Management of mucin-producing cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

Management of patients with pancreatic cystic lesions: A case-based survey

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL), including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN), harbor different malignant potential and the optimal management is often challenging. The present study aims to depict the compliance of experts with current consensus guidelines and the accuracy of treatment recommendations stratified by the medical specialty and hospital volume.

METHODS

An international survey was conducted using a set of 10 selected cases of PCL that were presented to a cohort of international experts on pancreatology. All presented cases were surgically resected between 2004 and 2015 and histopathological examination was available. Accuracy of the treatment recommendations was based on the European and international consensus guideline algorithms, and the histopathological result.

RESULTS

The response rate of the survey was 26% (46 of 177 contacted experts), consisting of 70% surgeons and 30% gastroenterologists/oncologists (GI/Onc). In the case of main-duct IPMN (MD-IPMN), surgeons preferred more often the surgical approach in comparison with the GI/Onc (55 versus 44%). The mean accuracy rate based on the European and international consensus guidelines, and the histopathological result, were 71/76/38% (surgeons), and 70/73/34% (GI/Onc), respectively. High-volume centers achieved insignificantly higher accuracy scores with regard to the histopathology. Small branch-duct IPMN with cysts <2 cm and malignant potential were not identified by the guideline algorithms.

CONCLUSION

The survey underlines the complexity of treatment decisions for patients with PCL; less than 40% of the recommendations were in line with the final histopathology in this selected case panel. Experts and consensus guidelines may fail to predict malignant potential in small PCL.

Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are being identified at an increasing frequency largely due to the increased use of abdominal cross-sectional imaging. These neoplasms represent a heterogeneous group of tumors with various genetic alterations, molecular features, and risks of malignancy. Despite the use of high-resolution radiographic studies, endoscopic evaluation, cyst fluid analysis, and novel molecular diagnostics, many of these lesions remain difficult to classify without operative resection. These diagnostic challenges are coupled with an improving but limited understanding of the natural history of these neoplasms. Treatment of pancreatic cystic neoplasms therefore remains controversial but consists largely of a selective tumor-specific approach to surgical resection. Future research remains necessary to better discriminate the biological behavior of these tumors in order to more appropriately select patients for operative intervention.

Clinical implication of serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 for the prediction of malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prognostic significance of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations for predicting malignancy in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of pancreas.

METHOD

The study cohort consisted of 367 patients with surgical biopsy proven IPMN at Seoul National University Hospital. Preoperative serum tumor markers were evaluated and compared with other clinical variables.

RESULTS

Malignant pathology (high grade dysplasia [HGD] and invasive IPMN) was identified in 117 (31.9%) patients. Elevated serum CA19-9 was more frequent in patients with malignant (34.2%, P < 0.001; invasive IPMN vs. HGD 47.9% vs. 11.4%, P < 0.001) and main duct type (40.0%, P = 0.003) IPMN. Multivariate analysis showed main pancreatic duct (MPD) >5 mm (P < 0.001), mural nodules (P < 0.001), and elevated serum CA19-9 (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of malignancy. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 34.2%, 92.4%, and 73.8%, respectively, for elevated serum CA19-9; 63.3%, 78.0%, and 73.3%, for MPD >5 mm; and 59.0%, 86.4%, and 77.7%, for mural nodules.

CONCLUSION

Serum CA19-9 is significantly higher in patients with malignant IPMN, especially in patients with invasive and main duct type IPMN. The diagnostic power of serum CA19-9 in predicting malignancy is comparable to that of MPD >5 mm and mural nodules.

Pancreatic main-duct involvement in branch-duct IPMNs: an underestimated risk

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze a large single-center population of resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas with respect to risk factors of malignant transformation.

BACKGROUND

There is international consensus that main-duct (MD) as well as mixed-type IPMNs should be treated surgically due to a high risk of malignancy. In contrast, there is an ongoing controversy about surgery of branch-duct type IPMN (BD-IPMN).

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent surgery for IPMN between January 2004 and December 2012 were included. Clinical characteristics and preoperative imaging were correlated with histopathological features.

