A prospective randomized trial comparing standard pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy with extended lymphadenectomy in resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma

[Not Available]

A. Sauvanet Several factors argue for extended lymphadenectomy in surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: 1) lymph node extension is an adverse prognostic factor; 2) some tumor recurrences are only loco-regional suggesting that initial resection was insufficient; 3) some retrospective studies suggest that extension of lymphadenectomy improves post-resection survival. Extended lymphadenectomy, including circumferential dissection of both the celiac axis and the superior mesenteric artery and resection of para-aortic nodes, was evaluated by 4 randomized trials; globally there was no survival benefit. Extended lymphadenectomy increases, at least transiently, the risk of post-operative diarrhea. Its influence on the rate of loco-regional recurrences has not been evaluated. However, this technique should not be definitively and globally precluded since a more radical resection was associated with a trend toward better long-term survival in the trial with the largest number of patients.

[Not Available]

A. Sauvanet Several factors argue for extended lymphadenectomy in surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: 1) lymph node extension is an adverse prognostic factor; 2) some tumor recurrences are only loco-regional suggesting that initial resection was insufficient; 3) some retrospective studies suggest that extension of lymphadenectomy improves post-resection survival. Extended lymphadenectomy, including circumferential dissection of both the celiac axis and the superior mesenteric artery and resection of para-aortic nodes, was evaluated by 4 randomized trials; globally there was no survival benefit. Extended lymphadenectomy increases, at least transiently, the risk of post-operative diarrhea. Its influence on the rate of loco-regional recurrences has not been evaluated. However, this technique should not be definitively and globally precluded since a more radical resection was associated with a trend toward better long-term survival in the trial with the largest number of patients.

Sp1, a new biomarker that identifies a subset of aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Sp1 is a sequence-specific DNA binding protein that is important in the transcription of a number of regulatory genes involved in cancer cell growth, differentiation, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated Sp1 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its association with clinical outcome. We studied 42 patients with primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The expression of Sp1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. All 42 patients had clinical follow-up information and were evaluated for survival. Sp1 protein was aberrantly overexpressed in a subset of primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These tumors all developed metastasis, whereas none of the primary tumors without lymph node metastasis showed Sp1 overexpression. Statistically, Sp1 overexpression was associated with higher stage, higher grade, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001, P = 0.036, and P < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, patients of this subset had a much shorter overall survival than patients without Sp1 overexpression, as evidenced by Kaplan-Meier plots and the log-rank test (P = 0.002). The 5-year overall survival rate was 19% in patients with Sp1 overexpression, compared with 55% in patients without Sp1 overexpression. The median survival was only 13 months for patients with Sp1 overexpression, compared with 65 months for patients without Sp1 overexpression. In conclusion, Sp1 is a new biomarker that identifies a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with aggressive clinical behavior. It can be used at initial diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to identify patients with an increased probability of cancer metastasis and much shortened overall survival.

A randomized phase II trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with uracil/tegafur and gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone in patients with resected pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

There have been few randomized studies of adjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine (GEM) in patients with resected pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Patients with invasive ductal pancreatic cancer who underwent radical surgery were enrolled and assigned to receive uracil/tegafur (UFT) and GEM together (GU) or GEM alone (G). GEM was administrated at a dosage of 1 g/m(2) intravenously weekly 3 of 4 weeks and UFT at a dosage of 200 mg/day orally continuously. Eligibility included resection status 0 or 1, and no previous chemo- or/and radiation therapy. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and toxicity.

RESULTS

Between 2002 and 2005, 100 patients were randomized into the 2 arms of the trial (50 patients to GU and 50 to G). One patient in the G group was found to be ineligible. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the 2 groups. With a median observation period of 21 months, the 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 50.0% and 17.7% in the GU group and 49.0% and 21.6% in the G group, respectively. The median OS was 21.2 months in the GU group and 29.8 months in the G group. Toxicity was minor and acceptable, less than grade 4 in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative GEM-based adjuvant chemotherapy was safe and well tolerated. However, addition of UFT with GEM did not improve DFS as compared with GEM alone. Further clinical trial resources for adjuvant chemotherapy should address other combinations and novel agents.

