Review of the investigation and surgical management of resectable ampullary adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic head resection for carcinoma of the ampulla vateri - better long-term prognosis, but more postoperative complications

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomies are complex surgical procedures with a considerable morbidity and mortality even in high-volume centers. However, postoperative morbidity and long-term oncological outcome are not only affected by the surgical procedure itself, but also by the underlying disease. The aim of our study is an analysis of pancreatoduodenectomies for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and ampullary carcinoma (CAMP) concerning postoperative complications and long-term outcome in a tertiary hospital in Germany.

METHODS

The perioperative and oncological outcome of 109 pancreatic head resections performed for carcinoma of the ampulla vateri was compared to the outcome of 518 pancreatic head resections for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma over a 20 year-period from January 2002 until December 2021. All operative procedures were performed at the University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. Patient data was analyzed retrospectively, using a prospectively maintained SPSS database. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in surgical and reconstruction technique. Primary outcome of our study was long-term overall survival, secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and 30-day postoperative mortality. Postoperative complications like pancreatic fistula (POPF), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) were graded following current international definitions. Survival was estimated using Kaplan Meier curves and log-rank tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Operation time was significantly longer in PDAC patients (432 vs. 391 min, p < 0.001). The rate of portal vein resections was significantly higher in PDAC patients (p < 0.001). In CAMP patients, a pancreatogastrostomy as reconstruction technique was performed more frequently compared to PDAC patients (48.6% vs. 29.9%, p < 0.001) and there was a trend towards more laparoscopic surgeries in CAMP patients (p = 0.051). After propensity score matching, we found no difference in DGE B/C and PPH B/C (p = 0.389; p = 0.517), but a significantly higher rate of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in patients with pancreatoduodenectomies due to ampullary carcinoma (30.7% vs. 16.8%, p < 0.001). Long-term survival was significantly better in CAMP patients (42 vs. 24 months, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Patients with pancreatoduodenectomies due to ampullary carcinomas showed a better long-term oncological survival, by reason of the better prognosis of this tumor entity. However, these patients often needed a more elaborated postoperative treatment due to the higher rate of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula in this group.

Outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary carcinoma and factors affecting additional surgery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Data on the prognosis of endoscopic papillectomy (EP) for ampullary carcinoma (AC) is limited; therefore, we aimed to identify the factors associated with endoscopically controlled AC.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and October 2022, 75 patients underwent EP for ampullary tumors and were diagnosed with AC based on the pathological features of the resected tissue. The factors associated with additional surgery after EP were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients had ACs ranging from carcinoma in situ to tumors limited to the mucosa (M group), and eight patients had ACs ranging from those limited to the sphincter of Oddi to those invading the duodenal muscularis propria (OD group). The 3-year endoscopic tumor control (condition not requiring additional surgery) rates in the M and OD groups were 90.8% and 84.6% (p = .033), respectively. In the M group, the presence of tumor components in the resection margins was the only significant factor associated with additional surgeries (p = .010) in the univariate analysis. The 3-year endoscopic tumor control rates were 100% for negative and uncertain resection margins and 76.6% for positive margins (p = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

If the AC is confined to the mucosa and the resection margins are negative or uncertain, the tumor can be well-controlled endoscopically.

Discordance Between Conventional and Detailed Lymph Node Analysis in Resected, Node-negative Pancreatic or Ampullary Adenocarcinomas and Association With Adverse Survival Outcomes: A Single-institution Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of occult metastases (OM) in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA) discovered on detailed pathologic examination on lymph nodes (LNs) previously considered negative by conventional analysis and to examine the association between OM and overall survival (OS).

BACKGROUND

Poor prognosis of patients with no pathologic evidence of LN metastases may be due to OM that is not detected on conventional LN analysis.

