Clinical outcomes of second-line therapy following disease progression on first-line modified FOLFIRINOX for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) is one of the standard first-line therapies in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC). However, there is no globally accepted second-line therapy following progression on mFOLFIRINOX.

METHODS

Patients with BRPC and LAPC (n = 647) treated with first-line mFOLFIRINOX between January 2017 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. The details of the treatment outcomes and patterns of subsequent therapy after mFOLFIRINOX were reviewed.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up duration of 44.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.3-47.6), 322 patients exhibited disease progression on mFOLFIRINOX-locoregional progression only in 177 patients (55.0%) and distant metastasis in 145 patients (45.0%). The locoregional progression group demonstrated significantly longer post-progression survival (PPS) than that of the distant metastasis group (10.1 vs. 7.3 months, p = 0.002). In the locoregional progression group, survival outcomes did not differ between second-line chemoradiation/radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy (progression-free survival with second-line therapy [PFS-2], 3.2 vs. 4.3 months; p = 0.649; PPS, 10.7 vs. 10.2 months; p = 0.791). In patients who received second-line systemic chemotherapy following progression on mFOLFIRINOX (n = 211), gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel was associated with better disease control rates (69.2% vs. 42.3%, p = 0.005) and PFS-2 (3.8 vs. 1.7 months, p = 0.035) than gemcitabine monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed the real-world practice pattern of subsequent therapy and clinical outcomes following progression on first-line mFOLFIRINOX in BRPC and LAPC. Further investigation is necessary to establish the optimal therapy after failure of mFOLFIRINOX.

REDISCOVER guidelines for borderline-resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: management algorithm, unanswered questions, and future perspectives

The REDISCOVER guidelines present 34 recommendations for the selection and perioperative care of borderline-resectable (BR-PDAC) and locally advanced ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (LA-PDAC). These guidelines represent a significant shift from previous approaches, prioritizing tumor biology over anatomical features as the primary indication for resection. Condensed herein, they provide a practical management algorithm for clinical practice. However, the guidelines also highlight the need to redefine LA-PDAC to align with modern treatment strategies and to solve some contradictions within the current definition, such as grouping "difficult" and "impossible" to resect tumors together. Furthermore, the REDISCOVER guidelines highlight several areas requiring urgent research. These include the resection of the superior mesenteric artery, the management strategies for patients with LA-PDAC who are fit for surgery but unable to receive multi-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the approach to patients with LA-PDAC who are fit for surgery but demonstrate high serum Ca 19.9 levels even after neoadjuvant treatment, and the optimal timing and number of chemotherapy cycles prior to surgery. Additionally, the role of primary chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in LA-PDAC, the timing of surgical resection post-neoadjuvant/primary chemoradiotherapy, the efficacy of ablation therapies, and the management of oligometastasis in patients with LA-PDAC warrant investigation. Given the limited evidence for many issues, refining existing management strategies is imperative. The establishment of the REDISCOVER registry ( https://rediscover.unipi.it/ ) offers promise of a unified research platform to advance understanding and improve the management of BR-PDAC and LA-PDAC.

Analysis of Plasma Circulating Tumor DNA in Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Modified FOLFIRINOX: Clinical Relevance of DNA Damage Repair Gene Alteration Detection

PURPOSE

There are no reliable biomarkers to guide treatment for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) in the neoadjuvant setting. We used plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing to search biomarkers for patients with BRPC receiving neoadjuvant mFOLFIRINOX in our phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02749136).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among the 44 patients enrolled in the trial, patients with plasma ctDNA sequencing at baseline or post-operation were included in this analysis. Plasma cell-free DNA isolation and sequencing were performed using the Guardant 360 assay. Detection of genomic alterations, including DNA damage repair (DDR) genes, were examined for correlations with survival.

RESULTS

Among the 44 patients, 28 patients had ctDNA sequencing data qualified for the analysis and were included in this study. Among the 25 patients with baseline plasma ctDNA data, 10 patients (40%) had alterations of DDR genes detected at baseline, inclu-ding ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2 and MLH1, and showed significantly better progression-free survival than those without such DDR gene alterations detected (median, 26.6 vs. 13.5 months; log-rank p=0.004). Patients with somatic KRAS mutations detected at baseline (n=6) had significantly worse overall survival (median, 8.5 months vs. not applicable; log-rank p=0.003) than those without. Among 13 patients with post-operative plasma ctDNA data, eight patients (61.5%) had detectable somatic alterations.

CONCLUSION

Detection of DDR gene mutations from plasma ctDNA at baseline was associated with better survival outcomes of pati-ents with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant mFOLFIRINOX and may be a prognostic biomarker.

Machine learning-based prediction of surgical benefit in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer

INTRODUCTION

Surgery represents a primary therapeutic approach for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LAPC). However, BR/LAPC lesions exhibit high heterogeneity and not all BR/LAPC patients who undergo surgery can derive beneficial outcomes. The present study aims to employ machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify those who would obtain benefits from the primary tumor surgery.

METHODS

We retrieved clinical data of patients with BR/LAPC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and classified them into surgery and non-surgery groups based on primary tumor surgery status. To eliminate confounding factors, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed. We hypothesized that patients who underwent surgery and had a longer median cancer-specific survival (CSS) than those who did not undergo surgery would certainly benefit from surgical intervention. Clinical and pathological features were utilized to construct six ML models, and model effectiveness was compared through measures such as the area under curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). We selected the best-performing algorithm (i.e., XGBoost) to predict postoperative benefits. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach was used to interpret the XGBoost model. Additionally, data from 53 Chinese patients prospectively collected was used for external validation of the model.

