Surgical treatment of metastatic tumors to the pancreas: a single center experience and review of the literature

Computed Tomography Angiography of the Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Splenic Circulation

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) has become a routine imaging tool to assess visceral vascular anatomy and abdominal parenchymal pathology. Enhanced temporal resolution and rapid acquisition allow for precise delineation of arterial and venous anatomy. The excellent spatial resolution permits assessment of small parenchyma lesions and vasculature. The ability of CT to rapidly acquire data and reconstruct with thinner slices allows robust 3D mapping using maximum intensity projection before definitive surgical or interventional therapy. Emerging novel techniques of image acquisition offer sensitive methods for detecting enhancement and allow for virtual imaging subtraction, all while limiting the total radiation burden.

Effect of glandular metastases on overall survival of patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma in the antiangiogenic therapy era

BACKGROUND

Glandular metastases (GMs) (pancreas, breast, parotid, thyroid, or contralateral adrenal) are rare in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). In a multicenter study we have assessed outcome from mccRCC with or without GMs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with mccRCC and GM or non-GM (NGM) at first presentation of mccRCC, treated at 9 European centers (5 French, 3 UK, and 1 Belgian centers) between January 2004 and October 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Association between overall survival (OS) and site of metastases was assessed using the log-rank test for univariate analysis and the chi-square test for multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

In all, 138 patients with GM mccRCC and 420 with NGM mccRCC were included; 37.2% patients with GM had Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)-favorable risk vs. 18% NGM patients; 10.7% patients with GM had MSKCC-poor risk vs. 27% NGM patients (P<0.0001). Median interval from metastases to treatment was 4.2 months (range: 0-221.3mo). Median OS was 61.5 months (51.4-81.6mo) for GM and 37.4 months (31.3-42mo) for NGM (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.2, P<0.001). In univariate OS analysis, age, delay between initial diagnosis and metastases, MSKCC, bone/lung metastases, and GM or NGM group were significant parameters (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, adjusted according to MSKCC risk group, NGM vs. GM was a strong prognostic factor (HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.0-1.8, P=0.026); bone or liver metastases were also significant (HR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.7, P<0.02; HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1-1.7, P<0.02, respectively). Even in patients without bone or liver metastases, GM status was significant (HR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2-2.7, P<0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This large retrospective study shows that the presence of at least 1 GM site in development of mccRCC was associated with a significantly longer OS. The presence of GMs vs. NGM disease was an independent prognostic factor for survival irrespective of the presence or absence of bone or liver metastases. This finding could affect daily practice in which patients with mccRCC and GMs should receive more aggressive treatment with a potential for long-term survival. The causal mechanisms for this improved prognosis in GM mccRCC would be evaluated in translational studies.

Metastases to the Pancreas Encountered on Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided, Fine-Needle Aspiration

Metastatic lesions in the pancreas are very uncommon and may be difficult to differentiate from the more commonly encountered primary neoplasms derived from the exocrine and endocrine pancreas because of the significant overlap in clinical presentation, imaging, and cytologic features. Metastasis to the pancreas may occur years after treatment of the primary neoplasm and is often not considered on initial evaluation because of the rarity of such events. The possibility of a metastasis to the pancreas should be entertained in patients with any prior history of malignancy because a proper diagnosis is essential in identifying surgical candidates, or avoiding potentially unnecessary surgery and facilitating triage to more appropriate nonoperative therapy. Herein, we describe intrapancreatic metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and lung carcinoma, as documented by cytologic examination of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the pancreatic masses.

Pretest prediction and diagnosis of metastatic lesions to the pancreas by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Early diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs) enables prompt treatment. The study aims to identify factors differentiating metastatic lesion to the pancreas (PMET) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study at a tertiary cancer center. Consecutive patients referred for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of SPLs from 2004 to 2011 were reviewed. The main outcomes were pre-EUS-FNA (endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration) predictors and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for PMETs.