Readmissions following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreas cancer: a population-based appraisal

Procedure complexity and volume-outcome relationships have led to increased regionalization of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreas cancer. Knowledge regarding outcomes after PD comes from single-institutional series, which may be limited if a significant number of patients follow up at other hospitals. Thus, readmission data may be underreported. This study utilizes a population-based data set to examine readmission data following PD. California Cancer Registry (1994-2003) was linked to the California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database; patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had undergone PD, excluding perioperative (30-day) mortality, were identified. All hospital readmissions within 1 year following PD were analyzed with respect to timing, location, and reason for readmission. Our cohort included 2,023 patients who underwent PD for pancreas cancer. Fifty-nine percent were readmitted within 1 year following PD and 47% were readmitted to a secondary hospital. Readmission was associated with worse median survival compared with those not readmitted (10.5 versus 22 months, p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing T-stage, age, and comorbidities were associated with increased likelihood of readmission. Diagnoses associated with high rates of readmission included progression of disease (24%), surgery-related complications (14%), and infection (13%). Diabetes (1.4%) and pain (1.5%) were associated with low rates of readmission. We found a readmission rate of 59%, which is much higher than previously reported by single institutional series. Concordantly, nearly half of patients readmitted were readmitted to a secondary hospital. Common reasons for readmission included progression of disease, surgical complications, and infection. These findings should assist in both anticipating and facilitating postoperative care as well as managing patient expectations. This study utilizes a novel population-based database to evaluate incidence, timing, location, and reasons for readmission within 1 year following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Fifty-nine percent of patients were readmitted within 1 year after pancreaticoduodenectomy and 47% were readmitted to a secondary hospital.

The impact of resection margin status and postoperative CA19-9 levels on survival and patterns of recurrence after postoperative high-dose radiotherapy with 5-FU-based concurrent chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the impact of surgical margins and other clinicopathological data on treatment outcomes on 75 patients treated from 1999 to 2006 by initial potentially curative surgery (+/- intraoperative radiotherapy), followed by high-dose 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and concomitant fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All clinical and pathologic data on this patient cohort were analyzed by actuarial Kaplan-Meier survival methodology and by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards methods to measure effects on survival and patterns of failure.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 28 months, the median, 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 18.1 month, 41% and 23.6%, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) rates were of 11.4 months, 35% and 20%, respectively. Only 2 clinicopathological features, positive (< or =1 mm) surgical margins (P < 0.05) and a 2-fold (>70 U/mL) elevation of the postoperative serum CA19-9 (P < 0.001) impacted OS and disease-free survival. In patients with negative (>1 mm) surgical margins and a low (< or =70 U/mL) postoperative CA19-9, the projected 2- and 5-year OS were 80% and 65%, respectively, compared with 40% and 10% with positive surgical margins and a low CA19-9 and to 10% and 0% with positive or negative surgical margins and a high (>70 U/mL) CA19-9. Positive surgical margins (P < 0.001) and an elevated postoperative CA19-9 (P < 0.001) also predicted early development of distant metastases, whereas isolated loco-regional failure was less common and not affected by these or other clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSIONS

Using this fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy regimen after surgical resection (+/- intraoperative radiotherapy), positive surgical margins and an elevated (2-fold) postoperative serum CA19-9 level predicted for reduced survival and early development of distant metastatic disease.

Nerve plexus invasion in pancreatic cancer: spread patterns on histopathologic and embryological analyses

OBJECTIVES

Although extrapancreatic nerve plexus (PLX) invasion is an important prognostic factor in pancreatic carcinoma, the spreading patterns of carcinoma via PLX have not been carefully explored because of the complex anatomical structures around the pancreas.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. The patterns of PLX invasion were evaluated by careful pathological examination. The relationship between tumor location considering the embryological structure of the pancreas and the site of PLX invasion was investigated with an immunohistochemical study using pancreatic polypeptide.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (79%) had PLX invasion. The typical patterns of PLX invasion were detected by pathological examination. Patients with carcinoma in ventral pancreas frequently had pancreatic head plexus 1, pancreatic head plexus 2, and superior mesenteric arterial plexus invasion. Patients with carcinoma in dorsal pancreas had invasion into common hepatic artery plexus and plexus within the hepatoduodenal ligament. A significant correlation between tumor location and the site of PLX invasion was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion by carcinoma of the head of the pancreas could be divided into 2 patterns based on an embryological structure of the pancreas and the location of the tumor. These results about PLX invasion may provide important information to determine surgical strategy for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