RESULTS

A total of 512 patients underwent pancreatic surgery and had a histological proof of IPMN. According to preoperative imaging, 74 patients had MD-IPMN (14%), 205 mixed-type (40%), and 233 suspected BD-IPMN (46%). On histopathology, 162 of 512 patients revealed low-grade, 105 moderate, and 52 high-grade dysplasia. One hundred ninety-three IPMN patients (38%) suffered from invasive carcinoma. Among invasive IPMNs, the majority (58%) were mixed-type lesions according to preoperative imaging. Of 141 Sendai negative BD-IPMNs, a malignancy rate of 18% (high-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma) was found. Most interesting, 29% of suspected BD-IPMNs (67/233) revealed histological involvement of the main pancreatic duct not evident in preoperative imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

All subtypes of IPMNs display a relevant risk for malignant transformation. By abdominal imaging, many IPMNs are misclassified as BD-IPMNs but reveal mixed-type lesions in histopathology. Because currently available preoperative diagnostics are not sufficient to reliably diagnose BD-IPMNs, surgical resection for suspected small branch-duct IPMN should be considered in patients fit for surgery.

Noninvasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms: recurrence rates and postoperative imaging follow-up

BACKGROUND

Although surveillance guidelines for resected invasive mucinous neoplastic cysts are well-established, those for noninvasive cysts are not defined. We used our experience with resected noninvasive mucinous neoplastic cysts to define recurrence rates and the optimal frequency of postoperative imaging follow-up.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 134 patients with resected, pathologically confirmed noninvasive mucinous neoplasms between 2002 and 2012. Demographics, comorbidities, cyst characteristics, and recurrence were evaluated. Survival analysis was used to estimate the distribution of time to recurrence and regression models were used to investigate factors associated with recurrence.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) were compared with 47 patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs). Those with MCNs were more often females (P = .001), significantly younger (P = .001), more symptomatic (P = .009), and had cysts more often located in the tail (P < .001). Median follow-up was 42 months. Recurrence rates for IPMNs were 0%, 5%, and 10% versus 0% for MCNs respectively at postoperative years 1, 2, and 3 (P = .014). On multivariable analysis, size >3 cm (P = .027), higher grade dysplasia (P = .043), and positive resection margins (P < .001) were significantly associated with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Resected noninvasive IPMNs with moderate- or high-grade dysplasia and negative resection margins require imaging follow-up every 2 years, given the 16% overall recurrence rate. Although the follow-up interval for noninvasive, low-grade, dysplastic IPMNs with negative margins could be lengthened, all noninvasive IPMNs having positive margins require yearly follow-up at the minimum. Resected noninvasive MCNs--irrespective of grade and margin status--do not require surveillance, although the development of branch duct-IPMNs in the remnant pancreas can be investigated in the long term at the discretion of the provider.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms and serous cystadenomas arising in the body-tail of the pancreas: MR imaging characterization

PURPOSE

To identify magnetic resonance (MR)/MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging signs helpful in the differential diagnosis between serous cystadenomas (SCAs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), arising from the body/tail of the pancreas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study had institutional review board approval and informed consent was waived. Fifty-three patients with non-communicating cystic pancreatic neoplasm of the body/tail, undergoing MR/MRCP, were included. Qualitative image analysis assessed the macroscopic pattern, number of cysts, presence of central scar, contrast enhancement of peripheral wall, and mural nodules. Quantitative analysis assessed the maximum diameter of the neoplasm, thickness of the peripheral wall, and calibre of the upstream main pancreatic duct.

RESULTS

Histopathology results revealed that 27/53 (51 %) were SCAs, 26/53 (49 %) were MCNs. Microcystic pattern was observed in 88.2 % of SCAs and 11.8 % of MCNs; macrocystic pattern was observed in 90.5 % of MCNs and 9.5 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001). Central scar was detected in 29.6 % of SCAs and no MCNs (p = 0.003). Contrast enhancement of the peripheral wall was evident in 99.5 % of MCNs and 11.5 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001); mural nodules were depicted in 94.1 % of MCNs and 5.9 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001). Median maximum diameter was 54 mm for MCNs, 32 mm for SCAs (p = 0.001); median wall thickness was 4 mm for MCNs, 2 mm for SCAs (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Macrocystic pattern, enhancement of a peripheral wall and mural nodules are suggestive of MCNs; whereas microcystic pattern, lack of peripheral wall and central scar are suggestive of SCAs.

KEY POINTS

• MCNs have macrocystic patterns, contrast enhancement of the peripheral wall and mural nodules • Microcystic pattern and central scar are suggestive of SCA • Mural nodules detected in MCNs correlate with epithelial dysplasia • Chronic obstructive pancreatitis is equally depicted in patients with MCNs and SCAs.