RESULTS

Among a total of 1108 EUS-FNAs for pancreatic lesions, 672 patients had neoplastic SPLs (PMETs = 53; PDACs = 528, PNETs = 91). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of EUS-FNA for diagnosis of PMETs were 84.9%, 100%, 100%, and 98.8%, respectively. The mean number of EUS-FNA passes for diagnosis of PMET was 3.1 per patient. For each endosonographer, preceding 3-year EUS volume (mean/year) significantly correlated with fewer needle passes (rs [-0.30], P = 0.03). The most common PMET was renal cell carcinoma. Stratified multivariate analyses were performed. Compared with patients with PDACs, PMETs were more common in men (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-4.0); located in the pancreatic tail (OR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.1-5.2); and were less likely with increasing age (OR = 0.95; 95%CI = 0.92-0.99), presence of major symptoms (abdomen pain/diarrhea/weight loss; OR = 0.2; 95%CI = 0.1-0.4), elevated bilirubin (OR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.13-0.69), and imaging evidence of arterial invasion (OR = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.03-0.67). Compared with PNETs, PMETs were more common with increase age (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.02-1.08) and increasing lesion size (OR = 1.03; 95%CI = 1.0-1.1), and were less likely in patients with diabetes (OR = 0.34; 95%CI = 0.11-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Among the largest numbers of neoplastic SPLs evaluated at a single center, pre-test features reliably characterize, and EUS-FNA provides a highly specific diagnosis of PMETs.

A case report of a solitary pancreatic metastasis of an adrenocortical carcinoma

Background

Solitary metastases to the pancreas are rare. Therefore the value of resection in curative intention remains unclear. In the literature there are several promising reports about resection of solitary metastasis to the pancreas mainly of renal origin.

Case presentation

Here we report for the first time on the surgical therapy of a 1.5 cm solitary pancreatic metastasis of an adrenocortical carcinoma. The metastasis occurred almost 6 years after resection of the primary tumor. A partial pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and postoperatively adjuvant mitotane treatment was initiated. During the follow-up of 3 years after surgery no evidence of tumor recurrence occurred.

Conclusion

Resection of pancreatic tumors should be considered, even if the mass is suspicious for metastatic disease including recurrence of adrenocortical cancer.

Outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with metastatic cancer

Backgrounds/Aims

Metastatic cancer of pancreas is rarely resectable. Pancreaticoduodenectomy carries high risks of morbidities and mortalities that it is rarely performed for metastatic cancer. In this study, the clinical features and outcomes of metastatic cancer of pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy were reviewed and analyzed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent pancreaticoduodectomy from January 2000 to December 2012 in Samsung Medical Center. A total of 1045 patients were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were patients who had metachronous lesions with tumors histologically confirmed as metastatic cancer. However, patients with tumors directly invaded pancreas head, bile duct, and duodenum were excluded from this study. Finally, a total of 12 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy due to metastatic cancer were used in this study. Clinicopathologic features and perioperative data of these 12 patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The 12 patients included 6 females and 6 males who had metastatic lesions at pancreas head, duodenum 2nd-3rd portion, and distal common bile duct. The mean age of patients was 62.7 years old at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy. The interval between the time of the first operation for primary cancer and pancreaticoduodenectomy was 67.7 months. The mean survival time after pancreaticoduodectomy was 38.6 months (range, 12 to 119 months). There was no fatal complication after the surgery.

Conclusions

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is becoming a safer procedure with less complication compared to the past. Patients with recurrent metastatic cancer should be considered for metastectomy if tumors are resectable. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered as one main treatment for patients with recurrent metastatic cancer to offer a chance of long-term survival in selected patients.

Metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A systematic review of literature and a new functional concept

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic cancer, especially Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, is still associated with a high mortality and morbidity for affected patients notwithstanding considerable progresses in diagnosis and both surgical pharmacological therapy. Despite metastases from colorectal, gastric and neuroendocrine primary tumor and their treatment are widely reported, the literature has been rarely investigated the impact of localization and numbers of pancreatic metastases. This study performed a systematic analysis of the most recent scientific literature on the natural history of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma focusing attention on the role that the "M" parameter has on a possible prognostic stratification of these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched for relevant articles on these issue.

RESULTS

Initial database searches yielded 7231 studies from PubMed and 29101 from Science Direct. We evaluated 1031 eligible full text articles.

CONCLUSIONS

An updated insight into the world of Pancreatic Tumors might help physicians in better evaluating mechanisms of metastases, patients selection and survival and in programming appropriate interventions to modify the worst outcomes of advanced disease.