The anatomic location of pancreatic cancer is a prognostic factor for survival

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancers of the body and tail (BT) appear to have poorer survival compared with head (HD) lesions. We hypothesized that potential disparities in outcome may be related to tumor location. Our objective was to examine the relationship between tumor location and survival.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry identified 33,752 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 6443 patients who underwent cancer-directed surgery between 1988 and 2004. Differences in survival and relationships between tumor location and clinical factors were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the prognostic significance of tumor location.

RESULTS

Median survival for the entire cohort was five months and was significantly lower for BT compared to HD lesions (four vs. six months, p<0.001). Distant metastases (67% vs. 36%, p<0.001) were greater and cancer-directed surgery (16% vs. 30%, p<0.001) was lower for BT tumors. Of 6443 resected patients, HD patients (n=5118) were younger, had a greater number of harvested lymph nodes, were more likely to be lymph node-positive, and had a higher proportion of T3/T4 lesions. Significant univariate predictors of survival included age, T-stage, number of positive and harvested lymph nodes. On multivariate analysis, BT location was a significant prognostic factor for decreased survival (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.23, p=0.05).

DISCUSSION

Pancreatic BT cancers have a lower rate of resectability and poorer overall survival compared to HD lesions. Prospective large-cohort studies may definitively prove that tumor location is a prognostic factor for survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy of pancreatic cancer in tumor-bearing athymic nude mice using (99m)technetium-labeled anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody

PURPOSE

KL-6 is an extracellular epitope of MUC1, a membrane-penetrating glycoprotein, and its overexpression has been reported in pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to examine whether radiolabeled anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody could be used for molecular imaging of pancreatic cancer in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody was labeled with 99mTC by the stannous reduction method. Immunoreactivity of the 99mTc-labeled anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody was evaluated by a whole-cell binding study. In vivo experiments were performed by injecting the 99mTc-labeled anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody into athymic nude mice bearing the KP-1NL pancreatic cancer cell line.

RESULTS

A whole-cell binding study showed that the radiolabeled antibody retained its immunoreactivity. On scintigrams, the density of the tumors remained unchanged during the 16-32 h after injection, whereas that of the kidneys decreased time-dependently. The radioactivity levels of the kidneys and tumors were measured densitometrically, and we found that the intensity in the tumors relative to that in the kidneys increased time-dependently. Radioactivity levels were the highest in the blood 32 h after injection, and those in the liver, kidney, lung, and tumor were also rather high.

CONCLUSION

99mTc-labeled anti-KL-6/MUC1 antibody appears to be a promising agent as a tumor-specific radiotracer for pancreatic cancer.

The impact of lymph node number on survival in patients with lymph node-negative pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

The role of lymph node (LN) dissection for pancreatic cancer remains uncertain, and guidelines for a minimum LN number have not been established. We hypothesized that LN number in node-negative (N0) pancreatic cancer influences survival.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for patients undergoing resection for N0 pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1988 and 2003. Lymph node number was categorized as 1-10, 11-20, and >20.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 1915 patients, the median LN number was 7 (range 1-57); 1365 (71%) patients had <11 LN. Survival was significantly better in the 11 to 20 compared with the 1-10 group (median, 20 vs 15 months, respectively, P < 0.0001); no difference was observed between the 11-20 and >20 groups (median, 20 vs 23 months, respectively, P = 0.14). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the prognostic significance of LN number for determining overall survival (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic cancer lymphadenectomy with examination of >10 LN is associated with improved survival in N0 disease and should be considered a benchmark for adequacy of surgery and/or pathology. Currently, only a minority of patients are assessed by this measure. The variation in LN number may be indicative of diverse surgical technique and/or pathologic analysis and warrants further investigation.