RESULTS

According to the results of the tenfold cross-validation in the training cohort, the XGBoost model yielded the best performance (AUC = 0.823, 95%CI 0.707-0.938). The internal (74.3% accuracy) and external (84.3% accuracy) validation demonstrated the generalizability of the model. The SHAP analysis provided explanations independent of the model, highlighting important factors related to postoperative survival benefits in BR/LAPC, with age, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy being the top three important factors.

CONCLUSION

By integrating of ML algorithms and clinical data, we have established a highly efficient model to facilitate clinical decision-making and assist clinicians in selecting the population that would benefit from surgery.

Predictive factors for survival in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: are these really two different entities?

BACKGROUND

The treatment of borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has evolved with a wider application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACHT). The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for survival in BR and LA PDAC.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data of patients with BR and LA PDAC who underwent surgical exploration between January 2011 and June 2021 were retrospectively collected. Survival from the date of surgery was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Simple and multiple Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to identify factors associated with survival. Surgical resection was analyzed in combination with the involvement of lymph nodes as this last was only known after a formal resection.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were surgically explored (BR: 45, LA: 45), of which 51 (57%) were resected (BR: 31, LA: 20). NACHT was administered to 43 patients with FOLFIRINOX being the most frequent regimen applied (33/43, 77%). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV) occurred in 7.8% of patients and 90-day mortality rate was 3.3%. The median overall survival since surgery was 16 months (95% CI 12-20) in the group which underwent surgical resection and 10 months (95% CI 7-13) in the group with an unresectable tumor (p=0.001). Cox proportional hazards models showed significantly lower mortality hazard for surgical resection compared to no surgical resection, even after adjusting for National Comprehensive Cancer Network  (NCCN) classification and administration of NACHT [surgical resection with involved lymph nodes vs no surgical resection (cHR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29-0.82; p=0.007)]. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with BR and LA disease (cHR= 1.01; 95% CI 0.63-1.62; p=0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection is the only predictor of survival in patients with BR and LA PDAC, regardless of their initial classification as BR or LA. Our results suggest that surgery should not be denied to patients with LA PDAC a priori. Prospective studies including patients from the moment of diagnosis are required to identify biologic and molecular markers which may allow a better selection of patients who will benefit from surgery.

Comparison the efficacy and safety of different neoadjuvant regimens for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To date, the optimal recommended specific neoadjuvant regimens for resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC or BRPC) remain an unanswered issue.

METHODS

We systematically searched the electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different neoadjuvant therapy strategies for RPC or BRPC. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Comprehensive analyses and evaluations were performed using the single-arm, paired, and network meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs involving 1279 patients with RPC or BRPC were enrolled. The paired meta-analysis showed that neoadjuvant therapy improved OS for both RPC (hazard ratio (HR) 0.69, 95% c.i. 0.54 to 0.87) and BRPC (HR 0.60, 0.42 to 0.86) compared with upfront surgery (UP-S). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) also improved OS for both RPC (HR 0.63, 0.47 to 0.85) and BRPC (HR 0.44, 0.27 to 0.71), while neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACR) improved OS only for BRPC (HR 0.68, 0.52 to 0.89) and not for RPC (HR 0.79, 0.54 to 1.16). Network meta-analysis found that NAC was superior to NACR in OS for RPC/BRPC (HR 0.58, 0.37 to 0.90). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on modified fluorouracil/folinic acid/irinotecan/oxaliplatin (NAC-mFFX) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on abraxane/gemcitabine (NAC-AG) ranked first and second in OS for RPC/BRPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RPC and BRPC could obtain OS benefits from neoadjuvant therapy compared with UP-S, and NAC improved OS both in RPC and BRPC while NACR only improved OS in BRPC. Furthermore, NAC was superior to NACR, and NAC-mFFX and NAC-AG might be recommended sequentially as the best neoadjuvant therapy strategies.

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.

A phase II study of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel/S-1 combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with arterial contact

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with arterial contact (BRPC-A) is extremely poor, and effective preoperative treatment is indispensable. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel and S-1 (GAS), for patients with BRPC-A.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre, single-arm, phase II study was performed. Patients were administered 1000 mg/m² gemcitabine on day 1, 125 mg/m² nab-paclitaxel on day 1 and 60-100 mg/day S-1 on days 1-7 during a 14-day cycle. Patients were then assessed for resectability and response to treatment after six cycles. The primary end-points were 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and median OS time (trial registration: jRCTs061180045, UMIN000016630).

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with BRPC-A were eligible for the present study. Six courses of neoadjuvant GAS regimen were completed in all eligible patients. The rate of grade III/IV toxicities occurred in 14 (30%) patients during the neoadjuvant GAS regimen. The response and disease control rates were 43% and 96%, respectively. Forty-five (96%) patients received potentially curative pancreatectomy, whereas two did not owing to disease progression. R0 resection was performed in 40 (86%) of 47 eligible patients. Eleven (24%) patients experienced postoperative major complications (>grade III), including one mortality. The 2-year OS rate and median OS time among 47 eligible patients were 70.1% and 41.0 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The neoadjuvant GAS chemotherapy regimen for BRPC-A showed good efficacy with mild toxicity, resulting in a high R0 resection rate and prolonged survival in patients with BRPC-A.