(18)F-FDG-PET/CT findings in pancreatic metastasis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings and pattern of FDG uptake in pancreatic metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 19 consecutive patients (26 lesions) with histologically or clinically confirmed pancreatic metastases who had undergone (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were enrolled in this retrospective study. Among the 19 patients, 14 patients underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT). The location, size and FDG uptake patterns of the pancreatic lesions were recorded. Metabolic activity by means of maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) was measured by drawing regions of interest at the site of pancreatic lesions. Twenty pancreatic cancer patients were included in this study as comparative data analysis. The difference of SUVmax between pancreatic metastases and primary pancreatic cancer were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Three different patterns of FDG uptake could be distinguished in the pancreatic metastatic lesions, including focal nodule or mass, multiple foci and segmental lesion with high FDG uptake. The average SUVmax in pancreatic metastases was 7.8 ± 6.9 versus 7.4 ± 3.9 in primary pancreatic cancer (P = 0.987 > 0.05). Four intrapancreatic isodense nodules in three patients were undetected on ceCT.

CONCLUSION

The described patterns of FDG uptake findings may be helpful for a better characterisation of pancreatic metastases although semiquantitative analysis using SUVmax could not be used as a criterion for differentiating pancreatic metastases from primary pancreatic cancer. FDG-PET/CT has also an advantage in detecting unsuspected pancreatic metastases which cannot be detected by ceCT imaging. Thus, it is a useful adjunct to the described features on CT.

Synchronous distal pancreatic metastatic lesion arising from colonic adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review

Solitary metastatic pancreatic lesions comprise 0.5% to 3% of all pancreas neoplasms, most commonly arising from primary tumors of the kidney, lung, or colon. Synchronous metastatic pancreatic lesions are exceptionally rare. Only 25 cases of isolated colorectal pancreatic metastasis amenable to resection have been reported, 11 of those in the distal pancreas. To our knowledge we report the first case of a primary colonic malignancy with a synchronous distal pancreatic metastatic lesion treated with resection.

Solitary pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma 6 years after nephrectomy

Metastatic cancer to the pancreas is rare and accounts for less than 2% of all pancreatic malignancies. Renal cell cancer, malignant melanoma, lung, colon and breast carcinoma are among the few tumors known to metastasize to the pancreas. The pancreas is a rare site of solitary metastasis, but it is often involved in diffuse metastatic disease. We report a case of a female patient with a solitary mass in the neck of the pancreas following right nephrectomy performed 6 years previously for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a well-defined lesion in the neck of the pancreas. Patient underwent EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration and cytopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a metastatic RCC. Solitary pancreatic metachronous metastasis from RCC may rarely occur. The interval between nephrectomy and pancreatic metastasis may be long.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis: report of two cases of renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to microcystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas

Metastatic cancer to the pancreas accounts for less than 2% of all pancreatic malignancies. In contrast to other metastatic tumors, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a propensity to metastasize as a solitary pancreatic lesion. While symptomatic patients may present with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding, the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic involvement is often made in asymptomatic patients, during follow-up evaluation in the aftermath of an initial diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Microcystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas is an uncommon pancreatic exocrine neoplasm that morphologically resembles conventional (clear cell) RCC, in so far as both tumors are characterized by neoplastic cells with clear cytoplasm, relatively uniform nuclei and scant associated tumor stroma. Herein, we report 2 immunohistochemically confirmed cases of unsuspected metastatic RCC to the pancreas, with the metastatic tumor in each case confined to a preexisting microcystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas.

Imaging of pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Background

To describe the main imaging characteristics of pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with particular attention to CT features, underlining possible criteria for a differential diagnosis.

Methods

15 patients have been included in this study. 14 patients underwent multislice CT with triphasic acquisition (unenhanced, pancreatic parenchymal and portal venous phases). In 9 cases a delayed phase (120 sec) was also acquired. 5 patients underwent MRI, before and after administration of gadolinium.

Results

The mean time interval between nephrectomy and recurrence was 7.5 years (range 1-17 years). On CT metastases avidly enhanced in the parenchymal phase and then demonstrated a significant wash-out, approaching isodensity to the normal pancreatic parenchyma in the portal phase. In the portal phase 20 of the 25 lesions found in the arterial phase were recognizable. On non-enhanced scans, only 13 of the 25 lesions were detected.

On MRI, with the limitations due to the paucity of cases, the metastatic foci appeared hypointense to normal pancreatic tissue on T1-weighted images, and hyperintense on T2- and diffusion-weighted images. After gadolinium, the behaviour was similar to that reported for CT, except for one patient in whom two metastatic foci presented a signal intensity almost isointense to the surrounding parenchyma, accompanied also by an unusual lowering of the signal on DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) with high b-values. Compared to CT, with MRI the lesions appeared all detectable even on non-enhanced acquisitions.