Autoimmune pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis is the pancreatic manifestation of a systemic disorder that affects various organs, including the bile duct, retroperitoneum, kidney, and parotid and lacrimal glands. It represents a recently described subset of chronic pancreatitis that is immune mediated and has unique histologic, morphologic, and clinical characteristics. A hallmark of the disease is its rapid response to corticosteroid treatment. Although still a rare disease, autoimmune pancreatitis is increasingly becoming recognized clinically, leading to evolution in the understanding of its prognosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment.

Synthetic extracellular matrix enhances tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Individuals with pancreatic cancer have one of the poorest survival rates among the major cancers, suggesting the need to develop new therapeutic approaches. An effective animal model that mimics the progression and metastases of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma does not exist. The goal of this investigation was to develop a model that would compare the growth and metastasis of orthotopically injected pancreatic cancer cells to cells encapsulated within a synthetic extracellular matrix (sECM). The hypotheses tested were that the cells within the sECM would grow more quickly and more frequently develop metastasis to distant organs. MiaPaCa-2 cells expressing red fluorescent protein, either in serum-free media or within a hyaluronan-based hydrogel, were injected into the pancreas of nude mice. Tumors were monitored for 8 weeks via intravital red fluorescent protein imaging. Cells encapsulated within the sECM grew more quickly and produced larger tumors compared with the cells alone. In addition, the cells within the sECM developed metastasis more frequently. Therefore, the encapsulation of human pancreatic cancer cells within an injectable sECM improved the rate of tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. The advantages of this new approach can be utilized to investigate the mechanisms of tumor progression and test novel therapeutic agents in vivo.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas: a single-institution experience comparing resection and palliative care

BACKGROUND

Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the exocrine pancreas. Previous literature has reported dismal survival for these patients. We examined our single-institution experience with this tumor to compare survival for sugical resection and palliative therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Records were reviewed for patients with adenosquamous pancreatic cancer evaluated during the years 1985 to 2003. Pathology specimens were reviewed. Survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and categorical variables were compared with Chi-square analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were identified with adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas. Twelve patients underwent curative resection and 11 patients had either no surgery or a palliative bypass procedure. For the resection group the mean age was 69 years (7 men). In the nonoperative group the mean age was 65 years (6 men). Operative procedures included standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), 4 patients; pyloruspreserving PD, 3 patients; and distal pancreatectomy, 5 patients. Median length of stay was 13.5 days (7-30 d). Morbidity included delayed gastric emptying (4 patients), leak (2 patients), superficial skin infection, abscess, and GI bleed (1 patient each). There was no operative or inhospital mortality in the resection group. For R0 resection median survival was 14.4 months compared to 8 months for R1 and 4.8 months for patients undergoing palliative therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

The retrospective review of our single-institution experience with resection and palliative care for adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas has demonstrated a longer survival for patients that can undergo an R0 resection. Although this is a small series we continue to recommend resection for these patients.

Quality of life in pancreatic cancer: analysis by stage and treatment

In pancreatic cancer patients, survival and palliation of symptoms should be balanced with social and functional impairment, and for this reason, health-related quality of life measurements could play an important role in the decision-making process. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of life and survival in 92 patients with different stages of pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical and/or medical interventions. Patients were evaluated with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaires at diagnosis and follow-up (3 and 6 months). At diagnosis, 28 patients (30.5%) had localized disease (group 1) and underwent surgical resection, 34 (37%) had locally advanced (group 2), and 30 (32.5%) metastatic disease (Group 3). Improvement in quality of life was found in group 1, while in group 3, it decreased at follow-up (p=0.03). No changes in quality of life in group 2 were found. Chemotherapy/chemoradiation seems not to significantly modify quality of life in groups 2 and 3. Median survival time for the entire cohort was 9.8 months (range, 1-24). One-year survival was 74%, 30%, and 16% for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (p=0.001). Pancreatic cancer prognosis is still dismal. In addition to long-term survival benefits, surgery impacts favorably quality of life.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (classic Whipple) versus pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (pp Whipple) for surgical treatment of periampullary and pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for men and the fifth for women. The standard treatment for resectable tumours is either a classic Whipple operation or a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy but it is still unclear which of the two procedures is more favourable in terms of survival, mortality, complications, perioperative factors and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

