Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: need for standardization and methods for optimal clinical trial design

Role of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Randomized trials and meta-analyses have indicated longer survival with neoadjuvant than with adjuvant therapy in patients with resectable or borderline resectable (R/BR) pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite the efficacy of chemotherapy, the role of radiation therapy as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment for patients with R/BR pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the benefits of additional chemoradiation therapy (CRT) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with NAC alone for R/BR pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A systematic literature search was conducted on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Median overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), resection rate, and R0 resection rate.

RESULTS

This review and meta-analysis included 31 prospective studies, of which 9 were randomized trials. In these studies, 658 patients from 14 study arms received NAC alone and 912 patients from 19 study arms received both NAC and CRT (NAC-CRT). The pooled median OS was 25.55 months (95% CI, 21.59-30.24 months) for NAC alone and 17.55 months (95% CI, 16.47-18.70 months; P < .0001) for NAC-CRT. The pooled R0 resection rate was higher with NAC-CRT (83.43%) than with NAC (69.97%; P < .0001). No significant difference was observed in DFS or resection rate between the 2 groups. In patients who received 5 or more cycles of initial chemotherapy, NAC-CRT was associated with longer OS than NAC (23.30 vs 21.85 months; P = .856).

CONCLUSIONS

NAC provides significantly longer OS than NAC-CRT to R/BR pancreatic adenocarcinoma. NAC-CRT is associated with a significantly improved R0 resection rate. This positive local effect of CRT can be translated to extended survival when 5 cycles or more of NAC are prescribed.

Neoadjuvant treatment versus upfront surgery in borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer prognosis remains poor despite advances in adjuvant treatment. Neoadjuvant treatment may improve survival and disease-free survival. This meta-analysis evaluates the outcomes for patients with borderline-resectable (borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer) or resectable disease (resectable pancreatic cancer) in randomized trials of neoadjuvant therapy versus upfront surgery.

METHODS

The review was performed according to PRISMA guidance. Articles were included from the start of the database until 1 May 2024. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, resection rate, R0 rate, N0 rate, vascular resection rate, surgical complications, significant adverse events and rates of adjuvant therapy. Data was collected from study manuscripts or through individual patient-level data extraction. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with subgroup comparisons for resectability status (resectable pancreatic cancer versus borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer) and treatment modality (chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy).

RESULTS

Nine trials were included representing 1194 patients. Four trials recruited borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer, four resectable pancreatic cancer and one both. Four trials reported chemotherapy, four chemoradiotherapy and one both treatments. Neoadjuvant treatment improved overall survival (HR 0.73, 95% c.i. 0.55 to 0.98; P = 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR 0.80, 95% c.i. 0.65 to 0.99; P = 0.041). Subgroup analysis demonstrated neoadjuvant treatment improved overall survival for borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer (HR 0.60, 95% c.i. 0.38 to 0.96) but not resectable pancreatic cancer (HR 0.90, 95% c.i. 0.63 to 1.28). The overall resection rate was lower in neoadjuvant treatment (72.6% versus 80.6%, RR 0.94, 95% c.i. 0.89 to 0.99; P = 0.020). R0 rate (43.8% versus 23.0%, RR 1.35, 95% c.i. 1.16 to 1.57; P = 0.002) and N0 rate (30.9% versus 15.0%, RR 2.03, 95% c.i. 1.50 to 2.74; P = 0.001) was improved in neoadjuvant treatment. Significant adverse events occurred more frequently in neoadjuvant treatment (56.1% versus 27.0%, RR 1.92, 95% c.i. 1.28 to 1.89; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant treatment significantly improves survival in borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer but not resectable pancreatic cancer. It should be regarded as standard of care for these patients. Further work is needed to identify the optimum neoadjuvant regimen and a possible role in the treatment of resectable pancreatic cancer.

Overcoming therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer: New insights and future directions

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030 and this is mostly due to therapy failure. Limited treatment options and resistance to standard-of-care (SoC) therapies makes PDAC one of the cancer types with poorest prognosis and survival rates [1,2]. Pancreatic tumors are renowned for their poor response to therapeutic interventions including targeted therapies, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Herein, we review hallmarks of therapy resistance in PDAC and current strategies aiming to tackle escape mechanisms and to re-sensitize cancer cells to therapy. We will further provide insights on recent advances in the field of drug discovery, nanomedicine, and disease models that are setting the ground for future research.

Canadian National Pancreas Conference 2023: A Review of Multidisciplinary Engagement in Pancreatic Cancer Care

Pancreatic cancer is a complex malignancy associated with poor prognosis and high symptom burden. Optimal patient care relies on the integration of various sectors in the healthcare field as well as innovation through research. The Canadian National Pancreas Conference (NPC) was co-organized and hosted by Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in November 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The conference sought to bridge the gap between Canadian healthcare providers and researchers who share the common goal of improving the prognosis, quality of life, and survival for patients with pancreatic cancer. The accredited event featured discussion topics including diagnosis and screening, value-based and palliative care, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, cancer-reducing treatment, and an overview of the current management landscape. The present article reviews the NPC sessions and discusses the presented content with respect to the current literature.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma staging: a narrative review of radiologic techniques and advances

Radiology plays an important role in the initial diagnosis and staging of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CT is the preferred modality over MRI due to wider availability, greater consistency in image quality, and lower cost. MRI and PET/CT are usually reserved as problem-solving tools in select patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines define resectability criteria based on tumor involvement of the arteries and veins and triage patients into resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, and metastatic categories. Patients with resectable disease are eligible for upfront surgical resection, while patients with high-stage disease are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy with hopes of downstaging the disease. The accuracy of staging critically depends on the imaging technique and the experience of the radiologists. Several challenges in accurate preoperative staging include prediction of lymph node metastases, detection of subtle liver and peritoneal metastases, and disease restaging following neoadjuvant therapy. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to function as 'second readers' to improve upon the radiologists' detection of small early-stage tumors, which can shift more patients toward surgical resection of potentially curable cancer. AI may also provide imaging biomarkers that can predict disease recurrence and patient survival after pancreatic resection and assist in the selection of patients most likely to benefit from surgery, thus improving patient outcomes.

Reappraisal of the current resectability criteria and optimal treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer

Background

Recent advances in anticancer treatment and prolonged survival are the background of this study. The study aimed to reappraise the Japan Pancreas Society (JPS) resectability criteria in pancreatic cancer and to propose optimal treatment strategies.

Methods

Three hundred ninety-six consecutive patients with curative-intent surgery for pancreatic cancer from April 2011 to December 2022 were included. Overall survival based on the resectability criteria was analyzed, and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall survival.