Conclusion

Renal Cell Carcinomas require a prolonged CT or MRI follow-up.

In patients with RCC history, an early arterial or a pancreatic parenchymal phase is always mandatory, as pancreatic metastases typically present themselves as hypervascular lesions. This behavior is similar to that of neuroendocrine tumors, while the other primary pancreatic tumors tend to be hypovascular.

Imaging features of the less common pancreatic masses

Contrast-enhanced multiphase CT and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR have been validated in the literature as outstanding modalities for the evaluation of pancreatic pathology. In addition to the more frequently seen pancreatic adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and cystic lesions such as serous and mucinous cystadenomas and IPMNs, a variety of benign and malignant lesions may occur in the pancreas. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the imaging findings of a variety of uncommon, benign and malignant, pancreatic neoplasms.

Pancreatectomy for metastatic disease: a systematic review

AIM

Tumours rarely metastasise to the pancreas. While surgical resection of such metastases is believed to confer a survival benefit, there is limited data to support such management. We present a systematic review of case series of pancreatic metastasectomy and analysis of survival outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Cochrane databases and the reference lists of relevant articles, searching for sizeable case series of pancreatic metastasectomy with curative intent. Data extracted included basic demographics, histological primary tumour, presentation, operative management, complications and survival, while the MINORS index was used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

18 studies were found which met our inclusion criteria, involving 399 patients. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was the commonest malignancy metastasising to the pancreas, responsible for 62.6% of cases, followed by sarcoma (7.2%) and colorectal carcinoma (6.2%). While survival data was not uniformly reported, the median survival post-metastasectomy was 50.2 months, with a one-year survival of 86.81% and five-year survival of 50.02%. Median survival for RCC was 71.7 months with 70.4% five-year survival. Median survival was similar in patients with synchronous and metachronous pancreatic metastases, but patients with additional extrapancreatic metastases had a significantly shorter survival than patients with isolated pancreatic metastases (26 versus 45 months). Study quality was poor, with a median MINORS score of 10/16.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of a review of non-randomised case series, it would appear that pancreatic metastasectomy confers a survival benefit in selected patients. Better evidence is required, but may prove difficult to acquire.

Pancreatic solitary and synchronous metastasis from breast cancer: a case report and systematic review of controversies in diagnosis and treatment

Background

Metastases from breast cancer cause the frequent involvement of lung, bone, liver, and brain, while the occurrence of metastases to the gastrointestinal tract is rare, and more frequently discovered after a primary diagnosis of breast cancer. Solitary pancreatic metastases from breast cancer, without widespread disease, are actually unusual, and only 19 cases have been previously described; truly exceptional is a solitary pancreatic metastasis becoming evident together with the primary breast cancer.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old woman reported general fatigue, lethargy, and jaundice. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an ampulloma of Vater’s papilla; moreover, a neoplastic nodule in the left breast was diagnosed. She underwent surgery for both breast cancer and ampulloma of Vater’s papilla. Pathological examination of pancreatic specimen, however, did not confirm primary carcinoma of the duodenal papilla, but showed a metastatic involvement of pancreas from lobular breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry has been essential to confirm the origin of the malignancy: hormone receptors and mammaglobin were expressed in both the primary breast tumor and the pancreatic metastasis.

Conclusions

This is one of the few reported cases in literature of an isolated and synchronous pancreatic metastasis from breast cancer, where the definitive diagnosis was obtained only after surgery. We discuss the controversies in this diagnosis and the choice of correct treatment. The surgical resection of solitary metastases can be performed in the absence of disseminated disease.

Isolated malignant melanoma metastasis to the pancreas

Summary:

Malignant melanomas rarely develop isolated pancreatic metastases. We describe a unique patient who is still alive 22 years following an isolated pancreatic melanoma metastasis, and we review the sparse literature in the field.

Pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review of the clinical and radiological characteristics

Metastatic pancreatic cancer is rare, accounting for approximately 2% of all pancreatic malignancies, and most cases arise from renal cell carcinoma. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman, who presented with a pancreatic tumor detected during her annual health examination. She had undergone left nephrectomy 13 years previously for renal cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed two tumors in the head and body of the pancreas, a hypervascular tumor and a hypovascular tumor with an enhanced rim, respectively. She underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, and metastatic pancreatic tumors arising from the kidney with clustered clear cell carcinoma immunohistochemically positive for CD10 were diagnosed. This report presents the different enhancement features of different lesions on CT scans. Because the enhancement features of lesions have been reported to vary according to the size of the metastatic tumor, a knowledge of the history of renal cell carcinoma is crucial for diagnosis.

Resection or cryosurgery relates with pancreatic tumor type: primary pancreatic cancer with previous non-pancreatic cancer or secondary metastatic cancer within the pancreas

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the incidence of primary pancreatic cancer with previous non-pancreatic cancer (PPC) and secondary metastatic cancer within the pancreas (SMC) to elucidate the differential diagnosis and treatment of these lesions.

METHODS

The clinical data of 2539 patients with pancreatic mass in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from January 2000 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the 66 patients who showed double or multiple primary cancers or metastatic pancreatic malignancies were included into the PPC group or SMC group, respectively. In addition, PPC patients were compared with 570 patients suffering from pancreatic cancer (PC) alone.

RESULTS

For the PPC group (n = 34), the most common previous non-pancreatic cancers were gastric cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. For the SMC group (n = 32), the most common metastatic tumors were lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and gastric cancer. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR = 1.099; 95% CI, 1.007-1.199), previous tumor type (OR = 1.164; 95% CI, 1.046-1.296), and time interval between two tumors (OR = 1.021; 95% CI, 1.003-1.039) as significant indicators. Significantly better survival times were observed after resection than after cryosurgery in the PPC group (p < 0.001) but not in the SMC group (p = 0.670).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, primary pancreatic cancers are as common as metastasis to the pancreas in patients with a previous cancer. A longer time interval between two tumors indicates a higher possibility that a new pancreatic cancer will occur. Some cancers (particularly RCC) are more likely to metastasize to the pancreas than other cancers. For metastatic cancers, cryosurgery is as effective as resection as a treatment option.

Pancreatic metastasectomy: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering experience and a review of the literature

Isolated pancreatic metastases may occur in patients with many types of cancer. Several retrospective case series have been published demonstrating the feasibility of resection in selected patients. Here we report our experience with pancreatic metastasectomy in 70 patients and review the published literature. Our findings suggest that long-term survival is associated with resection in selected patients but these outcomes must be weighed against the significant morbidity that is associated with pancreatic resection.

Breast cancer metastases to the pancreas

INTRODUCTION

The pancreas can serve as the destination for metastatic spread of malignancies from multiple organ sites. Breast cancer metastases to the pancreas are part of this spectrum and surgeons evaluate such patients as part of their practice. Uniform clinical guidelines for these cases do not exist and care is primarily driven by the personal experience of the treating surgeon.

DISCUSSION

We present two patients with breast cancer metastases to their pancreas and review their workup and clinical management in light of our experience and the existing published literature. We propose that metastatic disease to the pancreas has to remain in the differential diagnosis for any patient with a new pancreatic mass and prior cancer history. Surgical resection is a viable treatment option for patients with isolated metastatic disease to the pancreas if the underlying biology of the metastatic tumor is favorable.

Surgery for metastasis to the pancreas: is it safe and effective?