Several publications pointed out both advantages and disadvantages of both techniques and the current basis of evidence remains unclear. The objective of this systematic review is to compare the effectiveness of each technique.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A search was conducted to identify all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials. Trials were identified by searching the following electronic databases - The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Current Contents. Reference lists from trials selected by electronic searching were hand-searched to identify further relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the classical Whipple (CW) with the pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPW) were considered eligible if patients with periampullary or pancreatic carcinoma were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data for included studies. A random-effects model was used for pooling data from the different trials. Binary outcomes were compared using odds ratios, continuous outcomes were pooled using weighted mean differences and hazard ratios were used to for the meta-analysis of survival data. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated independently by two authors according to quality standards and by using a questionnaire that covers different aspects of quality.

MAIN RESULTS

1235 abstracts were retrieved and checked for eligibility and seven RCTs were finally included. The critical appraisal revealed vast heterogeneity with respect to methodological quality and outcome parameters. The comparison of overall in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.49; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.40; P=0.18), overall survival (hazard ratio 0.84; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.16; P=0.29) and morbidity showed no significant difference. However, operating time (weighted mean difference -68.26 min; 95% CI -105.70 to -30.83; P=0.0004) and intra-operative blood loss (weighted mean difference -0.76 ml; 95% CI -0.96 to -0.56; P<0.00001) were significantly reduced in the PPW group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of relevant differences in mortality, morbidity and survival between the PPW and the CW. Given obvious clinical and methodological inter-study heterogeneity, future efforts have to be undertaken to perform high quality RCTs of complex surgical interventions on the basis of well defined outcome parameters.

The role of extended lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas: strength of the evidence

With improvements in the safety of Whipple resection in recent decades, surgeons have continued to explore the role of more extensive lymphadenectomy in hope of improving long-term survival. A systematic literature search of level I evidence addressing the role of the extent of lymphadenectomy was undertaken. Only reports of prospective, randomized controlled trials comparing pancreaticoduodenectomy with standard lymphadenectomy to pancreaticoduodenectomy with extended lymphadenectomy where information regarding survival, morbidity, mortality, the number of resected lymph nodes in each group and detailed operative technique were included. Four prospective, randomized trials comprising some 424 patients and one meta-analysis were identified. In aggregate, these studies confirmed that the number of resected lymph nodes was significantly higher in the pancreaticoduodenectomy with extended lymphadenectomy group. Morbidity and mortality rates were comparable. Postoperative diarrhea in the early months after operation was problematic in patients undergoing extended lymphadenectomy. In none of the studies was a benefit in long-term survival demonstrated. Standard pancreaticoduodenectomy continues to be the operation of choice for adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

Surgical management of carcinoma of the head of pancreas: extended lymphadenectomy or modified en bloc resection?

Pancreatoduodenectomy for the treatment of periampullary cancer was described over 70 years ago. The technique has evolved in an attempt to improve the dismal prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancers. Radical regional resection has been proposed to decrease the incidence of local recurrence as well as to improve survival. These extended resections have failed to show a significant survival benefit in prospective randomized controlled studies. Furthermore, extended pancreatic resections may be associated with increased morbidity. The concept of modified en bloc resection has been advocated and is soundly based on anatomical and pathological principals. This procedure is a modification of the radical regional resection previously described. It involves resection of the peripancreatic retroperitoneal tissue and lymph nodes en bloc with the head of pancreas, in order to achieve an R0 resection but without the morbidity associated with an extended lymphadenectomy. Conceptually, this procedure may be the most appropriate technique for the management of pancreatic head cancers although the ultimate effect on long-term survival can only be judged after further clinical studies.

Pancreatic cancer--low survival rates

INTRODUCTION

Cancers of the pancreas are identified in 11 800 to 13 500 patients each year in Germany. Epidemiological studies prove smoking and chronic alcohol consumption as causes of about 30% of pancreatic cancers.

METHODS

Selective literature review.

RESULTS

Only patients within TNM stage I and II have after oncologic tumor extirpation a chance for long term survival. Controlled prospective clinical trials demonstrated adjuvant chemotherapy yielding an additional significant survival benefit. The 3- and 5-year-survival after R0-resection and adjuvant chemotherapy are about 30% and below 15% respectively. Using the criteria of observed 5-year-survival less than 2% of all pancreatic cancer patients are alive. After R0-resection the median survival time is between 17 and 28 months, after R1/2-resection between 8 and 22 months.