Results

The median survival times (MSTs) based on the current resectability status were 37.4, 20.1, and 26.6 months in resectable (R), in borderline resectable (BR), and unresectable (UR) disease, respectively (P<0.001), revealing an inversion phenomenon between BR and UR. Using the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) criteria, the MST of biological BR disease was demonstrably worse than that of R disease (27.1 vs. 40.7 months, P=0.04), but no difference was observed between classical BR and UR locally advanced disease (18.8 vs. 18.7 months, P=0.97). Rather, ≤180° superior mesenteric artery (SMA) invasion was a more powerful prognostic factor than >180° SMA/celiac artery invasion in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 2.101, 95% confidence interval: 1.296-3.404, P=0.003). When biological BR was combined with BR, and BR with artery invasion was considered locally advanced disease as a new resectability criterion, the MSTs were 38.8, 23.5, and 18.5 months in the new R, new BR, and locally advanced groups, respectively (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The decision-making and treatment strategies based on our new classification in pancreatic cancer are considered reasonable for clinical practice.

Imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - An update for all stages of patient management

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common and lethal cancer. From diagnosis to disease staging, response to neoadjuvant therapy assessment and patient surveillance after resection, imaging plays a central role, guiding the multidisciplinary team in decision-planning.

Review aims and findings

This review discusses the most up-to-date imaging recommendations, typical and atypical findings, and issues related to each step of patient management. Example cases for each relevant condition are presented, and a structured report for disease staging is suggested.

Conclusion

Despite current issues in PDAC imaging at different stages of patient management, the radiologist is essential in the multidisciplinary team, as the conveyor of relevant imaging findings crucial for patient care.

Is it resectable? A survey regarding tumor classification and vascular involvement

INTRODUCTION

The anatomic location of the pancreas can result in involvement of major vasculature, which may act as a contraindication to resection. Several classification systems have been developed. We sought to discover the variations in the HPB community determining PDAC resectability.

METHODS

The multiple-choice survey was distributed to all full members of the IHPBA. Questions were asked regarding demographics and clinical scenarios regarding tumor resectability.

RESULTS

164 responses were submitted. Most of the respondents were male and had been in practice for over 10 years. The median age range was 40-50 years old. Most practiced in either Asia (n = 57,35.9%), North America (n = 52,32.7%), or Europe (n = 32,20.1%). Classification systems used to determine resectability were: NCCN (n = 42,26.3%), JPS (n = 35,21.9%), International consensus (n = 33,20.6%), AHPBA/SSO (n = 23,14.4%), Alliance (n = 3,1.9%), and other/no-classification (n = 23,14.5%). There was significant variation in the frequency of the most common answer within the scenarios (84.7%-33.5%). Participant concordance with their stated classification system found a median rate of 62.5%. Participant decision of tumor resectability was not dependent on their adopted classification system.

CONCLUSION

When classifying PDAC resectability, there is significant variation between surgeons as to how they would classify a specific tumour, independent of the classification system they use. In addition, surgeons do not show high concordance with the definitions within that classification system.

Neoadjuvant Therapy in Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

In this perspective, we present our assessment of all of the known accumulated evidence on the role of neoadjuvant therapy in the management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer highlighting the gaps in the data, the current regimens used and providing a brief insight into the way forward.

A case of metachronous oligo-hepatic and peritoneal metastases of pancreatic cancer with a favorable outcome after conversion surgery combined with perioperative sequential chemotherapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, and the prognosis for its recurrence after surgery is very poor. Here, we report a case of metachronous oligo-hepatic and peritoneal metastases in a patient who survived without recurrence for 3 years after conversion surgery combined with perioperative sequential chemotherapy using gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX). The patient was a 70-year-old man with pancreatic ductal carcinoma, classified as cT3N0M0, cStage IIA, who underwent a distal pancreatosplenectomy. At 1 year and 4 months later, two liver metastases and one peritoneal metastasis were detected. A systemic 9-month course of chemotherapy was administered with GnP and mFOLFIRINOX as the first- and second-line chemotherapeutic agents, respectively. The two liver metastases were judged as showing a partial response, but one dissemination was considered stable disease. After receiving informed consent from the patient, we performed resection of the disseminated tumor and lateral segmentectomy of the liver. Adjuvant chemotherapy using mFOLFIRINOX and GnP was administered for 10 months. The patient has now been alive for 5 years and 6 months after the initial pancreatosplenectomy, and 3 years and 3 months after the conversion surgery, without subsequent tumor recurrence. Thus, a multidisciplinary treatment approach including surgery and perioperative sequential chemotherapy using GnP and mFOLFIRINOX may be beneficial for treating metachronous oligo-hepatic and peritoneal metastases, depending on the patient's condition.

Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Neoadjuvant Therapy for Nonmetastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Guidelines

For patients with locoregionally confined pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), margin-negative surgical resection is the only known curative treatment; however, the majority of patients are not operable candidates at initial diagnosis. Among patients with resectable disease who undergo surgery alone, the 5-year survival remains poor. Adjuvant therapies, including systemic therapy or chemoradiation, are utilized as they improve locoregional control and overall survival. There has been increasing interest in the use of neoadjuvant therapy to obtain early control of occult metastatic disease, allow local tumor response to facilitate margin-negative resection, and provide a test of time and biology to assist with the selection of candidates most likely to benefit from radical surgical resection. However, limited guidance exists regarding the relative effectiveness of treatment options. In this systematic review, the American Radium Society multidisciplinary gastrointestinal expert panel convened to develop Appropriate Use Criteria evaluating the evidence regarding neoadjuvant treatment for patients with PDAC, including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy, in terms of oncologic outcomes and quality of life. The evidence was assessed using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study (PICOS) design framework and "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" 2020 methodology. Eligible studies included phases 2 to 3 trials, meta-analyses, and retrospective analyses published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2022 in the Ovid Medline database. A summary of recommendations based on the available literature is outlined to guide practitioners in the management of patients with PDAC.

Combination of modified FOLFIRINOX with stereotactic body radiotherapy as an induction therapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma - a prospective single-arm study

Introduction

Radical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, only a minor fraction of patients are eligible for resection. Induction therapy may be offered to patients, but the response rate in cases with significant vascular involvement is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (mFFX) + stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in combination as induction therapy for locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. The primary endpoints were the resection rate and one-year overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity, and quality of live (QoL).

Material and methods

Thirty patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with 6 cycles of mFFX, followed by SBRT and additional 3 cycles of mFFX. The response was measured prior to SBRT and after regimen completion. In the absence of disease progression, the patients were referred for surgery. The patients were requested to complete quality of life questionnaires (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires biweekly.