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic metastases are rare and only sparse data exists on treatment options. After recent advances in pancreatic surgery, metastasectomies have become promising treatment alternatives.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients underwent pancreatic metastasectomy between 1991 and 2010 at our institution. Data was evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Renal cell carcinoma was the most common origin of pancreatic metastases (n = 16; 62%). Other primaries include gall bladder carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, colon cancer (all n = 2), and others. The median time interval between primary tumor and pancreatic resection was 5.3 years [0-24]. Eleven pancreatic head resections (42%), fourteen distal pancreatectomies (54%), and one total pancreatectomy were performed (4%). The estimated 3- and 5-year survival rates were 73.2% and 52.3%, respectively. The estimated median overall survival was 63 months (CI: 37.8-88.1 months). There' was no perioperative death. The complication rate and relaparotomy rate was 31% and 19%, respectively. Patients suffering from synchronous metastases at the time of pancreatic surgery had a statistically significant shorter median overall survival time (11 months vs. 64 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the operative risk involved, we believe that pancreatic resection should be considered in selected patients with good performance status, stable disease and isolated pancreatic metastases.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of pancreatic metastases: a large single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe a single-center experience with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) features as well as the diagnostic role and clinical impact of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and Trucut biopsy (EUS-TCB) in patients with pancreatic metastases.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, EUS, pathological, clinical outcome, and follow-up data of patients who underwent EUS at our institution between October 1998 and March 2010 for a known or suspected pancreatic metastasis were abstracted.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (23 males; median age, 63 years; range 30-83 years) with 72 pancreatic masses were identified. Primary tumor sites included kidney (21), lung (8), skin (6), colon (4), breast (3), small bowel (2), stomach (2), liver (1), ovary (1), and bladder (1). Of the 72 pancreatic lesions, EUS-FNA of 49 was performed (median, 4.1 passes; range, 2-9 passes) without complications. An EUS-TCB after EUS-FNA was performed in 2 patients and confirmed renal cell carcinoma in one and was nondiagnostic in one. The EUS-FNA provided the first diagnosis of "recurrent malignancy" in all the 44 patients at a median time of 65 months (range, 1-348 months) after diagnosis of the primary tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-FNA and EUS-TCB may assist with the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic metastases and may have a major clinical impact.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in evaluation of metastatic lesions to the pancreas: a tertiary cancer center experience

OBJECTIVES

Metastatic lesions to the pancreas pose diagnostic challenges with regards to their differentiation from primary pancreatic cancer. Data on the yield of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration in detection of these lesions are limited.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 23 patients referred to a tertiary referral center for further evaluation of suspected pancreatic metastases. Main outcome measures were diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration in evaluation of metastatic lesions to the pancreas.

RESULTS

Of 644 patients, 23 (3.6%) undergoing EUS of the pancreas were diagnosed to have metastatic disease to the pancreas based on clinical, radiological, and cytological results. Mean (SD) age was 64.3 (11.7) years. Of the 23 patients, 18 (78.3%) were asymptomatic. Mean (SD) size of lesion on EUS was 39.1 (19.9) mm. A diagnosis of malignant lesion was made in 21 of 23 cases, with a diagnostic accuracy of 91.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic lesions to the pancreas present as incidental, solitary mass lesions on staging or surveillance imaging. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration is an important tool in the characterization and further differentiation of metastatic lesions to the pancreas from primary pancreatic cancer.

Surgical resection of malignant melanoma metastatic to the pancreas: case series and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma only rarely metastasizes to the pancreas. As such, there is limited medical literature on the clinical course and outcomes for patients who have undergone surgical management of these tumors. The aim of our study was to review our experience with the surgical resection of melanoma metastatic to the pancreas.

METHODS

The records of five patients (four females, one male) with surgically resected melanoma metastatic to the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor characteristics, patient presentation, operative details, and follow-up data were evaluated.

RESULTS

The primary site of melanoma was known in three cases and unknown in two cases. Four patients were symptomatic at presentation, including abdominal pain (n = 3), jaundice (n = 2), abdominal distension (n = 1), bleeding metastases (n = 1), and fatigue (n = 1). In one patient, the metastasis was an incidental discovery. Surgical resection was accomplished by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in four patients and distal pancreatectomy in one patient. Single-site resection was done in two patients while the other three underwent synchronous multiple-site resections. Complications developed post-operatively in three patients. Two patients had progression of disease in the form of new metastatic lesions and received subsequent chemotherapy. The median survival was 11.4 months (range, 3-26 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive surgical management of pancreatic metastases provides palliative relief of symptoms and may be considered in appropriately selected candidates.

Late solitary pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: a case report

We report a case of a 70-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma and metastasis to the pancreas. Symptomatic patients usually present with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain, or GI bleeding. The diagnosis usually occurs in asymptomatic patients during followup for renal cell carcinoma. It usually befalls slowly from 2 to 18 years after the onset of the primary tumor of the kidney. A 70-year-old man presented in our department with weight loss, anorexia, and elevated blood glucose, having a large tumor on the head of the pancreas treated successfully by pancreatoduodenectomy. Three years after his treatment, the patient is doing well and without recurrence of the tumor. In conclusion, metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas is a rare neoplasm accounting for 0.25-3% of all pancreatic tumors.

Resectable pancreatic metastasis of left thighbone leiomyosarcoma: case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Metastases to the pancreas gland are uncommon, especially from leiomyosarcoma. We report a case of asymptomatic pancreatic metastasis resection of leiomyosarcoma.