METHODS

Patients with LN-negative resected PDAC or AA (2010-2020) were identified from our institutional database. Original hematoxylin and eosin ( H and E ) slides were reanalyzed. In addition, selected LN were analyzed by H and E (3 sections/LN) and pan-cytokeratin (AE1-AE3/PCK26) immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

A total of 598 LNs from 74 LN-negative patients were reexamined. Nineteen patients (25.7%) had OM; 9 (47.4%) were found with immunohistochemistry but not on H and E . The number of positive LNs ranged from 1 to 3. No clinicodemographic, pathologic, or treatment-related factors were associated with OM. On conventional LN analysis, 3/19 patients (15.8%) had stage IA, 9/34 (26.5%) had stage IB, and 7/19 (36.8%) had stage IIA. On detailed LN analysis, 11/19 patients (57.9%) were upstaged to IIB, whereas 8/19 (42.1%) had isolated tumor cells only (N0i+). OM was associated with shorter OS (median OS: 22.3 vs 50.5 months; hazard ratio=3.95, 95% CI: 1.58-9.86).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a 26% discordance rate between conventional and detailed LN pathologic analysis in resected PDAC and AA. The presence of OM is associated with shorter OS.

Adenocarcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: A Case Report on a Rare Condition

An ampullary carcinoma (AC) is defined as cancer that arises in the ampulla of Vater (AV). It is a tiny opening in the beginning segment of the small intestine called the duodenum. Pancreatic and bile duct fluids are pumped into the intestines via the AV. There are various factors listed as the causes of AC. A 45-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain in the abdomen for two months, vomiting for two days, and a history of fever for four days, which was persistent in nature. He had been operated on for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) stenting two months back due to pain in the abdomen. The patient underwent investigations such as blood tests, histopathology, ultrasonography, abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and ampullary mass biopsy, based on which a final diagnosis was made. The patient was operated on by the Whipple surgical procedure and was later treated with antibiotics and analgesics. Surgical management for AC is a novel treatment chosen instead of chemotherapy. Although early-stage AC can be cured with radical surgery, around half of the patients experience tumor recurrence. The prognosis of our patient was good.

Analysis of lymph node spread and its prognostic significance in ampullary adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study

Background

Nodal status is a vital prognostic factor for ampullary adenocarcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical significance of the positive nodes in this disease.

Methods

Data from 110 patients who underwent curative pancreatoduodenectomy for ampullary adenocarcinoma between January 2007 and December 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

The median number of lymph nodes per patient was 32 (20–46). Metastatic lymph nodes were found in 84 (76.4%) patients. In patients with positive nodules, the most commonly involved nodes were the #13 (80.1%) and #17 (78.6%) nodes, followed by #12 (69.0%) and #8 nodes (57.1%). Patients with 3–4 positive nodes among #13, #17, #12, and #8 had lower survival rates than those with 0 or 1–2 nodes.

Conclusion

Ampullary adenocarcinoma commonly spreads to #13, #17, #12, and #8 lymph nodes. These nodes affected the patients' survival rates dramatically.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary adenoma: A multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Ampullary adenoma is a rare premalignant lesion, but its incidence is increasing. Endoscopic papillectomy has become the first treatment of choice for ampullary adenomas due to its safety and effectiveness, thereby replacing surgical resection. However, recurrence rates and adverse events after endoscopic papillectomy were reported in up to 30% of cases.

AIM

To review the long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy and investigate the factors that affect these outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenoma at five tertiary hospitals between 2013 and 2020. We evaluated clinical outcomes and their risk factors. The definitions of outcomes were as follow: (1) curative resection: complete endoscopic resection without recurrence; (2) endoscopic success: treatment of ampullary adenoma with endoscopy without surgical intervention; (3) early recurrence: reconfirmed adenoma at the first endoscopic surveillance; and (4) late recurrence: reconfirmed adenoma after the first endoscopic surveillance.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients were included for analysis. Of the included patients, 81 (76.4%) underwent curative resection, 99 (93.4%) had endoscopic success, showing that most patients with non-curative resection were successfully managed with endoscopy. Sixteen patients (15.1%) had piecemeal resection, 22 patients (20.8%) had shown positive/uncertain resection margin, 11 patients (16.1%) had an early recurrence, 13 patients (10.4%) had a late recurrence, and 6 patients (5.7%) had a re-recurrence. In multivariate analysis, a positive/uncertain margin [Odds ratio (OR) = 4.023, P = 0.048] and piecemeal resection (OR = 6.610, P = 0.005) were significant risk factors for early and late recurrence, respectively. Piecemeal resection was also a significant risk factor for non-curative resection (OR = 5.424, P = 0.007). Twenty-six patients experienced adverse events (24.5%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic papillectomy is a safe and effective treatment for ampullary adenomas. Careful selection and follow-up of patients is mandatory, particularly in cases with positive/uncertain margin and piecemeal resection.