Results

On the first evaluation, disease control was noted in 26 (86.7%) patients. Stereotactic body radiotherapy was performed in 20 patients. Twelve patients underwent laparotomy, with radical resection possible in 3 cases. The one-year OS rate was 63.3%. Overall, 11 grade ≥ 3 adverse events were noted. No deterioration in the overall QoL was observed. The median PFS was 7.53 months.

Conclusions

The expected resection rate of ≥ 30% was not achieved. However, the combination was associated with good local control, low adverse event rate, and good QoL, which advocate its further investigation in this clinical situation.

Neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer: Controversies and advances

Despite the advancements in the treatment of localized pancreatic cancer, several unresolved issues persist in clinical practice, especially in the neoadjuvant setting. These include determining the criteria for selecting patients for treatment, identifying the most effective chemotherapy regimens, understanding the role of radiotherapy, and accurately assessing how patients respond to treatment. Current strategies for assessing patients before surgery involve thoroughly evaluating their overall health status, analyzing tumor markers, and using advanced imaging techniques. However, existing methods for staging the disease still have limitations when it comes to accurately detecting metastatic cancer. The ongoing debate between performing surgery upfront or administering neoadjuvant therapy highlights the need for robust clinical evidence to guide treatment decisions effectively. This review analyzes the evidence regarding controversial topics in neoadjuvant pancreatic cancer treatment and discusses further research efforts to enhance patient outcomes. To improve the outcomes found with surgery alone, multimodal treatment with chemotherapy.

ASO Practice Guidelines Series: Management of Resectable, Borderline Resectable, and Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease marked by high rates of both local and distant failure. In the minority of patients with potentially resectable disease, multimodal treatment paradigms have allowed for prolonged survival in an increasingly larger pool of well-selected patients. Therefore, it is critical for surgical oncologists to be abreast of current guideline recommendations for both surgical management and multimodal therapy for pancreas cancer. We discuss these guidelines, as well as the underlying data supporting these positions, to offer surgical oncologists a framework for managing patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Preoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical decision-making in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Surgical resection combined with systemic chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Upfront surgery is considered suboptimal in cases with extensive vascular involvement, which can be classified as either borderline resectable pancreatic cancer or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In these patients, FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy is currently used as preoperative chemotherapy and is eventually combined with radiotherapy. Thus, more patients might reach 5-year overall survival. Patient selection for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and subsequent surgery is based on anatomical, biological and conditional parameters. Current guidelines and clinical practices vary considerably regarding preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, response evaluation, and indications for surgery. In this Review, we provide an overview of the clinical evidence regarding disease staging, preoperative therapy, response evaluation and surgery in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In addition, a clinical work-up is proposed based on the available evidence and guidelines. We identify knowledge gaps and outline a proposed research agenda.

Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Current Treatment and Novel Therapies

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related deaths in the United States. Majority of patients present with unresectable or metastatic disease. For those that present with localized disease, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to maximize survival and optimize outcomes. The quality and safety of surgery for pancreatic cancer have improved in recent years with increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques and surgical adjuncts. Systemic chemotherapy has also evolved to impact survival. It is now increasingly being utilized in the neoadjuvant setting, often with concomitant radiation. Increased utilization of genomic testing in metastatic pancreatic cancer has led to better understanding of their biology, thereby allowing clinicians to consider potential targeted therapies. Similarly, targeted agents such as PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint- inhibitors have emerged with promising results. In summary, pancreatic cancer remains a disease with poor long-term survival. However, recent developments have led to improved outcomes and have changed practice in the past decade. This review summarizes current practices in pancreatic cancer treatment and the milestones that brought us to where we are today, along with emerging therapies.

PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template-UK): a cross-specialty multi-institutional consensus panel development of a standardised radiological reporting proforma for pancreatic cancer

Objective

Appropriate staging of pancreatic cancer is essential to ensure patients are offered all treatment options. This multispecialty national collaborative consensus project aimed to develop a succinct radiological reporting template, using the concept of structured reporting, to allow a more standardised means of reporting pancreatic cancer and ultimately optimise both patient care and research protocol design.

Methods and analysis

In stage one, a core group of stakeholders (oncologists, radiologists and surgeons) identified the current landscape of radiological reporting, including a blinded radiological validation study and a national survey of consultant HPB surgeons. Stage two used consensus panel development methodology to generate a provisional template draft. Stage three involved trialling the template across all UK HPB units, with feedback assisting the development of a final version of the template.

Results

Stage one results identified a core dataset to develop a provisional template. Every UK Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) unit trialled this in clinical practice, leading to further refinements via consensus meetings. Ideal factors regarding tumour staging, extent of vascular involvement and response to systemic anticancer therapy were identified. This resulted in the generation of the PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template-UK) template that is presented within the manuscript, as well as a user guide.

Conclusion

This project has successfully produced the first consensus-driven radiological reporting template for pancreatic cancer, with the aim of its use becoming standard practice in the UK, while upcoming workshops facilitated by Royal College of Radiologists/British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology will establish buy-in from radiologists at all HPB units. Plans for the use of PACT-UK within national audit and clinical trials are underway.

Determination of "borderline resectable" pancreatic cancer - A global assessment of 30 shades of grey

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Accurate preoperative assessment using computed tomography (CT) to determine resectability is crucial in ensuring patients are offered the most appropriate therapeutic strategy. Despite the use of classification guidelines, any interobserver variability between reviewing surgeons and radiologists may confound decisions influencing patient treatment pathways.

METHODS

In this multicentre observational study, an international group of 96 clinicians (42 hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons and 54 radiologists) were surveyed and asked to report 30 pancreatic CT scans of pancreatic cancer deemed borderline at respective multidisciplinary meetings (MDM). The degree of interobserver agreement in resectability among radiologists and surgeons was assessed and subgroup regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Interobserver variability between reviewers was high with no unanimous agreement. Overall interobserver agreement was fair with a kappa value of 0.32 with a higher rate of agreement among radiologists over surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Interobserver variability among radiologists and surgeons globally is high, calling into question the consistency of clinical decision making for patients with PDAC and suggesting that central review may be required for studies of neoadjuvant or adjuvant approaches in future as well as ongoing quality control initiatives, even amongst experts in the field.