An increased total resected lymph node count benefits survival following pancreas invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms resection: an analysis using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end result registry database

Background

The therapeutic effect of lymph node dissection for pancreas invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) remains unclear. The study investigated whether cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) rates among invasive IPMN patients improve when more lymph nodes are harvested during surgery.

Study Design

The study cohort was retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The lymph node count was categorized into quartiles. The relationship between lymph node count and survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and a Cox proportional-hazards model. The stage migration was assessed by Chi-square tests. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize confounding variables between groups.

Results

In total, 1,080 patients with resected invasive IPMNs from 1992 to 2011 were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox models indicated that an increased lymph node count independently improves survival. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests identified 16 nodes as an optimal cut-off value that yielded a significant survival benefit for all invasive IPMN patients. The stage migration effect existed in this cohort. After PSM, the 5-year CSS increased from 36% to 47%, and the median survival rate increased from 30 months to 40 months by increasing the lymph node count to over 16, alone. The 5-year OS rate also provided additional support for this result.

Conclusion

Increased lymph node counts were associated with improved survival in invasive IPMN patients. One cut-off value of lymph node count was 16 for this improvement.

EZH2 is associated with malignant behavior in pancreatic IPMN via p27Kip1 downregulation

BACKGROUND

The epigenetic mechanism of tumorigenesis in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the role of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) alteration in pancreatic IPMN progression.

METHODS

Fifty-four surgically resected pancreatic IPMN specimens, including a total of 181 lesions (normal duct in 48, adenoma in 50, borderline atypia in 53, carcinoma in situ (CIS) in 19, and invasive carcinoma in 11) were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining (EZH2, Ki-67, p27Kip1). Using paraffin embedded sections, total RNA was successfully extracted from 20 IPMN lesions (borderline IPMN in 9, CIS in 6, invasive carcinoma in 5) and 7 pancreatic normal ducts, and then levels of EZH2 and p27Kip1 mRNA were analyzed by real time PCR.

RESULTS

In immunohistochemical analysis, cell proliferative activity revealed by Ki-67 positive nuclei was increased during IPMN progression (normal duct<adenoma<borderline atypia<CIS ≈ invasive carcinoma). EZH2 expression displayed a similar pattern (normal duct<adenoma<borderline atypia<CIS ≈ invasive carcinoma) with cell proliferative activity. EZH2 expression in malignant (CIS and invasive carcinoma) IPMNs was significantly higher than that in adenoma and borderline-atypia IPMNs. EZH2 expression level in IPMN lesions was positively correlated with the Ki-67 positive nuclear ratio (p<0.0001). EZH2-positive cells in malignant IPMN did not express p27Kip1. EZH2 mRNA expressions in malignant lesions were significantly higher than those in benign lesions (p<0.0001). In contrast, p27Kip1 mRNA in malignant lesions was significantly decreased compared to those in benign lesion (p<0.05), and there was an inverse correlation between EZH2 and p27Kip1 mRNA levels (p = 0.0109).

CONCLUSION

EZH2 is associated with the accelerated cell proliferation and malignant step in pancreatic IPMN via the downregulation of p27Kip1.

Incidentally detected cystic lesions of the pancreas on CT: review of literature and management suggestions

PURPOSE

To facilitate a better understanding of incidentally noted cystic pancreatic lesions, since these lesions often pose a challenge regarding appropriate management.

METHODS

This article reviews pathophysiology, prevalence, significance, and recommendations for management of the various pancreatic cystic lesions. Illustrative cases are demonstrated.

RESULTS

Diagnostic benign lesions can be left alone. Cross-sectional imaging can be used to follow-up benign appearing lesions and to stage more aggressive ones. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and cyst fluid analysis can be performed on certain indeterminate lesions. Lesions with high malignant potential should undergo resection.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the variety of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions can help direct appropriate management.

Diagnosis and management of cystic pancreatic lesions

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to outline the management guidelines for the care of patients with cystic pancreatic lesions.

CONCLUSION

The guidelines are as follows: Annual imaging surveillance is generally sufficient for benign serous cystadenomas smaller than 4 cm and for asymptomatic lesions. Asymptomatic thin-walled unilocular cystic lesions smaller than 3 cm or side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms should be followed up with CT or MRI at 6 and 12 months interval after detection. Cystic lesions with more complex features or with growth rates greater than 1 cm/year should be followed more closely or recommended for resection if the patient's condition allows surgery. Symptomatic cystic lesions, neoplasms with high malignant potential, and lesions larger than 3 cm should be referred for surgical evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy can be used preoperatively to assess the risk of malignancy.