Predictors and Recurrence Patterns After Radical Surgery in Ampulla of Vater Cancer: Comparative Analysis Between Early and Late Recurrence

Objective

Tumor recurrence remains the main dilemma after surgical treatment of ampulla of Vater carcinoma. This study was designed to identify the prognostic factors and evaluate the recurrence patterns of ampulla of Vater cancer.

Methods

A total of 286 patients who underwent surgical resection of ampulla of Vater cancer in two medical centers from January 2000 to October 2016 were collected. Data on clinicopathologic factors, survival rate, and recurrence patterns were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 158 patients (55.2%) survived without evidence of recurrence (non-recurrence), whereas 65 (22.7%) and 63 patients (22.1%) suffered from recurrence of the disease within 12 months (early recurrence) and after 12 months (late recurrence), respectively. Early-recurrence patients exhibited a more advanced disease (advanced tumor stage, lymph node involvement, pancreas invasion, and late TNM stage) than late-recurrence patients. The first or primary location of cancer recurrence in 33 patients (25.8%) was locoregional. Metastasis developed in the liver in 30 patients (23.4%), peritoneum in 13 patients (10.2%), lungs in 10 patients (7.8%), and para-aortic or superior mesenteric artery lymph node in 10 patients (7.8%). Multiple metastases were observed in 26 patients (20.3%).

Conclusion

The most common patterns of postoperative recurrence are locoregional and recurrent liver metastasis. The recurrence patterns with the worst prognosis are peritoneal and multiple metastases.

Survival after curative pancreaticoduodenectomy for ampullary adenocarcinoma in a South American population: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) is a rare neoplasm that accounts for only 0.2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Its incidence rate is lower than 6 cases per million people. Different prognostic factors have been described for AAC and are associated with a wide range of survival rates. However, these studies have been exclusively conducted in patients originating from Asian, European, and North American countries.

AIM

To evaluate the histopathologic predictors of overall survival (OS) in South American patients with AAC treated with curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

We analyzed retrospective data from 83 AAC patients who underwent curative (R0) PD at the National Cancer Institute of Peru between January 2010 and October 2020 to identify histopathologic predictors of OS.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine percent of patients had developed intestinal-type AAC (69%), 23% had pancreatobiliary-type AAC, and 8% had other subtypes. Forty-one percent of patients were classified as Stage I, according to the AJCC 8th Edition. Recurrence occurred primarily in the liver (n = 8), peritoneum (n = 4), and lung (n = 4). Statistical analyses indicated that T3 tumour stage [hazard ratio (HR) of 6.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.5-16.3, P < 0.001], lymph node metastasis (HR: 4.5, 95%CI: 1.8-11.3, P = 0.001), and pancreatobiliary type (HR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.2-6.2, P = 0.025) were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSION

Extended tumour stage (T3), pancreatobiliary type, and positive lymph node metastasis represent independent predictors of a lower OS rate in South American AAC patients who underwent curative PD.

Surgical Outcomes and Comparative Analysis of Transduodenal Ampullectomy and Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Study

Background

Transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) is performed for adenoma or early cancer of the ampulla of Vater (AoV). This study aimed to analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of TDA (TDA group) when compared with conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD group).

Methods

Patients who underwent TDA between January 2006 and December 2019, and PD cases performed for AoV malignancy with carcinoma in-situ (Tis) (high-grade dysplasia, HGD) and T1 and T2 stage from January 2010 to December 2019 were reviewed.

Results

Forty-six patients underwent TDA; 21 had a benign tumor, and 25 cases with malignant tumors were compared with PD cases (n = 133). Operation time (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), length of hospital stays (p = 0.003), and overall complication rate (p < 0.001) were lower in the TDA group than in the PD group. Lymph node metastasis rates were 14.6% in pT1 and 28.9% in pT2 patients. The 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival rates for HGD/Tis and T1 tumor between the two groups were similar (TDA group vs PD group, 72.2% vs 77.7%, p = 0.550; 85.6% vs 79.2%, p = 0.816, respectively).