DISCUSSION

Pancreatic cancer is even today for more than 95% of the patients incurable. Strategies to prevent pancreatic cancer are intended to stop smoking and chronic alcohol consumption and early surgical extirpation of cystic neoplastic lesions. For patients with established pancreatic cancer risk a follow-up protocol is discussed.

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival after surgical resection for pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most aggressive types of gastrointestinal malignancy, and its prognosis remains extremely dismal. The aim of this study was to identify useful prognostic factors for patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic carcinoma. Medical records of 89 patients with pancreatic carcinoma who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate models were used to analyze the effect of various clinicopathological factors on long-term survival. There were no operative deaths. Overall 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 59, 28, and 7%, respectively (median survival time, 12.1 months). Univariate analysis revealed that postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, portal vein invasion, lymph node metastasis, extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion, surgical margin status, UICC pT factor, and UICC stage were significantly associated with long-term survival (P<0.01). Furthermore, use of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and absence of extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion were found to be significant independent predictors of a favorable prognosis using a Cox proportional hazard regression model (P<0.05). These results suggest that postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival after surgical resection for pancreatic carcinoma and that extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion indicates a poor prognosis for long-term survival.

Prognostic significance of extracapsular lymph node involvement in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

Background

Lymphatic dissemination is an important predictor of survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. The incidence and clinical consequences of extracapsular lymph node involvement (LNI) in patients who undergo resection are unknown.

Methods

In a consecutive series of 160 patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, 75 (46·9 per cent) had positive lymph nodes (N1). The relation of extracapsular LNI with tumour stage and number of positive nodes was evaluated and its prognostic significance analysed.

Results

Extracapsular LNI was identified in 44 (59 per cent) of the 75 patients. Median overall survival was 30 and 18 months in patients with intracapsular and extracapsular LNI respectively (P = 0·015). The 5-year overall survival rate was 20 and 9 per cent respectively, compared with 59 per cent in patients without LNI (N0). Extracapsular LNI and tumour differentiation were independent prognostic factors for survival. In patients with N1 disease, extracapsular LNI was the only significant prognostic factor for recurrent disease after radical resection (R0).

Conclusion

The presence of extracapsular LNI identifies a subgroup of patients who have a significantly worse prognosis. Adjuvant therapy is advised following resection in these patients.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatic surgery: a suggested definition by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatic resection. In the literature, the reported incidence of DGE after pancreatic surgery varies considerably between different surgical centers, primarily because an internationally accepted consensus definition of DGE is not available. Several surgical centers use a different definition of DGE. Hence, a valid comparison of different study reports and operative techniques is not possible.

METHODS

After a literature review on DGE after pancreatic resection, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) developed an objective and generally applicable definition with grades of DGE based primarily on severity and clinical impact.

RESULTS

DGE represents the inability to return to a standard diet by the end of the first postoperative week and includes prolonged nasogastric intubation of the patient. Three different grades (A, B, and C) were defined based on the impact on the clinical course and on postoperative management.

CONCLUSION

The proposed definition, which includes a clinical grading of DGE, should allow objective and accurate comparison of the results of future clinical trials and will facilitate the objective evaluation of novel interventions and surgical modalities in the field of pancreatic surgery.

Adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the UK, Europe and US, with incidence closely paralleling mortality. Until recently, enthusiasm for treating these patients was limited for a number of reasons: the majority of patients undergoing surgery would relapse early, adjuvant treatment was of unproven value and systemic therapy in advanced disease had only a small chance of a short-term benefit. More recently, however, it has become recognised that specialist surgery can improve results and there is evidence that adjuvant chemotherapy has a significant advantage in terms of 5-year survival. In particular adjuvant systemic 5-fluorouracil with folinic acid can result in 5-year survival of < or = 29% (compared with 11% for controls) and adjuvant gemcitabine can improve disease-free survival to 13.4 months from a median of 6.9 months in controls, but not overall survival. In contrast the role of adjuvant chemoradiation in addition to chemotherapy remains unproven and the survival results appear to be inferior to systemic chemotherapy alone. New agents, such as capecitabine and erlotinib, are emerging with some activity in this dismal disease signalling hope for the future.