Superior Mesenteric Vein Resection Followed by Porto-Jejunal Anastomosis During Pancreatoduodenectomy for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer - A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pancreatic cancer represents the most lethal abdominal malignancy, the only chance for achieving an improvement in terms of survival being represented by radical surgery. Although it has been considered that venous invasion represents a contraindication for resection, recently it has been demonstrated that in regards to overall survival after radical resection, it is similar to the one reported after standard pancreatoduodenectomy.

CASE REPORT

A 53-year-old patient with no significant medical past was diagnosed with a borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma invading the superior mesenteric vein. The patient was submitted to pancreatoduodenectomy en bloc with superior mesenteric vein resection; the two jejunal veins were further anastomosed to the remnant portal vein. The postoperative outcome was favorable; the patient was discharged in the 10^th postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Although technically more demanding, pancreatoduodenectomy en bloc with superior mesenteric vein resection and jejunal portal anastomosis is feasible and might offer a chance for long-term survival in borderline pancreatic head carcinoma invading the superior mesenteric vein.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Certainties and controversies

Borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently a well-recognized entity, characterized by some specific anatomic, biological and conditional features: It includes patients with a stage of disease intermediate between the resectable and the locally advanced ones. The term BR identifies a tumour with an aggressive biological behaviour, on which a neoadjuvant approach instead of an upfront surgery one should be preferred, in order to obtain a radical resection (R0) and to avoid an early recurrence after surgery. Even if during the last decades several studies on this topic have been published, some aspects of BR-PDAC still represent a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to critically analyse the available literature on this topic, particularly focusing on: The problem of the heterogeneity of definition of BR-PDAC adopted, leading to a misinterpretation of published data; its current management (neoadjuvant vs upfront surgery); which neoadjuvant regimen should be preferably adopted; the problem of radiological restaging and the determination of resectability after neoadjuvant therapy; the post-operative outcomes after surgery; and the role and efficacy of adjuvant treatment for resected patients that already underwent neoadjuvant therapy.

Relationship between surgical R0 resectability and findings of peripancreatic vascular invasion on CT imaging after neoadjuvant S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Background

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is frequently associated with positive surgical margins and a poor prognosis because the tumor is in contact with major vessels. This study evaluated the relationship between the margin-negative (R0) resection rate and findings indicating peripancreatic vascular invasion on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in patients with BRPC.

Methods

Twenty-nine BRPC patients who underwent laparotomy after neoadjuvant S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy were studied retrospectively. Peripancreatic major vessel invasion was evaluated based on the length of tumor-vessel contact on MDCT. The R0 resection rates were compared between the progression of vascular invasion (PVI) group and the non-progression of vascular invasion (NVI) group.

Results

There were 3 patients with partial responses (10%), 25 with stable disease (86%), and 1 with progressive disease (3%) according to the RECISTv1.1 criteria. Regarding vascular invasion, 9 patients (31%) were classified as having PVI, and 20 patients (69%) were classified as having NVI. Of the 29 patients, 27 (93%) received an R0 resection, and all the PVI patients received an R0 resection (9/9; R0 resection rate = 100%) while 90% (18/20) of the NVI patients underwent an R0 resection. The exact 95% confidence interval of risk difference between those R0 resection rates was − 10.0% [− 31.7–20.4%].

Conclusions

Patients with BRPC after NACRT achieved high R0 resection rates regardless of the vascular invasion status. BRPC patients can undergo R0 resections unless progressive disease is observed after NACRT.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR, UMIN000009172. Registered 23 October 2012

[The Efficacy of 17 Cases of Pancreaticoduodenectomy Combined with Vascular Resection and Reconstruction by Using Robotic Operation System (with Video)]

Objective

To explore the clinical efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) combined with vascular resection and reconstruction under robotic surgery system in the treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 17 patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent PD combined with vascular resection and reconstruction (see the Video 1 in Supplemental Contents, http://ykxb.scu.edu.cn/article/doi/10.12182/20200760202) under robotic surgery system between August 2011 and September 2018 was analyzed retrospectively.

Results

There were 4 cases required conversion because of serious tumor invasion and soft pancreas texture, the other 13 cases were successfully completed. 16 cases (94%) achieved margin-negative resection (R0 resection), 14 cases combined with vein resection, and 3 cases combined with arterial resection. The mean operation time was (401±170) min, the mean blood loss was (647±345) mL, the mean postoperative length of hospital stay was (20±8) d. There was no perioperative death. Postoperative pathology findings and follow-up outcomes were as follows: 1 patient was diagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and 1 patient was diagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (Grade 1), 8 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). 1 patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) died because of tumor recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up period, the median (Min-Max) survival time was 12 (8-26) months. 5 patients with PDAC and 1 patient with malignant IPMN were currently in the follow-up period.

Conclusion

It is safe and feasible to perform RPD with vascular resection and reconstruction. The patient's condition should be fully evaluated before surgery to select the most appropriate treatment.

Neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer: an intention-to-treat analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to reassess the duration of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC).