Conclusion

TDA accompanied with lymph node dissection is advisable in HGD/Tis and T1 AoV cancers in view of superior perioperative outcomes and similar long-term survival rates compared with PD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-021-11190-9.

Investigation of the Indications for Endoscopic Papillectomy and Transduodenal Ampullectomy for Ampullary Tumors

OBJECTIVE

The standard treatment for ampullary tumors is pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, minimally invasive procedures such as endoscopic papillectomy (EP) and transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) have recently gained popularity. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these minimally invasive procedures for ampullary tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 42 patients who underwent either EP or TDA for ampullary tumors between June 2011 and November 2020.

RESULTS

We found that in patients with significantly larger tumors, TDA was often selected. Patients who underwent EP had significantly shorter hospital stays. No significant differences were observed regarding procedural accidents, tumor size, and recurrence.

CONCLUSION

No differences were observed regarding the treatment outcomes of EP and TDA except hospital stay. EP is less invasive and can be the initial choice of procedure. TDA is performed when EP is not technically feasible. No significant relationship was noted between tumor size and recurrence, and careful observation of the patient's postoperative course is required.

Ampullary Carcinoma: An Overview of a Rare Entity and Discussion of Current and Future Therapeutic Challenges

Ampullary carcinomas (ACs) represent a rare entity, accounting for approximately 0.2% of all gastrointestinal solid tumors and 20% of all periampullary cancers (PACs). Unfortunately, few data are available regarding the optimal therapeutic strategy for ACs due to their rarity, and physicians frequently encounter significant difficulties in the management of these malignancies. In this review, we will provide an overview of current evidence on AC, especially focusing on biological features, histological characteristics, and available data guiding present and future therapeutic strategies for these rare, and still barely known, tumors.

Adenomatous neoplasia in the papilla of Vater endoscopic and/or surgical resection?

BACKGROUND

Adenomatous neoplasia in the papilla of Vater needs to be resected in order not to progress. It can be challenging to distinguish between early ampullary malignant lesions and non-invasive adenomas, due to the overlap in symptoms and radiological findings. This retrospective study describes the different findings and treatment decisions taken prior to endoscopic and/or surgical resection of ampullary adenomatous lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated with endoscopic and/or surgical resection for suspected or verified ampullary adenomatous neoplasia, between January 2006 and July 2018, where pre-interventional cross-sectional imaging could not discern an obvious invasive, malignant tumor, were included. Findings were compared against the final diagnosis of the histopathological analysis on the resected specimen.

RESULTS

In total, 172 met the inclusion criteria. Patients were treated with either surgical resection (n = 96), endoscopic papillectomy (EP) (n = 55) or both (n = 21). The final diagnosis was in 48% ampullary adenocarcinoma, and the remaining had either ampullary adenoma (38%) or non-neoplastic lesions (14%). In patients where symptoms and cross-sectional imaging were suspicious for malignancy, but with no tissue samples that confirmed neoplasia prior to surgical resection, only 47% had adenocarcinoma. The remaining had either adenoma (9%) or non-neoplastic lesions (44%). Adenocarcinoma was revealed in 27% of the patients where endoscopic biopsies had shown adenoma. Patients with adenoma, treated with EP, were cured in 59%. However, 28% were after EP sent for further surgery due to ductal invasion or a finding of adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with a suspicion of ampullary neoplasia on imaging, attempts should be made to get endoscopic tissue samples before deciding on a treatment strategy. If biopsies show ampullary adenoma, patients should be considered for EP, unless there are clear radiologic or endoscopic signs of malignancy. Patients with adenocarcinoma on endoscopic biopsies should undergo surgical resection.

Preoperative 2-[18F]FDG PET-CT aids in the prognostic stratification for patients with primary ampullary carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate whether preoperative dual-phase 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET-CT identify predictors for poor survival in patients with ampullary carcinoma receiving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

The preoperative PET-CT images of patients with resected ampullary carcinoma from June 2007 to July 2017 were analyzed. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify potential prognostic factors associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Fifty-four subjects (26 men, 28 women) were enrolled with a median tumor size of 20 mm. All patients were followed for a median period of 36.9 months with 3- and 5-year DFS of 50.3% and 44.2%, and OS of 77.0% and 68.2%, respectively. Parameters associated with DFS in multivariate analysis were lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR]: 9.45, p < 0.001), involved margin in pathology (HR: 7.67, p < 0.001), and tumor retention index (RI) from the dual-phase PET (HR: 2.41, p = 0.03), whereas involved margin (HR: 13.14, p < 0.001), post-recurrence chemotherapy (HR: 0.10, p < 0.001), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) (HR: 4.62, p = 0.009) emerged as independent prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET-CT offered independent prognostic biomarkers in patients with ampullary carcinoma receiving standard surgical resection.