A Simple Overview of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment for Clinical Oncologists

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors and is showing increasing incidence. The aim of our review is to provide practical help for all clinical oncologists and to summarize the current management of PDAC using a simple "ABC method" (A-anatomical resectability, B-biological resectability and C-clinical conditions). For anatomically resectable PDAC without any high-risk factors (biological or conditional), the actual standard of care is represented by surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The remaining PDAC patients should all be treated with initial systemic therapy, though the intent for each is different: for borderline resectable patients, the intent is neoadjuvant; for locally advanced patients, the intent is conversion; and for metastatic PDAC patients, the intent remains just palliative. The actual standard of care in first-line therapy is represented by two regimens: FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. Recently, NALIRIFOX showed positive results over gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. There are limited data for maintenance therapy after first-line treatment, though 5-FU or FOLFIRI after initial FOLFIRINOX, and gemcitabine, after initial gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, might be considered. We also dedicate space to special rare conditions, such as PDAC with germline BRCA mutations, pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas, with few clinically relevant remarks.

Currently Debated Topics on Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Narrative Review on Surgical Treatment of Borderline Resectable, Locally Advanced, and Synchronous or Metachronous Oligometastatic Tumor

BACKGROUND

Previously considered inoperable patients (borderline resectable, locally advanced, synchronous oligometastatic or metachronous pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)) are starting to become resectable thanks to advances in chemo/radiotherapy and the reduction in operative mortality.

METHODS

This narrative review presents a chosen literature selection, giving a picture of the current state of treatment of these patients.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is generally recognized as the treatment of choice before surgery. However, despite the increased efficacy, the best pathological response is still limited to 10.9-27.9% of patients. There are still limited data on the selection of possible NAT responders and how to diagnose non-responders early. Multidetector computed tomography has high sensitivity and low specificity in evaluating resectability after NAT, limiting the resection rate of resectable patients. Ca 19-9 and Positron emission tomography are giving promising results. The prediction of early recurrence after a radical resection of synchronous or metachronous metastatic PDAC, thus identifying patients with poor prognosis and saving them from a resection of little benefit, is still ongoing, although some promising data are available.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, high-level evidence demonstrating the benefit of the surgical treatment of such patients is still lacking and should not be performed outside of high-volume centers with interdisciplinary teams of surgeons and oncologists.

Arterial Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: Feasibility and Current Standing in a High-Volume Center

Background

Arterial resection (AR) during pancreatectomy for curative R0 resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a controversial procedure with high morbidity.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and oncological outcomes of pancreatectomy combined with AR at a high-volume center for pancreatic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our experience in PDAC patients, who underwent pancreatic resection with AR and/or venous resection (VR) between 2007 and 2021.

Results

In total 259 PDAC patients with borderline resectable (n = 138) or locally advanced (n = 121) PDAC underwent vascular resection during tumor resection. From these, 23 patients had AR (n = 4 due to intraoperative injury, n = 19 due to suspected arterial infiltration). However, 12 out of 23 patients (52.2%) underwent simultaneous VR including 1 case with intraoperative arterial injury. In comparison, 11 patients (47.8%) underwent AR only including 3 intraoperative arterial injury patients. Although the operation time and bleeding rate of patients with AR were respectively longer and higher than in VR, no significant difference was detected in postoperative complications between VR and AR (P = 0.11). The final histopathological findings of PDAC patients were similar, including M stage, regional lymph node metastases, and R0 margin resection. The mortality of the entire cohort was 6.2% (16/259), with a tendency to increase mortality in the AR cohort, yet without statistical significance (VR: 5% vs AR: 21.1%; P = 0.05). Although 19 (82.6%) patients had PDAC in the final histopathology, only 6 were confirmed to have infiltrated arteria. The microscopic distribution of PDAC in these infiltrated arterial walls on hematoxylin-eosin staining was classified into 3 patterns. Strikingly, the perivascular nerves frequently exhibited perineural invasion.

Conclusions

AR can be performed in high-volume centers for pancreatic surgery with an acceptable morbidity, which is comparable to that of VR. However, the likelihood of arterial infiltration seems to be rather overestimated, and as such, AR might be avoidable or replaced by less invasive techniques such as divestment during PDAC surgery.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy for borderline resectable pancreas adenocarcinoma: influence of vascular margin status and type of chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The influence of chemotherapy type and vascular margin status after sequential chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on BRPC patients treated with chemotherapy and 5-fraction SBRT from 2009 to 2021. Surgical outcomes and SBRT-related toxicity were reported. Clinical outcomes were estimated by Kaplan-Meier with log rank comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 303 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and SBRT to a median dose of 40 Gy prescribed to the tumor-vessel interface and median dose of 32.4 Gyto 95% of the gross tumor volume. One hundred and sixty-nine patients (56%) were resected and benefited from improved median OS (41.1 vs 15.5 months, P < 0.001). Close/positive vascular margins were not associated with worse OS or FFLRF. Type of neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not influence OS for resected patients, but FOLFIRINOX was associated with improved median OS in unresected patients (18.2 vs 13.1 months, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For BRPC, the effect of a positive or close vascular margin may be mitigated by neoadjuvant therapy. Shorter duration neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as the optimal biological effective dose of radiotherapy should be prospectively explored.

FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine-based Chemotherapy for Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Multi-institutional, Patient-Level, Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer often presents as locally advanced (LAPC) or borderline resectable (BRPC). Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is recommended as initial treatment. It is currently unclear what chemotherapy should be preferred for patients with BRPC or LAPC.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and multi-institutional meta-analysis of patient-level data regarding the use of initial systemic therapy for BRPC and LAPC. Outcomes were reported separately for tumor entity and by chemotherapy regimen including FOLFIRINOX (FIO) or gemcitabine-based.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies comprising 2930 patients were analyzed for overall survival (OS) calculated from the beginning of systemic treatment. OS for patients with BRPC was 22.0 months with FIO, 16.9 months with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem/nab), 21.6 months with gemcitabine/cisplatin or oxaliplatin or docetaxel or capecitabine (GemX), and 10 months with gemcitabine monotherapy (Gem-mono) (p < 0.0001). In patients with LAPC, OS also was higher with FIO (17.1 months) compared with Gem/nab (12.5 months), GemX (12.3 months), and Gem-mono (9.4 months; p < 0.0001). This difference was driven by the patients who did not undergo surgery, where FIO was superior to other regimens. The resection rates for patients with BRPC were 0.55 for gemcitabine-based chemotherapy and 0.53 with FIO. In patients with LAPC, resection rates were 0.19 with Gemcitabine and 0.28 with FIO. In resected patients, OS for patients with BRPC was 32.9 months with FIO and not different compared to Gem/nab, (28.6 months, p = 0.285), GemX (38.8 months, p = 0.1), or Gem-mono (23.1 months, p = 0.083). A similar trend was observed in resected patients converted from LAPC.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BRPC or LAPC, primary treatment with FOLFIRINOX compared with Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy appears to provide a survival benefit for patients that are ultimately unresectable. For patients that undergo surgical resection, outcomes are similar between GEM+ and FOLFIRINOX when delivered in the neoadjuvant setting.