METHODS

The medical records of patients with BRPC who received NAT before intended curative resection were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, clinicopathological factors, and prognostic factors for overall survival were analyzed. The serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level was examined monthly during NAT.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients with BRPC were enrolled. The median survival time and 5-year overall survival were 28.0 months and 31%, respectively. Three months after NAT, the CA19-9 levels were normal in 57% of the patients, and 92% underwent resection. Multivariate analysis showed that radiological partial response (hazard ratio (HR), 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26-0.99; p = 0.047); a normal CA19-9 level after NAT (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.66; p = 0.006); and tumor resection (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.67; p = 0.005) were independent predictors of better survival. The median CA19-9 level and the rate of normal CA19-9 levels before and after NAT were 256 (interquartile range (IQR), 23-1197) U/mL and 33%, and 27 (IQR, 7-176) U/mL and 57%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A normal CA19-9 level after NAT was an independent predictor of better survival in patients with BRPC. A longer NAT duration might contribute to improved prognosis of patients with elevated CA19-9 levels.

Outcomes of Patients with Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Combination Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer are at high risk of incomplete resection with upfront surgery. Currently, no standard induction chemotherapy regimen exists for these patients. Both FOLFIRINOX (5-FU, irinotecan, & oxaliplatin) and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) have shown better efficacy than gemcitabine alone in advanced pancreatic cancer. The current study aims to assess outcomes of real-world patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who received induction FOLFIRINOX or GnP.

METHODS

In this population-based multicenter retrospective cohort study, patients with biopsy-proven borderline resectable pancreatic cancer diagnosed from 2011 to 2017, in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, who received FOLFIRINOX or GnP were assessed. Kaplan Meier methods and log rank tests were performed for survival analyses.

RESULTS

Of 161 patients with pancreatic cancer who received FOLFIRINOX or GnP during the study period, 20 eligible patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer were identified. Ten patients each received FOLFIRINOX or GnP. Eleven patients had partial response (5, FOLFIRINOX; 6, GnP); 3 progressed during treatment. Five patients (4, FOLFIRINOX; 1, GnP; p = NS) underwent curative surgery. The median progression-free survival was 17 months in FOLFIRINOX (95% CI, 5.3-28.6) vs. 9 months (95% CI, 3.0-15) in GnP groups (p = 0.27). Overall, 80% patients in GnP vs. 40% in FOLFIRINOX died from progressive disease. The median overall survival has not been reached in FOLFIRINOX group versus 16 months (95% CI, 9.3-22.7) in GnP group (p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who received FOLFIRINOX tend to have better outcomes. Future studies are warranted to establish a preferred systemic therapy for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Enhances Local Postoperative Histopathological Tumour Stage in Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer - A Matched-Pair Analysis

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is established in the treatment of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma for downsizing borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and may affect nodal positivity and rates of R0 resection. This study aimed to identify the impact of NAC on postoperative histopathological parameters with a prognostic relevance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A one-to-three matched-pair analysis, including an overall total of 132 patients (25% treated with NAC and subsequent resection and 75% undergoing upfront surgery) was performed. Influence of NAC on nodal positivity, lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasion, as well as resection stage and grading, was examined. Furthermore, perioperative complications, in-hospital stay, re-admission rates, mortality, as well as preoperative body mass index and American Association of Anesthesiologist classification scores, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients treated with NAC significantly less frequently had lymphatic tissue invasion (lymph node invasion: 51.5% vs. 72.7%; p=0.032, and lymphatic vessel invasion 9.4% vs. 55.3%; p=0.0004), whereas vascular and perineural invasion, as well as grading and resection state were not significantly different. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 regression in correlation with nodal positivity also did not differ, and both groups showed comparable perioperative complication rates. Occurrence and severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula (18.2% vs. 24.3%; p=0.034) were significantly lower in patients who had undergone NAC.

CONCLUSION

NAC significantly affects postoperative histopathological tumour stage in BRPC and appears to be a safe treatment option without increased perioperative complications, re-admission, in-hospital stay, or mortality. Further studies are mandatory to underline the suitability of NAC for ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma subgroups in order to guide clinicians in their daily decision-making comprehensively.

Treatment of pancreatic cancer-neoadjuvant treatment in borderline resectable/locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently ranked fourth place of cancer related mortality. Only a minority of 10-20% of patients with PDAC have a primarily resectable disease, while 50-60% of the patients are diagnosed with irresectable disease. A certain group of patients is defined as "borderline resectable", which is mainly relied to contact of the tumor to major abdominal vessels. For preoperative evaluation of resectability CT and MRI is commonly used. Although CT-scanning, which is the standard preoperative imaging modality, has striking limitations concerning evaluation of lymph node status as well as vessel involvement and approximately 20% of the patients are staged incorrectly. A central part of modern therapy of locally advanced or not primarily resectable PDAC is neoadjuvant therapy. Especially neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFIRINOX protocol resulted in high resection rates of initially not resectable patients. Furthermore, treatment with FOLFIRINOX was shown to be an independent predictor of improved prognosis and resection after neoadjuvant treatment with FOLFIRINOX was associated with improved survival. Neoadjuvant treatment was able to increases the rates of R0 resection, which depicts an independent prognostic factor and FOLFIRINOX outmatched other treatment regimes (e.g., gemcitabine-based radio-chemotherapy) concerning achievement of a R0 resection. While most evidence of neoadjuvant treatment of PDAC is conferred by retrospective analysis, there is growing data from randomized controlled trials, confirming the beneficial effects of neoadjuvant therapy on the prognosis of PDAC. Thus, patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced PDAC should be evaluated for neoadjuvant treatment. If there is no progression of the disease during neoadjuvant treatment exploration with the goal of R0 resection should be performed. If possible, patients should be included in well-designed randomized controlled trials at specialized pancreatic centers.