KEY POINTS

• 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET-CT offers good survival prediction before operation in primary malignant neoplasms at ampulla of Vater. • Dual-phase PET scan with bowel distention can better delineate Ampulla of Vater and characterize tumor physiology. • Preoperative risk stratification might aid in better treatment planning.

Ampullary carcinoma of the duodenum: current clinical issues and genomic overview

Ampullary carcinomas of the duodenum are uncommon. Moreover, the diversity in the clinical outcomes of these patients makes it difficult to interpret previous studies and clinical trial results. The difficulty in proper staging of ampullary carcinomas, especially with regard to the T category of the tumor in the TNM system, reflects the anatomic complexity and non-uniform histopathologic subtypes. One major reason for this difficulty in interpretation is that the tumors may arise from any of the three epithelia (duodenal, biliary, or pancreatic) that converge at this location. Generally, ampullary carcinomas are classified into intestinal and pancreaticobiliary types based on morphology and immunohistochemical features. While many studies have described their specific characteristics and clinical impact, the prognostic value of these subtypes is controversial. In recent years, whole-exome sequencing analyses have advanced our understanding of the genomic overview of ampullary carcinoma. Gene mutations serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for this disease. Therefore, basic knowledge of the genomic profile of ampullary carcinomas is required for surgeons to understand how best to apply precision medicine as well as surgery and adjuvant therapies. This review provides an overview of the current basic and clinical issues of ampullary carcinoma.

Prognostic relevance of the posterior resection margin for predicting disease free survival in ampullary adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the only curative treatment option for patients with resectable ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA). Excellent disease free survival (DFS) can be achieved in patients with clear resection margins but it is poorly understood which patients are at increased risk of recurrence and hence would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. There is evolving evidence that the anatomical location of incomplete resection margins influences DFS in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It is unknown if this also pertains to AA and therefore this study aimed to assess individual resection margin status and other predictors of DFS in AA.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for AA at our institution from 1996 to 2017 were analysed. Pancreas neck, posterior and superior mesenteric vein margins were assessed individually. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to identify predictors of 5-year DFS. Factors with p < 0.1 on univariate analysis were included for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of 104 patients revealed median OS and DFS of 56 and 34 months, respectively. Predictors associated with worse DFS on multivariate analysis were T3-stage (HR 3.6, p = 0.048), N1 (HR 2.9, p = 0.01) and N2 -stage (HR 3.6, p = 0.006), R1 status at the posterior margin (HR 3.0, p = 0.009) and a visible mass on CT (HR 2.0, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Routine histopathological assessment of individual resection margins may aid in predicting recurrence of AA. Future studies to assess if routine mesopancreas excision during pancreaticoduodenectomy can reduce the incidence of R1 status at the posterior margin are warranted.

Challenges in the management of adenocarcinoma of ampulla of Vater in pregnancy: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare entity during pregnancy. It accounts for 0.5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. The best treatment modality for resectable tumors with the best reported outcome is surgical resection in the form of pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). In this case report, we discuss the challenges in the management of ampullary adenocarcinoma in a pregnant patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of 22 years old pregnant women who presented with vague abdominal pain and jaundice at the 28th week of gestation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed a stricture around the ampulla and distal common bile duct (CBD). The CBD was stented and a biopsy was taken. Histopathology revealed: an invasive adenocarcinoma. The patient was managed by elective pancreaticoduodenectomy after induction of vaginal delivery at the 34th week of gestation.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosing and managing ampullary adenocarcinoma in pregnant patients in their 3rd trimester is challenging. Yet, a delayed viable delivery followed by a definitive surgery in the form of pancreaticoduodenectomy offers the best outcomes for both the mother & fetus in case of early stage disease.