Pancreatic anastomotic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy in 1,507 patients: a report from the Pancreatic Anastomotic Leak Study Group

Several definitions for pancreatic leakage after pancreaticodoudenectomy exist, and the reported range of 2-50% underscores this variation. The goal was to determine if drain data alone was predictive of a leak and validate International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) leak criteria. Participating surgeons entered de-identified data into a web-based database designed to collect Whipple-related data. Definitions used were the ISGPF definition, > or = 3 days, amylase 3x normal; and Sarr's definition, > or = 5 days, amylase 5x normal, > 30 ml. We compared how well these two definitions were at detecting a leak and its complications. There were 1,507 cases submitted from 16 international institutions. A pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) was performed in 76.2%. Drain placement occurred in 98.0%. Using the ISGPF definition, the pancreatic leak rate was 26.7 and 14.3% with the Sarr definition. There were more grades A and B leaks detected by the ISGPF definition. Both determined grade C leaks equally. Both definitions correlated with an increased length of stay (LOS), need for percutaneous drains, reoperation, and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Neither was associated with an increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) stay or 30-day mortality. The ISGPF was able to capture more patients with clinically relevant leaks than Sarr's criteria; however, the ability to detect a leak by drain data alone is imperfect.

Variations in Surgical Treatment and Outcomes of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

There is ongoing debate on how variations in surgical technique affect outcomes in pancreatic cancer. This population-based study examines current surgical practice and outcomes for cancer of the pancreatic head.

METHODS

All patients 18 to 85 years old diagnosed with nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head from 1998 through 2003 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program registry. Multivariable regression was used to elucidate factors associated with the type of pancreaticoduodenectomy performed, extent of lymph node (LN) assessment, early mortality, and late survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 2111 patients were included in the study, with 83.7% treated with a standard Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, there was marked regional variation in the use of pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD; range, .03%-32.0%; P < .0001) and total pancreatectomy (TP; range, .04%-19.5%; P < .0001). TP was associated with significantly higher early mortality (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 4.1; P < .0001), but late survival did not differ significantly between TP, PPPD, and PD (P = .69). Significant variation was also seen in the number of LN assessed (range across SEER regions, 7.3-13.5; P < .0001). Decreased LN assessment reduced the odds of diagnosing a patient as node positive and was associated with worse late survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, we found marked clinically important variability in the surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head, with respect to the use of TP, PPPD, or PD, and the extent of LN assessment. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying reasons, and to clarify the role of adequate lymphadenectomy.

New advances in pancreatic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

New understanding of the dynamic of acute pancreatitis, the clinical impact of local pathology in chronic pancreatitis and cystic neoplastic lesions bearing high potential for malignant transformation has changed the management of pancreatic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

In acute pancreatitis, risk factors independently determining outcome in severe acute pancreatitis are early and persistent multiorgan failure, infected necrosis and extended sterile necrosis. The management of severe acute pancreatitis is based on early intensive-care treatment and late surgical debridement. In chronic pancreatitis, recent data from randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection with an inflammatory mass of the head as superior to pylorus-preserving Whipple resection. Cystic neoplasms are local lesions of the pancreas with high malignant potential. Local organ-preserving resection techniques have been applied with low morbidity and mortality, replacing a Whipple-type resection. Resection of pancreatic cancer is ineffective to cure patients. After an R0-resection, a significant survival benefit has been achieved when adjuvant chemotherapy has additionally been applied.

SUMMARY

New knowledge about the nature of inflammatory diseases, cystic neoplastic lesions and malignant pancreatic tumours has changed the indication for surgical treatment and the application of organ-preserving surgical techniques.

Factors influencing perioperative blood transfusions in patients with gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing major cancer resections often receive blood transfusions (TFs). Preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) offers the rationale to reduce TFs and related morbidity.