Comparisons of different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens with or without stereotactic body radiation therapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: study protocol of a prospective, randomized phase II trial (BRPCNCC-1)

Background

Few patients with pancreatic cancer may be candidates for immediate surgical resection at the initial diagnosis. Even if patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC), micrometastases may occur before surgery. Therefore, neoadjuvant therapy is vital for improved survival, which has been confirmed in previous studies that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy provides superior overall compared with upfront surgery. However, question of whether the addition of radiotherapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can improve prognosis compared with chemotherapy alone is a challenging matter. Moreover, most of previous studies only adopted conventional radiotherapy as the neoadjuvant modality though stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been proven effective and commonly employed in pancreatic cancer. Also, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of S-1 as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for BRPC albeit similar prognosis has been found between S-1 and gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus SBRT results in better outcomes compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone and also compare the efficacy of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel with SBRT and S-1 plus nab-paclitaxel with SBRT.

Methods

Patients with biopsy and radiographically confirmed BRPC, no prior treatment and severe morbidities are enrolled. They will be randomly allocated into three groups: neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel with SBRT and neoadjuvant S-1 plus nab-paclitaxel with SBRT. Standard doses of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel are used. The radiation dose of SBRT is 7.5-8Gy/f for 5 fractions. Surgical resection will be performed 3 weeks after SBRT. Artery first approach pancreaticoduodenectomy or radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy will be used for the tumor in the head or body and tail of the pancreas, respectively. The primary endpoint is overall survival. The secondary outcomes are disease free survival, pathological complete response rate, R0 resection rate and incidence of adverse effects.

Discussion

If results show the survival benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus SBRT and similar outcomes between S-1 and gemcitabine, it may provide evidence of clinical practice of this modality for BRPC.

Trial registration

The study has been registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03777462).

The clinical impact of portal venous patency ratio on prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing pancreatectomy with combined resection of portal vein following preoperative chemoradiotherapy

We analyzed the significance of portal vein (PV) patency ratio (minimum diameter/maximum diameter) during preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on the outcomes of patients with pancreatic-ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

The 261 PDAC patients had been prospectively registered to our CRT protocol (Gemcitabine or S1+Gemcitabine) from 2005 to 2015. Among them, the subjects were the 84 PDAC- patients with preoperative PV contact who underwent pancreatectomy with PV resection.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of all 84 patients were 44% and 39%, respectively. Pathological PV invasion (pPV) was seen in 22, and PV patency ratio after CRT (cut-off:0.62) was most relevant factor to predict pPV (sensitivity:54.8%, specificity:91.9%, accuracy:81.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that PV patency ratio after CRT and improvement of PV patency ratio were selected as independent prognostic indicators. The 3- and 5-year DSS in 39 patients with PV patency ratio after CRT >0.6 were significantly higher than those in 45 patients <0.6: 65% and 60% vs. 24% and 20% (p = 0.0001). The patients with PV patency ratio >0.6, were significantly associated with the lower incidence of pPV, higher response for CRT, and better R0 resection rate. Even when severe PV strictures were seen before CRT, DSS of the patients whose PV patency ratio had recovered after CRT was excellent compared with those without improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The PV patency ratio and its improvement are new prognostic indicators for PDAC treated with preoperative CRT. Even when PV was severely constricted, patients could obtain favorable outcomes, if its patency had recovered after CRT.

MAPLE-PD trial (Mesenteric Approach vs. Conventional Approach for Pancreatic Cancer during Pancreaticoduodenectomy): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 354 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background

The mesenteric approach is an artery-first approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer, which starts with the dissection of connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery. The procedure aims for early confirmation of resectability by checking the surgical margin around the superior mesenteric artery first during the operation. It also aims to decrease intraoperative blood loss by early ligation of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and to increase R0 rate by complete clearance of the lymph nodes around the superior mesenteric artery and pancreatic head plexus II, the most favorable positive margin site for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, it aims to avoid the spread of cancer cells during operation (nontouch isolation technique). The MAPLE-PD (Mesenteric Approach vs. Conventional Approach for Pancreatic Cancer during Pancreaticoduodenectomy) trial investigates whether the mesenteric approach can prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy compared with the conventional approach.

Methods/design

The MAPLE-PD trial is a Japanese multicenter randomized controlled trial that compares the surgical outcomes between the mesenteric and conventional approaches to pancreaticoduodenectomy. Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma scheduled to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy are randomized before operation to either a conventional approach (arm A) or a mesenteric approach (arm B). In arm A, the operation starts with Kocher’s maneuver. At the final step of the removal procedure, the connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery are dissected. In arm B, the operation starts with dissection of the connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery and ends with Kocher’s maneuver. In total, 354 patients from 15 Japanese high-volume centers will be randomized. The primary endpoint is overall survival by intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary endpoints include intraoperative blood loss, R0 rate, and recurrence-free survival.

Discussion

If the MAPLE-PD trial shows the oncological benefits of the mesenteric approach for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, this procedure may become a standard approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03317886. Registered on 23 October 2017.