Rodrigues MA, Hasimoto CN, Oliveira WK, Pelafsky L, Spadella CT, Llanos JC, F. Silva G, Lam WL, Rogatto SR, Amorim LS, Drigo SA, Carvalho RF, Reis PP. MicroRNA modulated networks of adaptive and innate immune response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Despite progress in treatment strategies, only ~24% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients survive >1 year. Our goal was to elucidate deregulated pathways modulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) in PDAC and Vater ampulla (AMP) cancers. Global miRNA expression was identified in 19 PDAC, 6 AMP and 25 paired, histologically normal pancreatic tissues using the GeneChip 4.0 miRNA arrays. Computational approaches were used for miRNA target prediction/identification of miRNA-regulated pathways. Target gene expression was validated in 178 pancreatic cancer and 4 pancreatic normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). 20 miRNAs were significantly deregulated (FC≥2 and p<0.05) (15 down- and 5 up-regulated) in PDAC. miR-216 family (miR-216a-3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-216b-3p and miR-216b-5p) was consistently down-regulated in PDAC. miRNA-modulated pathways are associated with innate and adaptive immune system responses in PDAC. AMP cancers showed 8 down- and 1 up-regulated miRNAs (FDR p<0.05). Most enriched pathways (p<0.01) were RAS and Nerve Growth Factor signaling. PDAC and AMP display different global miRNA expression profiles and miRNA regulated networks/tumorigenesis pathways. The immune response was enriched in PDAC, suggesting the existence of immune checkpoint pathways more relevant to PDAC than AMP.

Brain metastasis and herniation in a patient with ampullary adenocarcinoma presenting with jaundice and memory loss: case report

Periampullary carcinoma includes neoplasms arising from head of pancreas, distal common bile duct, duodenum and ampulla of Vater. We report a case of a 41-year-old male, medically free who presented to our hospital as a case of obstructive jaundice, weight loss, headache and blurred vision. Clinical evaluation revealed memory loss and ataxia. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was carried out and showed a mass in the ampullary area, histopathology showed ampullary adenocarcinoma. Metastatic work up was carried out which revealed two brain metastatic lesions and multiple intra-abdominal metastasis. We are reporting the third case of brain metastasis from ampullary adenocarcinoma. It metastasizes commonly intra-abdominally, but extra-abdominal metastases are rare yet it should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of ampullary carcinoma who present with neurological symptoms. There are no current specific management guidelines for brain metastasis secondary to ampullary adenocarcinoma, so general brain metastasis management is applicable.

Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients with ampullary cancer: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cohort study

BACKGROUND

Ampullary cancer accounts for only 0.2% of gastrointestinal cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival of patients with ampullary tumors.

METHODS

Data on ampullary cancer between 2004 and 2013 was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Registry. The clinical epidemiology of these tumors was analyzed using SEER*Stat.

RESULTS

A total of 6803 patients with ampullary cancer were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 71±13 years. The overall age-adjusted incidence of ampullary cancer was 0.59 per 100,000 per year. A higher incidence of ampullary cancer was observed in males compared to females (0.74 vs. 0.48 per 100,000 per year). Most tumors were moderately differentiated (39.5%). The most common stage at presentation was Stage I (21%), followed by Stage II (20%). The majority (63%) of these tumors were surgically resected while 20% of patients received radiotherapy. One and 5-year cause-specific survival for ampullary cancer was 71.7% and 38.8% respectively, with a median survival of 31 months. On Cox regression analysis, black race, increasing cancer stage and grade, N1 stage, and non-surgical treatment were associated with poorer prognosis. Those who were not treated with surgical intervention were at 4.5 times increased risk for death (hazard ratio 4.5, 95% CI: 3.93-5.09, P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The annual incidence of ampullary cancer has been fairly constant, though males are more likely to be affected. While its incidence increases with age, patients who are treated by surgical intervention have significantly better outcomes. Additionally, through the use of endoscopic techniques, ampullary cancer can be detected and treated much earlier.