Laparoscopic resection of pancreatic cystadenomas

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreatic resections have become increasingly frequent with good results reported by several centers. However, few studies have focused on laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic cystic lesions.

AIM

To analyze the results of minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic cystic lesions.

METHODS

Were included all laparoscopic pancreatic resections performed at three centers. Surgical procedures included resection of the pancreas and left enucleations (with or without splenectomy). The post-operative complications were classified according to the classification proposed by Clavien and Dindo6. The diagnosis of pancreatic fistula was confirmed if the amylase dosage of the drainage liquid in the third postoperative day was more than three times the amount of serum amylase.

RESULTS

Were performed 44 laparoscopic pancreatic resections. Fifteen patients underwent surgery for suspected pancreatic cystadenoma and 13 had this diagnosis confirmed. There were 12 women (92%), and the average age of patients was 50 years. Six patients had minor postoperative complications. There were five (38%) pancreatic fistulas, neither considered as severe (C), and only one patient required hospital readmission and radiological drainage. In this series, there were no conversions, reoperations, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective option for the treatment of pancreatic cystic lesions. The incidence of pancreatic fistula has good evolution and not diminishes the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Small (Sendai negative) branch-duct IPMNs: not harmless

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate existing management guidelines for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs).

BACKGROUND

According to current treatment guidelines (Sendai criteria), patients with asymptomatic branch-duct type IPMNs of the pancreas less than 3 cm in diameter without suspicious features in preoperative imaging should undergo conservative treatment with yearly follow-up examinations. Nevertheless, the risk of harboring malignancy or invasive cancer remains a significant matter of consequence.

METHODS

All patients who were surgically resected for branch-duct IPMNs between January 2004 and July 2010 at the University Clinic of Heidelberg were analyzed. Clinical characteristics of the patients and preoperative imaging were examined with regard to the size of the lesions, presence of mural nodules, thickening of the wall, dilation of the main pancreatic duct, and tumor markers. Results were correlated with histopathological features and were discussed with regard to the literature.

RESULTS

Among a total of 287 consecutively resected IPMNs, 123 branch-duct IPMNs were identified analyzing preoperative imaging. Some 69 branch-duct IPMNs were less than 3 cm in size, without mural nodules, thickening of the wall, or other features characteristic for malignancy ("Sendai negative"). Of all the Sendai negative branch-duct IPMNs, 24.6% (17/69) showed malignant features (invasive carcinoma or carcinoma in situ) upon histological examination of the surgical specimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Although many branch-duct IPMNs are small and asymptomatic, they harbor a significant risk of malignancy. We believe that both main-duct and branch-duct IPMNs represent premalignant lesions. This should be taken into account for adequate therapeutic management. With regard to these results, the current Sendai criteria for branch-duct IPMNs need to be adjusted.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with resected multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas are defined as mucin-producing neoplasms arising in the main pancreatic duct (main duct type), its major branches (branch duct type), or in both (mixed type). Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas can occur as a single collection of cysts or as multifocal lesions. While subtypes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas are well described in literature, little is known about the importance of multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas. This study evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with surgically resected, multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic features and preoperative imaging of patients resected for multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas defined as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas occurring in more than just 1 area, from January 2004 to July 2010 at the Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg were analyzed. Preoperative parameters, including number of cysts, cyst size, presence of nodules, and epidemiologic data, were assessed and compared to patients with unifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

RESULTS

Among 287 patients with resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas, 51 patients (17.8%) with multifocal cystic pancreatic lesions were identified by preoperative imaging. The median age of patients with multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas was ≥ 68 years (P = .002) compared to patients with unifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (median age, 64 years). Thirty-one multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas were of mixed type (60.8%), 15 of branch duct type (29.4%), and 5 of main duct type (9.8%). Histologically, 10 multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas had low-grade dysplasia (19.6%), 11 had moderate dysplasia (21.6%), 6 had high-grade dysplasia (11.8%), and 24 had invasive carcinoma (47.1%).