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000029615. Registered on 15 January 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

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Neoadjuvant Treatment for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

One of the main reasons for the dismal prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its late diagnosis. At the time of presentation, only approximately 15-20% of all patients with PDAC are considered resectable and around 30% are considered borderline resectable. A surgical approach, which is the only curative option, is limited in borderline resectable patients by local involvement of surrounding structures. In borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC), neoadjuvant treatment regimens have been introduced with the rationale to downstage and downsize the tumor in order to enable resection and eliminate -microscopic distant metastases. However, there are no official guidelines for the preoperative treatment of BRPC. In the majority of cases, patients are administered -Gemcitabine-based or FOLFIRINOX-based chemotherapy regimens with or without radiation. Radiologic restaging after neoadjuvant therapy has to be judged with caution when it comes to predict tumor response and resectability, since inflammation induced by neoadjuvant therapy may mimic solid tumor. Patients who do not show any disease progression during neoadjuvant therapy should be offered surgical exploration, since a high percentage is likely to undergo resection with negative margins (R0) and, thus, achieve improved overall survival although imaging judged it unlikely. Despite the promising new approaches of neoadjuvant treatment regimens during the last 2 decades, surgery remains the first choice if the tumor appears to be primary resectable at the time of diagnosis. At present, there are no international guidelines regarding the preoperative treatment of BRPC. Therefore, in order to standardize and adjust neoadjuvant treatment in the future, new guidelines have to be determined on the basis of upcoming prospective randomized studies.

Irreversible Electroporation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Is there a role in conjunction with conventional treatment?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rapidly increasing. Up to 30% of patients present with locally advanced disease and therefore are not candidates for surgery. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is an emerging entity lacking in level III evidence-based recommendations for its treatment. Currently, systemic chemotherapy is the main treatment for LAPC. However, due to lack of response or disease progression, downsizing of the tumour, making it resectable is successful in only a small proportion of patients. Radiotherapy is often advocated to improve local disease control if there is stability following chemotherapy. Recently, Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), a novel non-thermal ablation technique, has been proposed for the treatment of LAPC.

AIMS AND METHODS

This narrative review aims to explore the potential role and timing for the use of IRE in patients with LAPC.

RESULTS

To date, there is limited and inconsistent level I and II evidence available in the literature regarding the use of IRE for the treatment of PDAC.

DISCUSSION

Although some of the preliminary experience of the use of IRE in patients with LAPC is encouraging, it should only be used after conventional evidence-based treatments and/or within the research context.

Re-Operative Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Challenges and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) is a high-volume centre for pancreatic tumour resections. We found a continually increasing referral of pancreatic tumours for re-evaluation for surgery, after an initial unsuccessful attempt at resection.

AIM

To evaluate reasons of initial in-operability, the feasibility of re-operative pancreatico-duodenectomy (R-PD) and short- and long-term outcomes after R-PD.

METHODS

Data was collected from a prospective database of GI and hepato-pancreato-biliary service, TMC, Mumbai from January 2008 to December 2016.

RESULTS

Forty patients with periampullary/pancreatic head tumours were referred to us after exploration. Thirty were planned for re-exploration, of whom 25 patients underwent successful R-PD, either upfront (n = 12) or after neo-adjuvant therapy (n = 13). Twenty were adenocarcinomas, 5 had other histologies. Majority of the patients were deemed inoperable in view of suspected vascular involvement at the time of initial surgery (68%). R0 resection was achieved in 90% of adenocarcinoma cases (n = 18). Postoperative major morbidity was 20% and mortality was 4% (n = 1). The estimated 1-, 2- and 5-year survival for those with adenocarcinoma was 83, 71.2, and 29.9% respectively.

CONCLUSION

R-PD is safe and should be performed in experienced centres and can achieve long-term outcomes, comparable to conventional PD. The most common reason for denying resection at initial surgery was suspected or perceived vascular involvement.

Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Therapy in the Treatment in Pancreatic Malignancies: Where Are We?

Since the advent of modern surgery for pancreatic cancer, clinicians have recognized this cancer's propensity to recur locally, metastasize, and cause death. Despite significant efforts to improve patient outcomes with better adjuvant therapy, only modest gains in survival have been observed. An alternative strategy of neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery has the potential to improve patient selection and survival, and expand the pool of patients eligible for curative surgery. This article summarizes large, randomized trials of adjuvant therapy, explains the limitations imposed by up-front surgery, and suggests neoadjuvant therapy as a rational alternative to initial surgery and adjuvant therapy.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine Therapy on Overall Survival in Patients with Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Phase II Trial (NAC-GA Trial)

We conducted a prospective multicenter phase II trial of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma to investigate the efficacy of neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy on overall survival (OS). The clinical trial primarily evaluated OS time from the first day of protocol therapy as a primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were recurrence-free survival from the first day of protocol therapy, safety of the protocol therapy (adverse effect), morbidity based on the Clavien Dindo classification of more than III, response rate, preoperative/postoperative tumor marker (CA 19-9, CEA), rate of normalization, reduction rate of the maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (limited to institutions where positron emission tomography-computed tomography was available), chemotherapeutic effect grade based on Evans' classification, resection rate, R0 resection rate, surgical data (operative time, blood loss, transfusion, postoperative hospital day), overall morbidity rates (reoperation, rate of readmission, mortality), patient rate in postoperative adjuvant therapy (entry rate, completion rate), dose intensity, quality of life regarding fatigue and malaise assessed by the questionnaire of FACIT-F (Japanese version), and peripheral sensory neuropathy assessed by the questionnaire of the FACT/GOG-NTX subscale (version 4; Japanese version). Sixty patients were included in the study, and 18 leading Japanese institutions and hospitals (all high-volume centers in pancreatic surgery) participated in this trial.