Ampulla of Vater carcinoma: Molecular landscape and clinical implications

Ampulla of Vater is a peculiar anatomical structure, characterized by the crossroad of three distinct epithelia: Intestinal, ductal pancreatic and biliary. Adenocarcinomas arising in this area represent an opportunity to understand the comparative biology of all periampullary malignancies. These neoplasms can exhibit intestinal, pancreaticobiliary or mixed features, whereas the subclassification based on morphology and immunohistochemical features failed in demonstrating a robust prognostic reliability. In the last few years, the molecular landscape of this tumor entity has been uncovered, identifying alterations that may serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers. In this review, the histological and genetic characteristics of ampullary carcinomas are discussed, taking into account the main clinical and therapeutic implications related to this tumor type as well.

MicroRNA co-expression networks exhibit increased complexity in pancreatic ductal compared to Vater's papilla adenocarcinoma

MiRNA expression abnormalities in adenocarcinoma arising from pancreatic ductal system (PDAC) and Vater's papilla (PVAC) could be associated with distinctive pathologic features and clinical cancer behaviours. Our previous miRNA expression profiling data on PDAC (n=9) and PVAC (n=4) were revaluated to define differences/similarities in miRNA expression patterns. Afterwards, in order to uncover target genes and core signalling pathways regulated by specific miRNAs in these two tumour entities, miRNA interaction networks were wired for each tumour entity, and experimentally validated target genes underwent pathways enrichment analysis. One hundred and one miRNAs were altered, mainly over-expressed, in PDAC samples. Twenty-six miRNAs were deregulated in PVAC samples, where more miRNAs were down-expressed in tumours compared to normal tissues. Four miRNAs were significantly altered in both subgroups of patients, while 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed between PDAC and PVAC. Although miRNA interaction networks were more complex and dense in PDAC than in PVAC, pathways enrichment analysis uncovered a functional overlapping between PDAC and PVAC. However, shared signalling events were influenced by different miRNA and/or genes in the two tumour entities. Overall, specific miRNA expression patterns were involved in the regulation of a limited core signalling pathways in the biology landscape of PDAC and PVAC.

Endoscopic and surgical ampullectomy for non-invasive ampullary tumors: Short-term outcomes

Non-invasive ampullary tumors, may be treated with endoscopic (EA) or surgical ampullectomy (SA). However, evidence on the morbidity of these techniques remains limited. This pilot study aimed to assess and compare morbidity of EA and SA. Patients undergoing EA or SA for non-invasive ampullary tumors were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Outcomes were postoperative complications graded with Clavien Classification and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), and length of stay (LoS). A review of the literature was performed to propose an evidence-based algorithm to treat ampullary tumors. A total of 11 EA and 19 SA were identified and analyzed. EA was associated with shorter intervention (51 vs. 191 min, p < 0.001) and decreased blood loss (0 vs. 100 mL, p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were more frequent after surgery compared to endoscopy (9% vs. 68%, p = 0.002). Surgical patients showed a higher CCI (0 vs. 8.7, p < 0.001). LoS was reduced in patients undergoing endoscopy (0 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001), with comparable readmissions rates (p = 0.126). Necessity of subsequent treatment was more frequent after endoscopic, compared to SA (5 vs. 1, p = 0.016). EA was associated with lower morbidity than SA and appeared as an appropriate first-line treatment for non-invasive ampullary tumors. SA remains a valuable alternative after EA failure.

Transduodenal Ampullectomy for the Treatment of Early-Stage Ampulla of Vater Cancer

BACKGROUND

Transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) is a less invasive procedure than pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, the outcomes of TDA and PD have been compared rarely in early ampullary cancer.

METHODS

From September 1994 to June 2013, the patients who underwent curative surgery for Tis or T1 ampulla of Vater neoplasm were identified. The patients were divided into two groups according to the types of surgery; TDA group and PD group. The patient characteristics and survival outcomes were retrospectively investigated between the two groups.

RESULTS

Total 137 patients were included in this study. The 18 patients underwent TDA and 119 patients underwent PD for Tis or T1 ampullary cancer. There was no lymph node metastasis in the patients with Tis tumor although 10 of 104 patients had lymph node metastasis in T1 cancer. After a median follow-up of 50 months (range, 6-148), there were no recurrence after TDA for Tis tumor. However, the TDA was associated with higher local recurrence rate than PD in the patients with T1 ampullary cancer on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The TDA is feasible treatment for Tis ampulla of Vater neoplasm. However, TDA is unsuitable for the treatment of T1 ampulla of Vater cancer.

