treatment and three patients (14%) had disease progression on treatment. Seven patients (33%) underwent surgical resection following treatment with FOLFIRINOX alone, 2 (10%) of which were initially unresectable. Two patients underwent resection following FOLFIRINOX + stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The R0 resection rate for patients treated with FOLFIRINOX ± SBRT was 33% (55% borderline resectable, 10% unresectable). A total of five patients (24%) demonstrated a significant pathologic response.

CONCLUSIONS

FOLFIRINOX is a biologically active regimen in borderline resectable and locally unresectable pancreatic cancer with encouraging R0 resection and pathologic response rates.

Short term chemotherapy followed by radiofrequency ablation in stage III pancreatic cancer: results from a single center

BACKGROUND

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) has gained increasing importance in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer leading to a better performing surgery when we look at negative resection margins and selection of patients with less aggressive disease. We apply this principle to patients with Stage III (LAC) pancreatic cancer undergoing RFA and try to select patients who may benefit from a local treatment.

METHODS

All patients affected by LAC were treated with RFA for a stable disease after a short CHT. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated together with overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS).

RESULTS

We consecutively treated 57 patients affected by LAC. Median duration of CHT before RFA was 5 months. The postoperative mortality rate was zero. Overall morbidity was 14 % with RFA-related morbidity of 3.5 %. The OS and DSS were 19 months and when compared to a similar population who received RFA as up front treatment, there was no difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not support the adoption of a short CHT as a way to identify patients to treat with RFA with the most benefit. Based on this and by knowing the role of immune modulation after RFA and its specific involvement in pancreatic carcinoma, we can propose RFA as upfront treatment.

Conditionally replicative adenoviral vectors for imaging the effect of chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis after complete macroscopic resection combined with chemotherapy. Even after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection is often not possible. Moreover, current imaging techniques cannot reliably distinguish viable cancer cells from scar tissue at the resectional margin. We investigated the use of a conditionally replicative adenovirus (CRAd), Ad5/3Cox2CRAd-ΔE3ADP-Luc, for imaging the effects of chemotherapy. The CRAd infectivity of pancreatic cancer cells was enhanced by a chimeric Ad5/3 fiber, E1A expression was under the control of the Cox2 promoter, and the luciferase gene was inserted adjacent to the adenovirus death protein (ADP) gene. Subcutaneous xenografts of the pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2 were established in 24 BALB/c nu/nu mice. When xenografts reached a diameter of 4-6 mm (day 1), the mice were injected i.p. with either PBS (group A; n = 12) or 1000 mg/kg gemcitabine (group B; n = 12), weekly. On days 19, 26, 33, and 40, CRAd were injected intratumorally into three mice in groups A and B. Bioluminescence was imaged 72 h after CRAd injection, and gross tumor volumes were measured then tumors were removed for ex vivo histopathology using H&E and Ki-67 staining. Correlations between gross tumor volume, pathological evaluation of the percentage of viable tumor area, and CRAd bioluminescence were analyzed. Bioluminescence correlated closely with the percentage of viable tumor area (R = 0.96), but not with gross tumor volume (R = 0.31). Therefore, CRAds might be reliable imaging tools for monitoring chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer, and could improve our ability to distinguish viable tumor cells from scar tissue.

Advanced-stage pancreatic cancer: therapy options

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and surgical resection is a requirement for a potential cure. However, the majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease, either metastatic (50%) or locally advanced cancer (30%). Although palliative chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with metastatic disease, management of locally advanced adenocarcinoma is controversial. Several treatment options, including extended surgical resections, neoadjuvant therapy with subsequent resections, as well as palliative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, should be considered. However, there is little evidence available to support treatment options for locally advanced disease. As valid predictive biomarkers for stratification of therapy are not available today, future trials need to define the role of the different treatment options. This Review summarizes the current evidence and discusses available treatment options for both locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Re-resection for isolated local recurrence of pancreatic cancer is feasible, safe, and associated with encouraging survival

BACKGROUND

Local recurrence of pancreatic cancer occurs in 80% of patients within 2 years after potentially curative resections. Around 30% of patients have isolated local recurrence (ILR) without evidence of metastases. In spite of localized disease these patients usually only receive palliative chemotherapy and have a short survival.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of surgery as part of a multimodal treatment for ILR of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

All consecutive operations performed for suspected ILR in our institution between October 2001 and October 2009 were identified from a prospective database. Perioperative outcome, survival, and prognostic parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 97 patients with histologically proven recurrence, 57 (59%) had ILR. In 40 (41%) patients surgical exploration revealed metastases distant to the local recurrence. Resection was performed in 41 (72%) patients with ILR, while 16 (28%) ILR were locally unresectable. Morbidity and mortality were 25 and 1.8% after resections and 10 and 0% after explorations, respectively. Median postoperative survival was 16.4 months in ILR versus 9.4 months in metastatic disease (p < 0.0001). In ILR median survival was significantly longer after resection (26.0 months) compared with exploration without resection (10.8 months, p = 0.0104). R0 resection was achieved in 18 patients and resulted in 30.5 months median survival. Presence of metastases, incomplete resection, and high preoperative CA 19-9 serum values were associated with lesser survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection for isolated local recurrence of pancreatic cancer is feasible, safe, and associated with favorable survival outcome. This concept warrants further evaluation in other institutions and in randomized controlled trials.

How fibrosis influences imaging and surgical decisions in pancreatic cancer

Our understanding of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is shifting away from a disease of malignant ductal cells-only, toward a complex system where tumor evolution is a result of interaction of cancer cells with their microenvironment. This change has led to intensification of research focusing on the fibrotic stroma of PDAC. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the main fibroblastic cells of the pancreas which are responsible for producing the desmoplasia in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and PDAC. Clinically, the effect of desmoplasia is two-sided; on the negative side it is a hurdle in the diagnosis of PDAC because the fibrosis in cancer resembles that of CP. It is also believed that PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis are partially responsible for the therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. On the positive side, a fibrotic pancreas is safer to operate on compared to a fatty and soft pancreas which is prone for postoperative pancreatic fistula. In this review the impact of pancreatic fibrosis on diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and surgical decisions are discussed from a clinical point of view.