CONCLUSION

Most multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas involve the main pancreatic duct and synchronously its major side branches (mixed type). Patients with multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas present at an older age compared to patients with single cystic pancreatic neoplasm. The risk of harboring malignancy-nearly 60% in the present study-seems to be increased in patients with multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas compared to single lesions.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas--a surgical disease

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms are increasingly recognized, with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMNs) being the most frequently observed type. IPMNs are characterized by mucin production and epithelial growth within the pancreatic ducts, and are generally differentiated according to location: main pancreatic duct, its major side branches, or both (mixed type). IPMNs vary from benign to malignant and are considered precursor lesions of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, the exact time to neoplastic transformation and whether all IPMNs progress to malignant tumors is unclear. Surgical resection is warranted for all main-duct and mixed-type IPMNs (they harbor a high risk of malignancy of ~70%). By contrast, branch-duct IPMNs progress to cancer in only ~30% of cases. Thus, according to current guidelines (Sendai criteria), asymptomatic side-branch IPMNs <3 cm in size without suspicious radiological features (such as size progression) can be treated conservatively. Lately, even this approach has become controversial, owing to a number of Sendai-negative IPMNs showing malignant transformation. Although most IPMNs should be resected by standard oncological procedures (including lymphadenectomy), small Sendai-negative IPMNs can be treated with limited resections. This Review summarizes current knowledge of the treatment of IPMNs, with a particular focus on surgical approaches to this disease.

Plasma concentrations of angiogenetic factors and angiogenetic inhibitors in patients with ductal pancreatic neoplasms. A pilot study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and endostatin in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and in those with ductal adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females, mean age 69.3±11.3 years) were enrolled: 31 (51.7%) had IPMNs and 29 (48.3%) had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Thirty blood donors were also studied as controls. In all study subjects, the concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, and endostatin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-2 were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and those with IPMNs compared with healthy subjects, while endostatin was significantly higher only in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with healthy subjects. Within the group of patients, VEGFR-2 was significantly higher in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma compared to those with IPMNs. The sensitivity and the specificity of VEGFR-2 in differentiating patients with ductal adenocarcinomas from those with IPMN at a cut-off range of 4003-4034 pg/mL was 86.2% and 54.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IPMNs have serum VEGFR-2 concentrations different from those in patients with ductal adenocarcinomas. However, serum VEGFR-2 cannot be routinely utilized to differentiate IPMNs from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.

[Cystic tumors of the pancreas]

Cysts of the pancreas most often develop after chronic or acute inflammation of the pancreas. Cystic neoplasia of the pancreas have been increasingly recognized in clinical practice and 90% are represented by four types: serous microcystic (SCN), mucinous cystic (MCN), intraductal papillary-mucinous (IPMN) and solid pseudopapillary (SPN) neoplasia. IPMN is the most common form nowadays and main duct and branch duct types can be differentiated by morphology. This classification is of prognostic and therapeutic relevance. While main duct IPMNs have a high risk of malignant progression and resection is therefore recommended, branch duct IPMNs have a much lower risk of harboring malignancy. Small branch duct IPMNs (<2 cm) without symptoms or mural nodules can be managed by periodic surveillance. Recently, it has become clear that IPMN constitutes a heterogeneous group with at least four subtypes. Their stratification reveals that the various subtypes of IPMN have different biological properties with different prognostic implications, but the subclassification is usually not known prior to surgery. Moreover, even differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic cysts can be challenging. Clear indications for resection are local complications (jaundice or gastric outlet obstruction), large and increasing tumors, symptoms or secretion of mucinous fluid from the papilla of Vater.

Role of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen in distinguishing between benign and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas has malignant potential. Although serum levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are known to be raised in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, little has been reported about their significance in IPMN.

METHODS

Preoperative CA19-9 and CEA levels were measured in consecutive patients undergoing surgical resection for IPMN. Results were correlated with histopathological and clinical features.

RESULTS

In 142 patients, raised CEA and CA19-9 serum levels were significantly associated with invasiveness in both branch-duct and main-duct/mixed-type IPMN. Some 74 per cent of patients with an invasive IPMN had raised levels of CA19-9, compared with only 14 per cent who had non-invasive tumours. With a cut-off level of 37 units/ml, CA19-9 had a specificity of 85·9 per cent, a negative predictive value of 85·9 per cent, a positive predictive value of 74·0 per cent and accuracy of 81·7 per cent. Overall, 80 per cent of patients with an invasive IPMN had raised serum levels of CA19-9 and/or CEA compared with only 18 per cent of those with a non-invasive tumour (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