Transduodenal ampullectomy provides a less invasive technique to cure early ampullary cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) compared to conventional pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with early ampullary cancers.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of 43 patients with early ampullary cancer who underwent either TDA or PD from January 2001 to December 2014. TDA and PD were performed on 22 patients and 21 patients, respectively. Clinical data, perioperative clinical outcomes and prognosis were evaluated. The median follow-up was 75 (range, 38–143) months.

Results

The sensitivity of intraoperative frozen resection was 100 % (4/4) and 94.9 % (37/39) in patients with pTis and pT1 tumors compared to final histologic diagnoses. The 5-year survival rate of patients with early ampullary cancer was 77.3 % in TDA group and 75.9 % in PD group (P = 0.927). Patients with lymph node metastasis presented a shorter 5-year survival rate (P = 0.014). TDA was associated with lower surgical morbidity (P = 0.033), estimated blood loss (P = 0.002), medical cost (P = 0.028) compared to PD. No pancreatic fistula and surgical mortality occurred in TDA group.

Conclusions

TDA could produce satisfactory clinical efficiency in patients fulfilled the following criteria simultaneously: pTis or pT1 stage, tumor size ≤ 2 cm, without lymph node metastasis. To achieve favorable outcomes, intraoperative frozen section examinations should be reliable and resection margins should be negative.

Endoscopic papillectomy and KRAS expression in the treatment of adenoma in the major duodenal papilla

OBJECTIVE

The use of endoscopic papillectomy for resecting adenomas in the major duodenal papilla is increasing. This study focuses on the following three issues: Can endoscopic papillectomy be performed as a safe diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure in biopsy-verified or suspected ampullary adenoma? Does expression of mutated KRAS in resected adenomatous tissue predict long-term outcome? What other factors may affect long-term outcome and should, therefore, be considered in decision making prior to endoscopic papillectomy?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six prospectively collected patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy at Karolinska University Hospital between 2005 and 2014 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The rate of exact agreement between the histomorphological grading of the endoscopic biopsies and the papillectomy specimens was low (48%). Obstructive jaundice at presentation increased the risk of undetected adenocarcinoma (RR = 3.98; 95% CI = 1.46-10.85, p = 0.007). Lesions with malignancies were significantly larger (mean 30.6 mm) than those where only adenomas were found (mean 14.4 mm, p = 0.001). Mutated KRAS was detected in 9 of the 36 post-papillectomy specimens, including 4 of the 5 cases of ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eighteen cases were endoscopically cured after a mean follow-up period of 47 months (range 16-92 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic papillectomy is a valuable staging tool because of the limitations of endoscopic biopsy. Endoscopic papillectomy concomitantly offers a curative treatment for most patients with adenoma in the major duodenal papilla. Jaundice at presentation and large adenomas may indicate the presence of more advanced disease. Determination of mutated KRAS seems to be of limited value in predicting long-term outcome.

Extraduodenal papillectomy: a feasible alternative method of total papillectomy

Rational treatment for neoplasms of the duodenal papilla (NDPs) is still controversial, especially for early stage lesions. Total papillectomies are indicated in patients expected to have adenomas, adenocarcinoma in an adenoma, or mucosal adenocarcinomas with no lymph node metastases. However, the preoperative pathological evaluation of NDPs is still challenging and often inaccurate, mainly because of the complicated anatomical structures involved and the possibility of an adenocarcinoma in an adenoma. Herein, we introduce a new method of total papillectomy, the extraduodenal papillectomy (ExDP). In this method, papillectomy is undertaken from outside of the duodenum, instead of resection from the inside through a wide incision of the duodenal wall as is done in conventional transduodenal papillectomy (TDP). The advantages of ExDP are precise and deeper cutting of the sphincter and shorter exploration time of the tumor compared to conventional TDP. We demonstrate three representative patients, all of whom had an uneventful postoperative course. One of them subsequently underwent a pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy after detailed postoperative pathological evaluation. Including that patient, no recurrence has occurred with 37-46 months of follow-up. In conclusion, ExDP is regarded as a "total biopsy" for early stage borderline lesions and a feasible, less demanding alternative method for the treatment of NDPs.