State-of-the-Art and Upcoming Innovations in Pancreatic Cancer Care: A Step Forward to Precision Medicine

Pancreatic cancer remains a social and medical burden despite the tremendous advances that medicine has made in the last two decades. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing, and it continues to be associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The difficulty of early diagnosis (the lack of specific symptoms and biomarkers at early stages), the aggressiveness of the disease, and its resistance to systemic therapies are the main factors for the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. The only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery, but the vast majority of patients with pancreatic cancer have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Pancreatic surgery is among the most challenging surgical procedures, but recent improvements in surgical techniques, careful patient selection, and the availability of minimally invasive techniques (e.g., robotic surgery) have dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatic surgery. Patients who are not candidates for surgery may benefit from locoregional and systemic therapy. In some cases (e.g., patients for whom marginal resection is feasible), systemic therapy may be considered a bridge to surgery to allow downstaging of the cancer; in other cases (e.g., metastatic disease), systemic therapy is considered the standard approach with the goal of prolonging patient survival. The complexity of patients with pancreatic cancer requires a personalized and multidisciplinary approach to choose the best treatment for each clinical situation. The aim of this article is to provide a literature review of the available treatments for the different stages of pancreatic cancer.

Neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer

Patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are best treated with surgical resection of the primary tumour and systemic chemotherapy, which provides considerably longer overall survival (OS) durations than either modality alone. Regardless, most patients will have disease relapse owing to micrometastatic disease. Although currently a matter of some debate, considerable research interest has been focused on the role of neoadjuvant therapy for all forms of resectable PDAC. Whilst adjuvant combination chemotherapy remains the standard of care for patients with resectable PDAC, neoadjuvant chemotherapy seems to improve OS without necessarily increasing the resection rate in those with borderline-resectable disease. Furthermore, around 20% of patients with unresectable non-metastatic PDAC might undergo resection following 4-6 months of induction combination chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, even in the absence of a clear radiological response, leading to improved OS outcomes in this group. Distinct molecular and biological responses to different types of therapies need to be better understood in order to enable the optimal sequencing of specific treatment modalities to further improve OS. In this Review, we describe current treatment strategies for the various clinical stages of PDAC and discuss developments that are likely to determine the optimal sequence of multimodality therapies by integrating the fundamental clinical and molecular features of the cancer.

Technical options in surgery for artery-involving pancreatic cancer: Invasion depth matters

Background

The artery involvement explains the majority of primary unresectability of non-metastatic pancreatic cancer patients and both arterial resection and artery-sparing dissection techniques are utilized in curative-intent pancreatectomies for artery-involving pancreatic cancer (ai-PC) patients.

Methods

This narrative review summarized the history of resectability evaluation for ai-PC and attempted to interpret its current pitfalls that led to the divergence of resectability prediction and surgical exploration, with a focus on the rationale and the surgical outcomes of the sub-adventitial divestment technique.

Results

The circumferential involvement of artery by tumor currently defined the resectability of ai-PC but insufficient to preclude laparotomy with curative intent. The reasons behind could be: 1. The radiographic involvement of tumor to arterial circumference was not necessarily resulted in histopathological artery wall invasion; 2. the developed surgical techniques facilitated radical resection, better perioperative safety as well as oncological benefit. The feasibility of periadventitial dissection, sub-adventitial divestment and other artery-sparing techniques for ai-PC depended on the tumor invasion depth to the artery, i.e., whether the external elastic lamina (EEL) was invaded demonstrating a hallmark plane for sub-adventitial dissections. These techniques were reported to be complicated with preferable surgical outcomes comparing to arterial resection combined pancreatectomies, while the arterial resection combined pancreatectomies were considered performed in patients with more advanced disease.

Conclusions

Adequate preoperative imaging modalities with which to evaluate the tumor invasion depth to the artery are to be developed. Survival benefits after these techniques remain to be proven, with more and higher-level clinical evidence needed.

Key message

The current resectability evaluation criteria, which were based on radiographic circumferential involvement of the artery by tumor, was insufficient to preclude curative-intent pancreatectomies for artery-involving pancreatic cancer patients. With oncological benefit to be further proven, periarterial dissection and arterial resection have different but overlapping indications, and predicting the tumor invasion depth in major arteries was critical for surgical planning.

Comprehensive multimodal management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Current status and progress

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is a complex clinical entity with specific biological features. Criteria for resectability need to be assessed in combination with tumor anatomy and oncology. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for BRPC patients is associated with additional survival benefits. Research is currently focused on exploring the optimal NAT regimen and more reliable ways of assessing response to NAT. More attention to management standards during NAT, including biliary drainage and nutritional support, is needed. Surgery remains the cornerstone of BRPC treatment and multidisciplinary teams can help to evaluate whether patients are suitable for surgery and provide individualized management during the perioperative period, including NAT responsiveness and the selection of surgical timing.

Validation of a Resectability Scoring System for Prediction of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Surgical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The most used pancreatic cancer (PC) resectability criteria are descriptive in nature or based solely on dichotomous degree of involvement (< 180° or > 180°) of vessels, which allows for a high degree of subjectivity and inconsistency.

METHODS

Radiographic measurements of the circumferential degree and length of tumor contact with major peripancreatic vessels were retrospectively obtained from pre-treatment multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images from PC patients treated between 2001 and 2015 at two large academic institutions. Arterial and venous scores were calculated for each patient, then tested for a correlation with tumor resection and R0 resection.

RESULTS

The analysis included 466 patients. Arterial and venous scores were highly predictive of resection and R0 resection in both the training (n = 294) and validation (n = 172) cohorts. A recursive partitioning tree based on arterial and venous score cutoffs developed with the training cohort was able to stratify patients of the validation cohort into discrete groups with distinct resectability probabilities. A refined recursive partitioning tree composed of three resectability groups was generated, with probabilities of resection and R0 resection of respectively 94 and 73% for group A, 61 and 35% for group B, and 4 and 2% for group C. This resectability scoring system (RSS) was highly prognostic, predicting median overall survival times of 27, 18.9, and 13.5 months respectively for patients in RSS groups A, B, and C (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed RSS was highly predictive of resection, R0 resection, and prognosis for patients with PC when tested against an external dataset.

Surgeon-Led Clinical Trials in Pancreatic Cancer

The review also highlights key landmark adjuvant, neoadjuvant and perioperative trials with an emphasis on surgeon-run clinical trials that have helped to define the pancreatic cancer treatment paradigms.