CASE REPORT

A 59-year-old patient was treated for thighbone leiomyosarcoma, with surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. After 4 years of follow-up, although that patient was asymptomatic, a pancreatic metastasis was identified by CT and fine needle aspiration. Open left pancreatectomy was performed.

DISCUSSION

We discuss diagnosis findings and interest in the surgical resection. Furthermore, we reviewed previously reported cases.

Metastatic disease to the pancreas: an imaging challenge

Metastatic lesions of the pancreas are uncommon, accounting for approximately 2% of pancreatic malignancies. Many tumours involve the pancreas secondarily and may manifest with different clinical and imaging characteristics. Although many patients have widespread disease, isolated metastases can be found. Surgical management is associated with improved survival in these cases. The experience of the pancreatic surgery unit and imaging department of our hospital in many patients presenting with pancreatic metastases is presented, and a review of the recent literature is undertaken. Main Messages • The early recognition of secondary pancreatic tumours on US, CT and MRI is extremely important. • Pancreatic metastases may mimic primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma or induce acute pancreatitis. • Most pancreatic metastases are discovered on a CT examination performed for follow-up.

Pancreatic resection for metastatic melanoma. Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic metastasis from several malignancies are increasingly encountered in clinical practice, and the usefulness of surgical resection has been suggested for certain neoplasms. Isolated pancreatic metastasis from malignant melanoma is a rare occurrence, and the role of surgery as an adjunct to systemic therapy for melanoma metastatic to a solitary or multiple sites is still debated.

CASE REPORT

We report a patient with melanoma of unknown primary site metastatic simultaneously to the lung and pancreas 3 years after axillary lymph node dissection. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and video thoracoscopic assisted resection of pulmonary metastasis were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, but 6 months after surgery, the patient experienced single pulmonary recurrence. During chemotherapy with different drugs, pulmonary lesion remained stable for 1 year, and no abdominal recurrence occurred. After then, the size of the lesion progressively increased and a second metastasis occurred in the lung. Five months later, brain metastases occurred, and the patients died 24 months after surgery. Sixteen pancreatic resections for metastatic malignant melanoma, reported with adequate clinical details, were also retrieved from the literature.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the very limited experience, it appears that surgical resection is only a palliative procedure, because long-term survival is a rare event. However, considering the lack of effective systemic therapy, surgery may be considered as a part of an aggressive multidisciplinary approach in selected cases with malignant melanoma metastatic to single or multiple visceral sites.

Resection for secondary malignancy of the pancreas

OBJECTIVES

This study tried to clarify the role of pancreatic resection in the treatment of secondary malignancy with metastasis or local invasion to the pancreas in terms of surgical risk and survival benefit.

METHODS

Data of secondary malignancy of the pancreas from our 19 patients and cases reported in the English literature were pooled together for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 329 cases of resected secondary malignancy of the pancreas, including 241 cases of metastasis and 88 cases of local invasion. The most common primary tumor metastatic to the pancreas and amenable to resection was renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (73.9%). More than half (52.3%) of the primary cancers with local invasion to the pancreas were colon cancer, and nearly half (40.9%) were stomach cancer. The median metastatic interval was 84 months (7 years) for overall primary tumors and 108 months (9 years) for RCC. The 5-year survival for secondary malignancy of the pancreas after resection was 61.1% for metastasis and 58.9% for local invasion, with 72.8% for RCC metastasis, 69.0% for colon cancer, and 43.8% for stomach cancer with local invasion to the pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic resection should not be precluded for secondary malignancy of the pancreas because long-term survival could be achieved with acceptable surgical risk in selected patients.

Pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma: the state of the art

Pancreatic metastases are rare, with a reported incidence varying from 1.6% to 11% in autopsy studies of patients with advanced malignancy. In clinical series, the frequency of pancreatic metastases ranges from 2% to 5% of all pancreatic malignant tumors. However, the pancreas is an elective site for metastases from carcinoma of the kidney and this peculiarity has been reported by several studies. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma are known from single-institution case reports and literature reviews. There is currently very limited experience with the surgical resection of isolated pancreatic metastasis, and the role of surgery in the management of these patients has not been clearly defined. In fact, for many years pancreatic resections were associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and metastatic disease to the pancreas was considered to be a terminal-stage condition. More recently, a significant reduction in the operative risk following major pancreatic surgery has been demonstrated, thus extending the indication for these operations to patients with metastatic disease.