Extended Pancreatectomy: Does It Have a Role in the Contemporary Management of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is a low-incident but highly mortal disease. Surgery is still the preferred treatment option for resectable pancreatic cancer as it offers the only realistic chance for cure. As many patients present with locally advanced disease, which is generally considered as not amenable to surgical treatment, it is important to know the limits of surgical therapy in this disease.

METHODS

In this review, the indication and outcomes of extended pancreatectomies as well as the alternative treatment options for locally advanced pancreatic cancer are described. Furthermore, controversies as well as ongoing and future directions for the treatment options of locally advanced pancreatic cancer are discussed.

RESULTS

Extended pancreatectomy can be performed with higher morbidity and mortality rates in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer compared to patients undergoing formal pancreatic resections. These procedures offer significant advantages with respect to both perioperative results and to long-term outcome when compared to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Due to the higher morbidity and mortality rates, these operations should be limited to specialist units with great experience in pancreatic surgery as well as experience in peri- and post-operative management of patients with pancreatic diseases.

Definition and Management of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma seek potentially curative treatment, but this group represents a spectrum of disease. Patients with borderline resectable primary tumors are a unique subset whose successful therapy requires a care team with expertise in medical care, imaging, surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. This team must identify patients with borderline tumors then carefully prescribe and execute a combined treatment strategy with the highest possibility of cure. This article addresses the issues of clinical evaluation, imaging techniques, and criteria, as well as multidisciplinary treatment of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Modified total meso-pancreatoduodenum excision with pancreaticoduodenectomy as a mesopancreatic plane surgery in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

A superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach has been considered to be an efficient technique in pancreaticoduodenectomy when the SMA is a factor of borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer (BRPHC). However, this excellent procedure has limitations in terms of tumor resection with an intact coverage including the pancreatic tumor and the tumor-draining lymphovascular systems and the ability to achieve a complete regional lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

A modified mesenteric plane procedure has been developed that provides improved regional lymphadenectomy and permits adjustment of the surgical approach, which is based on the direction of the tumor infiltration.

RESULTS

Of 55 patients taken to surgery, 19 had peritoneal dissemination and/or liver metastasis at staging laparoscopy, and the procedure revealed tumor infiltration to the SMA and/or hepatic artery (HA) in 4 patients. Finally, 32 patients with BRPHC have undergone the procedure between April 2009 and June 2015. Twenty-four of 32 patients (75.0%) had negative resection margins, and the median number of lymph nodes harvested was 34. Lymph nodes around the SMA tested positive for metastasis in 13 patients (40.6%), and those around the HA tested positive for metastasis in 7 patients (21.9%). Complications occurred in 14 patients (43.7%), with no perioperative mortality. Overall survival rates were 65.3% at 1 year and 35.2% at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term results with the procedure may encourage surgical management for BRPHC.

Concurrent gemcitabine+S-1 neoadjuvant chemotherapy contributes to the improved survival of patients with small borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer tumors

PURPOSES

In the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer, margin-negative status is one of the most important determinants of survival. We conducted this study to explore surgical margin status as well as other factors affecting the survival of borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1.

METHODS

Eighteen BRPC patients were prospectively treated with concurrent gemcitabine and S-1 neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC+) and 15 of these patients underwent resection. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of this treatment regimen by comparing the outcomes of these patients with those of 19 BRPC patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC-) during the same period.

RESULTS

Fifteen (83 %) of the NAC+ patients underwent pancreatectomy. The remaining three patients (17 %) had regional tumor progression or liver metastasis. Of the 15 NAC+ patients who underwent resection, 3 (20 %) had margin-positive status, whereas 9 of the 19 (43 %) NAC- patients had margin-positive status (p = 0.002). However, disease-free survival and overall survival were similar in the two groups (MST 21.7 vs. 21.1 months). NAC+ patients with tumors smaller than 30 mm had favorable overall survival (MST 43.9 vs. 23.1 months, p = 0.0321). Most recurrences developed at distant sites rather than locally in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the neoadjuvant setting, gemcitabine and S-1 improved the negative surgical margin rate in BRPC patients, but it did not improve survival. Thus, neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be given to BRPC patients at an earlier stage.

Full dose neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX is associated with prolonged survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of FOLFIRINOX for metastatic pancreatic cancer has led to its use in patients with earlier stages of disease. This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with locally-advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with FOLFIRINOX.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2013, 51 treatment-naïve patients with LAPC at a single institution received first-line FOLFIRINOX with neoadjuvant intent, at the full dose as described in the PRODIGE 4/ACCORD 11 study. Combined chemoradiation was administered for those who remained unresectable after maximum response to chemotherapy. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS), and secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and margin-negative (R0) resection rate, and toxicity profile.

RESULTS

A total of 429 cycles of FOLFIRINOX were given with a median of 8 cycles (range 2-29) per patient; 66% of cycles were full dose. After chemotherapy, 27 (53%) received chemoradiation. The median OS was 35.4 months (95% CI 25.8-45). Ten (4 borderline resectable and 6 unresectable) patients had successful R0 resections; those who had R0 resections had a significantly longer survival than those who did not (3-year OS rate 67% versus 21%, log rank p = 0.042). Increasing number of full-dose cycles was significantly associated with increased survival. The toxicity profile was similar to previous reports of this regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

FOLFIRINOX is feasible as neoadjuvant therapy for LAPC. Although the R0 resection rate was only 20%, the median OS of almost 3 years appears promising. Dose intensity and duration were associated with increased survival in this study, arguing against dose attenuated versions of this regimen.