METHODS

Perioperative TF information was collected prospectively in a single surgeon practice over 5 years.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-four patients underwent a major procedure, including pancreatic (n = 130, 38%), hepatobiliary (n = 87, 25%), gastroesophageal (n = 69, 20%), and other operations (n = 58, 17%). Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 375 mL. PRBC TFs were given in 83 cases (24%), at a median of 2 units [1-16]. TF frequency and EBL did not differ between diagnoses. Multivariate TF associations existed for Hgb (P < 0.0001, OR 0.335), EBL (P < 0.0001, OR 1.007), serum Cl (P = 0.004, OR 1.25), serum Na (P = 0.02, OR 0.810), and age (P = 0.04, OR 1.033). TFs (versus no TFs) were linked to major complications (43 versus 20%, P = 0.0002), mortality (12% versus 3%, P = 0.001), and increased LOS (9 versus 7 days, P < 0.0001). A potential benefit for preoperative EPO to avoid TFs could be derived for only 31 patients (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this low TF rate of 24% for major visceral resections, few preoperative parameters are able to identify subgroups at risk for TFs aside from blood counts. Our data would not support generalized preoperative EPO administration.

Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer: long-term results

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long-term results of distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR), a newly designed extended surgical procedure for locally advanced cancer of the pancreatic body.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Pancreatic body cancer often involves the common hepatic artery and/or the celiac axis and is regarded as an unresectable disease. We previously reported the feasibility and safety of DP-CAR in 10 patients and 3 preliminary cases; however, the long-term results are unknown.

METHODS

Between May 1998 and September 2005, 23 patients underwent DP-CAR. No reconstruction of the arterial system was required because of early development of the collateral arterial pathways via the pancreatoduodenal arcades from the superior mesenteric artery. We routinely used preoperative coil embolization of the common hepatic artery to enlarge the collateral pathways.

RESULTS

The postoperative mortality rate was 0%, despite a high morbidity rate (48%). The chief postoperative complications were pancreatic fistula and ischemic gastropathy. Contrary to expectations, postoperative diarrhea was mild. Preoperative intractable abdominal and/or back pain in 10 patients was completely alleviated immediately after surgery. The surgical margins were histologically negative in 21 patients (91%). The estimated overall 1- and 5-year survival rates were 71% and 42%, respectively, and the median survival was 21.0 months. The sites of recurrence were the liver in 6 patients and local recurrence in 2.

CONCLUSIONS

DP-CAR offers a high R0 resectability rate and may potentially achieve complete local control in selected patients. The persisting early hepatic recurrence may indicate DP-CAR for the treatment of less advanced disease.

Role of lymphadenectomy in surgical treatment of solid tumors: an update on the clinical data

BACKGROUND

The role of lymphadenectomy as an adjunct of standard excision for treatment of cancer is highly debated and controversial. Standard practice for treatment of solid tumors is resection with regional lymphadenectomy. This surgical concept assumes that cancers grow and spread in an orderly manner, from primary cancer to regional lymph nodes and finally to vital organs. We reviewed randomized trials, published a description of lymphatic anatomy and physiology, and presented data that disputed the role of lymphadenectomy as standard practice. The present review updates the literature and reiterates the concept that lymphadenectomy does not increase survival in the surgical treatment of solid tumors.

METHODS

We reviewed the English-language literature (Medline) for prospective randomized trials and nonrandomized reports, as well as retrospective studies addressing the role of lymphadenectomy in cancers of the esophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, breast, and skin (melanoma) reported between 2000 and 2006.

RESULTS

This extensive review demonstrates that there are few prospective randomized trials assessing patient survival with solid tumors that contrast resection with or without lymphadenectomy. However, there was at least one, and for some cancers more than one, prospective randomized trial for each organ site studied, and the data demonstrate no statistically significant difference in overall survival of patients treated with or without lymphadenectomy. Most nonrandomized and retrospective studies, with a few exceptions, support the conclusions of randomized trials; lymphadenectomy does not improve overall survival in solid tumors. Overall survival is primarily a function of the biological nature of the primary tumor, as evidenced by lymphovascular invasion, lymph node involvement, and other prognostic features.

CONCLUSIONS

This extensive literature review of recent reports indicates that lymphadenectomy does not improve overall survival. Lymph node resection should be conceived in terms of staging, prognosis, and regional control only.