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Management

The management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has evolved over the last two decades. Surgical resection remain the only potential cure for this cancer. Therefore, there is an emerging emphasis on neoadjuvant therapy to maximize the probability of resection, and identify failures early. The benefit of FOLFIRINOX in various clinical stages of PDAC have been practice changing. The addition of nab-paclitaxel to the traditional gemcitabine regimen added another option for treatment. In addition, immunotherapy and targeted therapies are applicable, based on molecular features and germline alterations; albeit, these are applicable to only a small minority of patients. In this review article, we discuss the key extant literature relevant to various stages of pancreatic cancer. We also summarize ongoing clinical trials which may guide future treatments.

Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Challenges for Clinical Management

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a significant worldwide health problem with a poor prognosis. A borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) is a tumor with limited vascular involvement that is technically resectable but with a high risk of positive margins (R1 resection).

Objective

To identify the current challenges that exist in the management of BR-PDAC.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted to identify articles discussing the definitions and management of BR-PDAC.

Key Findings

Several anatomic definitions of BR-PDAC exist, and there is significant heterogeneity in their utilization across published trials. To improve the odds of a margin negative (R0) resection, a neoadjuvant treatment approach involving chemotherapy with or without radiation is currently preferred. While supporting the efficacy of a neoadjuvant approach in BR-PDAC, the largest published randomized trials have utilized older gemcitabine-based regimens. Recently published Phase II evidence and meta-analyses have supported the use of modern multi-agent regimens such as FOLFIRINOX. The utility of adding radiation to a chemotherapy backbone remains in question. Due to remnant fibrosis and edema following neoadjuvant therapy, accurately selecting patients for resection based on a restaging CT scan is challenging. Furthermore, the role of adjuvant therapy in BR-PDAC patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy needs to be defined.

Conclusion

Though progress has been made, the optimal management of BR-PDAC is uncertain. Phase III trials utilizing modern chemotherapeutic regimens are needed to establish a standard of care.

Long-Term Outcomes of Venous Resections in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study

To investigate whether pancreatic resections (PR) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with worse survival when resection of the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein (SMV/PV) is required.

Background

PR for PDAC with resection of the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein (SMV/PV, PR+V resection) may be associated with inferior overall survival (OS) compared with PR without the need for SMV/PV resection (PR-V). We hypothesized that PR+V results in lower OS compared with PR-V.

Method

Retrospective study using data from the nationwide Danish Pancreatic Cancer Database from 2011 to 2020. Data on patients who underwent PR for PDAC were extracted. A group of PR patients found nonresectable on exploratory laparotomy (EXP) was also included. OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for confounders (age, sex, R-resection level, chemotherapy, comorbidities, histology T and N classification, procedure subtype as well as tumor distance to the SMV/PV).

Results

Overall, 2403 patients were identified. Six hundred two underwent exploration only (EXP group), whereas 412 underwent pancreatic resection with (PR+V group) and 1389 (PR-V) without SMV/PV resection. Five-year OS for the PR+V group was lower (20% vs 30%) compared with PR-V, although multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling could not associate PR+V status with OS (Hazard ratio 1.11, P = 0.408).

Conclusion

When correcting for confounders, PR+V was not associated with lower OS compared with PR-V.

Neoadjuvant S-1 With Concurrent Radiotherapy Followed by Surgery for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase II Open-label Multicenter Prospective Trial (JASPAC05)

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed whether neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with S-1 increases the R0 resection rate in BRPC.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although a multidisciplinary approach that includes neoadjuvant treatment has been shown to be a better strategy for BRPC than upfront resection, a standard treatment for BRPC has not been established.

METHODS

A multicenter, single-arm, phase II study was performed. Patients who fulfilled the criteria for BRPC received S-1 (40 mg/m 2 bid) and concurrent radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) before surgery. The primary endpoint was the R0 resection rate. At least 40 patients were required, with a 1-sided α = 0.05 and β = 0.05 and expected and threshold values for the primary endpoint of 30% and 10%, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were eligible, and 41 were confirmed to have definitive BRPC by a central review. CRT was completed in 50 (96%) patients and was well tolerated. The rate of grade 3/4 toxicity with CRT was 43%. The R0 resection rate was 52% among the 52 eligible patients and 63% among the 41 patients who were centrally confirmed to have BRPC. Postoperative grade III/IV adverse events according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed in 7.5%. Among the 41 centrally confirmed BRPC patients, the 2-year overall survival rate and median overall survival duration were 58% and 30.8 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy seem to be feasible and effective at increasing the R0 resection rate and improving survival in patients with BRPC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000009172.

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a reliable contraindication to resection in the modern era?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to present radiologically designated LAPC found to be resectable upon surgical exploration and evaluate the outcomes of such resections.

METHODS

Sequential LAPC patients between 2013 and 2019 were staged and underwent resection were included in the analysis of both perioperative and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with radiologically-designated LAPC underwent surgical resection after chemotherapy with a median follow-up of 31.7 m,75% underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The margin positivity and local recurrence rates were 21.4% and 35.7%, respectively. When compared to the 30 BRPC controls, the LAPC group had a higher rates of an arterial resection (11vs.1; p = 0.002), but the groups were similar with regard to all other preoperative and intraoperative variables (p < 0.05). Perioperative morbidity rates were similar (25.9%vs21.4%; p = 0.53). The LAPC and BRPC groups were also equivalent with respect to median recurrence-free survival (9.0mo; 95%CI 6.3, 11.7vs.8.3mo; 95%CI 5.4, 11.2) and median overall survival (19.9mo; 95%CI 17.0, 22.7 vs. 19.9mo; 95%CI 14.8, 25.1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite a radiologic designation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, certain subtypes of LAPC warrant surgical exploration provided the operative surgeon is prepared for major arterial and/or venous resection. Pancreatectomy in these patients has acceptable morbidity and oncologic outcomes, similar to patients who are radiologically borderline resectable.

Defining the Optimal Duration of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Time for a Personalized Approach?

ABSTRACT

Despite recent advances, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be associated with dismal outcomes, with a cure evading most patients. While historic treatment for PDAC has been surgical resection followed by 6 months of adjuvant therapy, there has been a recent shift toward neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). Several considerations support this approach, including the characteristic early systemic spread of PDAC, and the morbidity often surrounding pancreatic resection, which can delay recovery and preclude patients from starting adjuvant treatment. The addition of NAT has been suggested to improve margin-negative resection rates, decrease lymph node positivity, and potentially translate to improved survival. Conversely, complications and disease progression can occur during preoperative treatment, potentially eliminating the chance of curative resection. As NAT utilization has increased, treatment durations have been found to vary widely between institutions with an optimal duration remaining undefined. In this review, we assess the existing literature on NAT for PDAC, reviewing treatment durations reported across retrospective case series and prospective clinical trials to establish currently used approaches and seek the optimal duration. We also analyze markers of treatment response and review the potential for personalized approaches that may help clarify this important treatment question and move NAT toward a more standardized approach.