Serum CA19-9 is a useful non-invasive preoperative tool for differentiating between invasive and benign IPMN, and should be taken into account in the decision to offer surgery. Patients with an IPMN and positive tumour markers have a high risk of malignant disease.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are a heterogeneous group of pancreatic tumors that vary in pathophysiology, malignant potential, clinical course, and outcomes. Their management is heavily predicated on establishing an accurate diagnosis. This can be particularly challenging, but can often be achieved by a thorough history and physical examination combined with high-quality, thin-slice computed tomography, although additional diagnostic tools may be required. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment can range from simple observation to total pancreatectomy. This decision rests on a clear and complete understanding of each disease process in the context of the patient's age and comorbidities. This article reviews the most common cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, focusing on their diagnosis and management.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas have been recognized for almost 2 centuries, but the principles of management continue to evolve. Clinicians have a better understanding now of the diverse pathologies and behaviors of cystic neoplasms, and can characterize them more precisely into benign, malignant, and of uncertain potential in their manifestations. Treatment is dependent on accurate diagnosis and tailored to the potential aggressiveness of the lesion, the surgical fitness of the patient, and the probability of effecting long-term palliation or survival of the patient. In this article the authors review the classification based on the World Health Organization classification and the latest evidence-based literature of cystic neoplasms, and present their considerations for surgical management of the various lesions. A better understanding of the biologic potential of cystic neoplasms such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms allows for a more patient-specific evidence-based management plan.

Serum leptin, but not adiponectin and receptor for advanced glycation end products, is able to distinguish autoimmune pancreatitis from both chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

Serum leptin and adiponectin determinations have been proposed as markers for distinguishing pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis from autoimmune pancreatitis; however, no studies exist in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and in those with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), leptin and adiponectin in patients with chronic pancreatic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive patients with chronic pancreatic diseases (47 males, 28 females; mean age 67.0 +/- 13.2 years; range 37-97 years) were studied: six (8.0%) had autoimmune pancreatitis, 23 (30.7%) had chronic pancreatitis, 34 (45.3%) had pancreatic cancer and the remaining 12 (16.0%) had intraductal papillary mutinous tumors of the pancreas. Leptin, adiponectin and RAGE were determined in serum using commercially available kits. The leptin concentrations were normalized to the lower and upper reference limits because of the different gender reference ranges.

RESULTS

Normalized leptin concentrations were significantly lower in chronic pancreatitis patients (0.53 +/- 1.28; p = 0.008) and in those with pancreatic cancer (0.12 +/- 0.33; p < 0.001) compared to the overall population (0.58 +/- 1.23), whereas autoimmune pancreatitis patients had significantly higher concentrations of this protein (2.18 +/- 2.56; p = 0.004) compared to the overall population. RAGE and adiponectin concentrations were similar among the four groups of patients studied. Among the clinical variables considered, only pain was significantly related to leptin concentrations (patients with pain 0.18 +/- 0.54, patients without pain 1.07 +/- 1.64; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum leptin seems to be a good serum marker for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis patients from those with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Preemptive surgery for premalignant foregut lesions

INTRODUCTION

Preemptive surgery is the prophylactic removal of an organ at high risk for malignant transformation or the resection of a precancerous or "early" malignant neoplasm in an individual with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. Recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques have improved our understanding of the biologic behavior of these conditions. Predictive testing is an emerging field that attempts to assess the potential risk of cancer development in predisposed individuals. Despite substantial improvement in these forms of testing, all results are imperfect. This information often becomes an important tool that is used by healthcare providers to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of various risk modifying strategies (i.e., intensive surveillance or preemptive surgery).

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using Medline and the bibliographies of all referenced publications to identify articles relating to preemptive surgery for premalignant foregut lesions.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this review, we outline the controversies surrounding predictive risk assessment, surveillance strategies, and preemptive surgery in the management of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE), hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), bile duct cysts, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Resection of BE is supported by the progressive nature of the disease, the risk of occult carcinoma, and the lethality of esophageal cancer. Prophylactic total gastrectomy for HDGC appears reasonable in the absence of accurate screening tests but must be balanced by the impact of surgical complications and altered quality of life. Surgical resection of biliary cysts theoretically eliminates the exposed epithelium to decrease the lifetime risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Liver transplantation for PSC remains controversial given the scarcity of donor organs and inability to accurately identify high-risk individuals. Given the uncertain natural history of pancreatic cystic neoplasms, the merits of selective versus obligatory resection will continue to be debated.

CONCLUSIONS

Preemptive operations require optimal judgment and surgical precision to maximize function and enhance survival. Ultimately, balancing the risk of surgical intervention with less invasive interventions or observation must be individualized on a case-by-case basis.