A case of successful resection after FOLFIRINOX in a patient with borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC), one of the most aggressive human neoplasms, continues to have an exceedingly poor prognosis. With the advance of diagnostic techniques, a distinct subset of pancreatic cancer labeled "borderline resectable pancreatic cancer" has emerged. Optimal treatment of this disease with a multidisciplinary approach including neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy remains controversial. We describe a case of borderline resectable PAC treated with FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and leucovorin) followed by successful pancreaticoduodenectomy. CT scan demonstrated a pancreatic head tumor attached to the superior mesenteric artery, subsequent to which the patient received FOLFIRINOX. Follow-up images showed no lymph node involvement or metastatic disease, suggesting that radical surgery would be curative. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with negative margins and was subsequently diagnosed as Stage III (T3N0M0). Though requiring precise case selection and toxicity management, recent literature suggests that FOLFIRINOX is an effective neoadjuvant regimen in the setting of borderline resectable PAC.

Tips and tricks of the surgical technique for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: mesenteric approach and modified distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis resection

Borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancer involves the portal vein and/or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV), major arteries including the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or common hepatic artery (CHA), and sometimes includes the involvement of the celiac axis. We herein describe tips and tricks for a surgical technique with video assistance, which may increase the R0 rates and decrease the mortality and morbidity for BR pancreatic cancer patients. First, we describe the techniques used for the "artery-first" approach for BR pancreatic cancer with involvement of the PV/SMV and/or SMA. Next, we describe the techniques used for distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) and tips for decreasing the delayed gastric emptying (DGE) rates for advanced pancreatic body cancer. The mesenteric approach, followed by the dissection of posterior tissues of the SMV and SMA, is a feasible procedure to obtain R0 rates and decrease the mortality and morbidity, and the combination of this aggressive procedure and adjuvant chemo(radiation) therapy may improve the survival of BR pancreatic cancer patients. The DP-CAR procedure may increase the R0 rates for pancreatic cancer patients with involvement within 10 mm from the root of the splenic artery, as well as the CHA or celiac axis, and preserving the left gastric artery may lead to a decrease in the DGE rates in cases where there is more than 10 mm between the tumor edge and the root of the left gastric artery. The development of safer surgical procedures is necessary to improve the survival of BR pancreatic cancer patients.

Selection criteria in resectable pancreatic cancer: A biological and morphological approach

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains one of the most aggressive tumors with a low rate of survival. Surgery is the only curative treatment for PDA, although only 20% of patients are resectable at diagnosis. During the last decade there was an improvement in survival in patients affected by PDA, possibly explained by the advances in cancer therapy and by improve patient selection by pancreatic surgeons. It is necessary to select patients not only on the basis of surgical resectability, but also on the basis of the biological nature of the tumor. Specific preoperative criteria can be identified in order to select patients who will benefit from surgical resection. Duration of symptoms and level of carbohydrate antigen 19.9 in resectable disease should be considered to avoid R1 resection and early relapse. Radiological assessment can help surgeons to distinguish resectable disease from borderline resectable disease and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Better patient selection can increase survival rate and neoadjuvant treatment can help surgeons select patients who will benefit from surgery.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Definitions and management

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. While surgical resection remains the only curative option, more than 80% of patients present with unresectable disease. Unfortunately, even among those who undergo resection, the reported median survival is 15-23 mo, with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. Disappointingly, over the past several decades, despite improvements in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and chemotherapeutic options, only modest improvements in survival have been realized. Nevertheless, it remains clear that surgical resection is a prerequisite for achieving long-term survival and cure. There is now emerging consensus that a subgroup of patients, previously considered poor candidates for resection because of the relationship of their primary tumor to surrounding vasculature, may benefit from resection, particularly when preceded by neoadjuvant therapy. This stage of disease, termed borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, has become of increasing interest and is now the focus of a multi-institutional clinical trial. Here we outline the history, progress, current treatment recommendations, and future directions for research in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy therapy in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, but surgical outcomes for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) are generally poor because of the complexity of the surgery and the advanced nature of the tumor. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) in BRPC patients could improve surgical outcome.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes for patients who underwent surgery for BRPC with (CCRT (+) group) and without neoadjuvant treatment (CCRT (-) group) were retrospectively compared. Treatment outcomes measured included overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were included in the CCRT (+) group and 21 patients in the CCRT (-) group. Baseline characteristics were not different before CCRT, but pathological examination after resection revealed reduced tumor size and a lower neurovascular invasion rate in the CCRT (+) group. Overall median survival time was 45.0 months in the CCRT (+) group and 23.5 months in the CCRT (-) group (p = 0.045). The CCRT (+) group had a lower recurrence rate (50.0% vs. 81.0%; p = 0.024) and a longer median disease-free survival period (21.0 months vs. 10.6 months; p = 0.004) than the CCRT (-) group. Perioperative complication rates were not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy combined with surgical resection yielded better treatment outcomes in patients with BRPC compared with surgery alone. Further larger prospective clinical trials with well defined enrollment criteria and treatment plan are needed.