Total neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved overall survival and pathologic response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated outcomes of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) compared with single modality neoadjuvant therapy (SMNT) or surgery first (SF) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of PDAC patients who underwent pancreatectomy was conducted (1993-2019). Overall survival (OS) estimates from diagnosis and from surgery were determined using Kaplan-Meier methods; Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Surgery was performed upfront (SF) in 168 (46.9%), while 111 (31.0%) had chemotherapy or chemoradiation before resection (SMNT), and 79 (22.1%) underwent TNT (chemotherapy and chemoradiation). Resection margins were more frequently R0 in the TNT group (86.1%) compared with SMNT (64.0%) and SF (72%) (p < 0.001). Complete pathologic response was more common in the TNT group (10.1%) compared with SMNT (3.6%) or SF (0.6%) (p = 0.001), resulting in prolonged survival (median OS = 100.2 months). TNT patients demonstrated longer median OS from surgery (33.6 months) compared with SF (19.1 months) and SMNT (17.4 months) (p = 0.010), which persisted after controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

TNT is associated with more frequent complete pathologic response, a higher rate of margin negative resection, and prolonged OS as compared with SF or SMNT. Additional studies to identify subgroups that derive the greatest benefit are warranted.

Efficacy of Preoperative mFOLFIRINOX vs mFOLFIRINOX Plus Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Borderline Resectable Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas: The A021501 Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

National guidelines endorse treatment with neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but the optimal strategy remains unclear.

Objective

To compare treatment with neoadjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) with or without hypofractionated radiation therapy with historical data and establish standards for therapy in borderline resectable PDAC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective, multicenter, randomized phase 2 clinical trial conducted from February 2017 to January 2019 among member institutions of National Clinical Trials Network cooperative groups used standardized quality control measures and included 126 patients, of whom 70 (55.6%) were registered to arm 1 (systemic therapy; 54 randomized, 16 following closure of arm 2 at interim analysis) and 56 (44.4%) to arm 2 (systemic therapy and sequential hypofractionated radiotherapy; all randomized before closure). Data were analyzed by the Alliance Statistics and Data Management Center during September 2021.

Interventions

Arm 1: 8 treatment cycles of mFOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2; irinotecan, 180 mg/m2; leucovorin, 400 mg/m2; and infusional fluorouracil, 2400 mg/m2) over 46 hours, administered every 2 weeks. Arm 2: 7 treatment cycles of mFOLFIRINOX followed by stereotactic body radiotherapy (33-40 Gy in 5 fractions) or hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients without disease progression underwent pancreatectomy, which was followed by 4 cycles of treatment with postoperative FOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2; leucovorin, 400 mg/m2; bolus fluorouracil, 400 mg/m2; and infusional fluorouracil, 2400 mg/m2 over 46 hours).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Each treatment arm's 18-month overall survival (OS) rate was compared with a historical control rate of 50%. A planned interim analysis mandated closure of either arm for which 11 or fewer of the first 30 accrued patients underwent margin-negative (R0) resection.

Results

Of 126 patients, 62 (49%) were women, and the median (range) age was 64 (37-83) years. Among the first 30 evaluable patients enrolled to each arm, 17 patients in arm 1 (57%) and 10 patients in arm 2 (33%) had undergone R0 resection, leading to closure of arm 2 but continuation to full enrollment in arm 1. The 18-month OS rate of evaluable patients was 66.7% (95% CI, 56.1%-79.4%) in arm 1 and 47.3% (95% CI 35.8%-62.5%) in arm 2. The median OS of evaluable patients in arm 1 and arm 2 was 29.8 (95% CI, 21.1-36.6) months and 17.1 (95% CI, 12.8-24.4) months, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found that treatment with neoadjuvant mFOLFIRINOX alone was associated with favorable OS in patients with borderline resectable PDAC compared with mFOLFIRINOX treatment plus hypofractionated radiotherapy; thus, mFOLFIRINOX represents a reference regimen in this setting.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02839343.

[Highlights of pancreatic surgery: extended indications in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors]

Advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (paNET) are mostly characterized by infiltration of vascular structures and/or neighboring organs. The indications for resection in these cases should be measured based on the possibility of an R0 resection. Although the data situation for this rare entity is limited, small case series have shown a significant survival advantage in patients who underwent a radical resection in locally advanced stages of paNET. Both vascular reconstruction and multivisceral resection, when performed at experienced centers, should be considered as curative treatment options. The very special biological behavior of the paNET and the often young patient age justify a much more aggressive approach compared to the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Radiation therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: A review

BACKGROUND

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer constitutes a complex clinical entity, presenting the clinician with a locally aggressive disease that has a proclivity for distant spread. The benefits of radiation therapy, such as improved local control and improved survival, have been questioned. In this review we seek to summarize the existing evidence on radiation therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and highlight future areas of research.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of PubMed for clinical studies reporting outcomes in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer was performed in June 2021, with an emphasis placed on prospective studies.

RESULTS

Radiologic "downstaging" in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is a rare event, although some evidence shows increased clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy over radiation therapy. Margin status seems to be equivalent between regimens that use neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone and regimens that include neoadjuvant radiation therapy. Local control in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is likely improved with radiation therapy; however, the benefit of improved local control in a disease marked by systemic failure has been questioned. Although some studies have shown improved survival with radiation therapy, differences in the delivery and tolerance of chemotherapy between the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting confound these results. When the evidence is evaluated as a whole, there is no clear survival benefit of radiation therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSION

Once considered a staple of therapy, the role of radiation therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is evolving as systemic therapy regimens continues to improve. Increased clinical understanding of disease phenotype and response are needed to accurately tailor therapy for individual patients and to improve outcomes in this complex patient population.

The Synergistic Role of Irreversible Electroporation and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a local ablative technique used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The combination of IRE and chemotherapy has showed increased overall survival when compared to chemotherapy alone, pointing towards a possible facilitating effect of IRE on chemotherapeutic drug action and delivery. This review aims to present current chemotherapeutic regimens for LAPC and their co-implementation with IRE, with an emphasis on possible molecular augmentative mechanisms of drug delivery and action. Moreover, the potentiating mechanism of IRE on immunotherapy, M1 oncolytic virus and dendritic cell (DC)-based treatments is briefly explored. Investigating the synergistic effect of IRE on currently established treatment regimens as well as newer ones, may present exciting new possibilities for future studies seeking to improve current LAPC treatment algorithms.

Multimodal therapy with or without irreversible electroporation for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is used as a locoregional treatment modality for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), but is non-curative and is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing survival outcomes of multimodal therapy with or without IRE.

METHODS

Separate searches were performed for multimodal therapy + IRE and multimodal therapy alone given the lack of comparative literature using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library in 3/2021. We determined overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from diagnosis and time of IRE. Treatment-related morbidity and mortality was determined.

RESULTS

Of 585 published articles, 48 met inclusion criteria for IRE (n = 27) and without IRE (n = 21) with data for 1420 (IRE) and 1348 (without IRE) patients. The 6/12/24 months OS with IRE was 99%/84%/28%. The 6/12/24 months OS without IRE was 99%/80%/12%. At 12 months from IRE, OS was 55% and PFS was 12%. The mean major complication and 90-day mortality rates for IRE were 17.95% and 2.65%.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal therapy alone is associated with similar OS to multimodal therapy + IRE in patients with LAPC. Most patients progress and nearly half die within 1 year of the IRE procedure. Given the lack of quality prospective data, IRE should remain experimental and be used with caution in LAPC.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis and Staging of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death and the second gastrointestinal cancer-related death in the United States. Early detection and accurate diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer are paramount in guiding treatment plans, as surgical resection can provide the only potential cure for this disease. The overall prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor even in patients with resectable disease. The 5-year survival after surgical resection is ~10% in node-positive disease compared to ~30% in node-negative disease. The advancement of imaging studies and the multidisciplinary approach involving radiologists, gastroenterologists, advanced endoscopists, medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists have a major impact on the management of pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasonography is essential in the diagnosis by obtaining tissue (FNA or FNB) and in the loco-regional staging of the disease. The advancement in EUS techniques has made this modality a critical adjunct in the management process of pancreatic cancer. In this review article, we provide an overall description of the role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Switch in Borderline Resectable/Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is an integral part of preoperative treatment for patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced (BR/LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The identification of a chemotherapeutic regimen that is both effective and tolerable is critical for NAC to be of oncologic benefit. After initial first-line (FL) NAC, some patients have lack of response or therapeutic toxicities precluding further treatment with the same regimen; optimal decision making regarding this patient population is unclear. Chemotherapy switch (CS) may allow for a larger proportion of patients to undergo curative-intent resection after NAC.

METHODS

We reviewed our surgical database for patients undergoing combinatorial NAC for BR/LA PDAC. Variant histologic exocrine carcinomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-associated PDAC, and patients without research consent were excluded.

RESULTS

Overall, 468 patients with BR/LA PDAC receiving FL chemotherapy were reviewed, of whom 70% (329/468) continued with FL chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. The remaining 30% (139/468) underwent CS, with 72% (100/139) of CS patients going on to curative-intent surgical resection. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were not significantly different between the resected FL and CS cohorts (30.0 vs. 19.1 months, p = 0.13, and 41.4 vs. 36.4 months, p = 0.94, respectively) and OS was significantly worse in those undergoing CS without subsequent resection (19 months, p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and pathologic treatment responses were predictors of RFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

CS in patients undergoing NAC for BR/LA pancreatic cancer does not incur oncologic detriment. The incorporation of CS into NAC treatment sequencing may allow a greater proportion of patients to proceed to curative-intent surgery.

Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Postoperative Refractory Diarrhea After Tailored Nerve Plexus Dissection Around the Major Visceral Arteries During Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) surgery, extended dissection of the nerve plexus (pl) around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac artery (CA) is sometimes necessary. This consequently results in postoperative refractory diarrhea. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of extended nerve plexus dissection around major arteries on postoperative diarrhea.

METHODS

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. The frequency of diarrhea (defined as a condition requiring opioid antidiarrheal drug for at least 6 months after surgery) and its short- and long-term outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 200 consecutive patients who underwent PD, 78 (39.0%) developed postoperative refractory diarrhea (diarrhea group), and 73 of them (93.6%) underwent hemi-circumferential or more nerve dissection for SMA or CA; both plSMA and plCA dissection were associated with diarrhea. Borderline resectable artery (BR-A) PDAC was included more in the diarrhea group (32.0% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.001); however, the local recurrence rate in the diarrhea group was significantly lower than that in the non-diarrhea group (14.1% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.036). The completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and overall survival were comparable between the two groups. The pre-albumin level improved in 2 years, and 61.3% of patients with diarrhea could stop opioid antidiarrheal drugs within 3 years of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the frequency of diarrhea increased following nerve plexus dissection around arteries, diarrhea was controllable and resulted in a reduced local recurrence rate. Aggressive dissection of the nerve plexus may be justified for local disease control in BR-A PDAC.

Surgical Management of Non-Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer in the United Kingdom: Results of a Nationwide Survey on Current Practice

BACKGROUND

It is presently unclear what clinical pathways are followed for patients with non-metastatic PDAC in specialised centres for pancreatic surgery across the United Kingdom (UK).

METHODS

Between August 2019 and August 2020 an electronic survey was conducted aiming at a national cohort of pancreatic surgeons in the UK. Participants replied to a list of standardised questions and clinical vignettes, and data were collected and analysed focusing on management preferences, resectability criteria, and contraindications to surgery.

RESULTS

Within the study period, 65 pancreatic surgeons from 27 specialist centres in the UK (96%) completed the survey. Multidisciplinary team meetings are utilised universally for the management of patients with PDAC, however, different staging systems for resectability classification are being applied. In borderline resectable PDAC, most surgeons were keen to proceed with surgical exploration post NAT, but differences were noted in preferred chemotherapy regimens. Surgeons from standard volume institutions performed fewer vein resections annually and were more likely to deem patients with locally advanced PDAC as unresectable. Intra-institutional variability in patient management was also present and ranging between 20-80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variability in the surgical management of non-metastatic PDAC was identified both on inter- and intra-institutional level.

Evolving pancreatic cancer treatment: From diagnosis to healthcare management

The prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is still the worst among solid tumors. In this review, a panel of experts addressed the main unanswered questions about the clinical management of this disease, with the aim of providing practical decision support for physicians. On the basis of the evidence available from the literature, the main topics concerning pancreatic cancer are discussed: the diagnosis, as the need for a pathological characterization and the role for germ-line and somatic molecular profiling; the therapeutic management of resectable disease, as the role of upfront surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the post-operative restaging and the optimal timing foradjuvant chemotherapy, the management of the borderline resectable and locally advanced disease; the metastatic disease and the role of surgery for the management of patients with isolated metastasis and the use of biomarkers of metastatic potential; the role of supportive care and the healthcare management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.