[Clinical characteristics of pancreatic metastases]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Histologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic cancers are infrequent. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of pancreatic metastases.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated stage of primary malignancies, interval between diagnosis of primary tumors and detection of pancreatic metastases, treatment for metastases to the pancreas, survival rate, and prognostic factors in 31 patients with pancreatic metastases.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of primary cancer diagnosis was 52.4 ± 13.2 years. Primary cancers were renal cell carcinoma (n=16), non-small cell lung cancer (n=6), small cell lung cancer (n=3), colorectal carcinoma (n=2), osteosarcoma (n=1), gastric carcinoma (n=1), malignant melanoma (n=1), and thymic carcinoma (n=1). Pancreatic metastases were synchronous in six cases and metachronous in twenty five cases, with median interval time of 40.8 months (range 3-186) between the diagnosis of primary tumor and detection of pancreatic metastases. The median survival after the detection of the metastases was 16 months. In multivariate analysis, non-renal cell carcinoma as primary malignancy and positive symptom related to pancreatic metastases were associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR], 8.33; 95% CI, 2.1-33; p=0.003, and HR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.27-12.7; p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic tumors to the pancreas have to be kept in mind when a patient with pancreatic mass has a history of other malignancy, even if treated several years before. In the absence of widely metastatic disease, aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach may offer the chance of long-term survival in selected patients.

Multidetector computed tomography in the study of pancreatic metastases

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic performance of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in characterising pancreatic metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT examinations of 17 patients affected by pancreatic metastases were retrospectively reviewed. The primary malignancy was renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in eight cases, uterine leiomyosarcoma in two, lung carcinoma in four and breast carcinoma in three. CT images were assessed for lesion number, size and morphology.

RESULTS

Pancreatic lesions were solitary in seven cases and multiple in ten. Lesion size ranged between 8 and 40 mm. Metastases from RCC were hyperattenuating in the arterial phase, metastases from breast cancer and lung cancer were hypoattenuating and metastases from uterine leiomyosarcoma were inhomogeneous. Precise lesion characterisation was obtained by using CT examination in 12 cases. In the remaining five patients, all with solitary metastases from RCC, a precise diagnosis was not possible because the lesions could not be differentiated from a neuroendocrine tumour.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT allowed pancreatic metastases characterisation in 70.5% of cases. The lesions were the manifestation of widely disseminated neoplastic disease, with the exception of metastases from RCC, which were exclusively located in the pancreas.

Metastases to the pancreas: the experience of a high volume center and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the pancreas (PM) is uncommon. Several types of cancers were reported to metastasize to the pancreas. Surgery is advocated in selected patients when technically feasible and if the patient can be rendered disease free.

METHODS

A retrospective review of PM patients at the University of Cincinnati Pancreas Database was performed over a 7-year time period.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with a median age of 62.5 years were identified. Fifteen patients (75%) were males and (50%) presented with abdominal pain. Nine patients (45.0%) were offered surgical resection, distal pancreatectomy was the most common procedure (n = 4, 44.4%). The commonest pathology was RCC (60%), followed by lung (20%), colon (15%), and breast (5%). Median disease free interval (DFI) was 96 months for RCC, 7 months for other pathologies. Median survival was 19 months for RCC, 8.5 months for other pathologies. Based on DFI, short DFI patients (≤12 months) had worse prognosis (2-year survival of 40%), as opposed to (2-year survival of 80%) in longer DFI patients (P = 0.01). RCC patients with a DFI longer than 94 months had a better survival (P = 0.01). Survival of resected PM tended to be longer than non-resected PM (P = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

PM from RCC carries a consistently favorable prognosis compared to other pathologies. Surgical resection of PM is a safe and viable option, and, in selected patients, may improve survival. However, a period of expectant management in patients with short DFI may be considered.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of metastases to the pancreas: A study of 25 cases

Background:

Metastases to the pancreas are an uncommon cause of pancreatic masses seen on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review the cytomorphology, clinical findings, and results of ancillary studies in a large series of these unusual cases.

Materials and Methods:

We searched our institution's pathology database for EUS-guided FNAs of the pancreas that were diagnostic of metastatic tumor over a 5-year period. The final cytologic diagnosis, results of ancillary studies, corresponding histological material, and clinical follow-up data were reviewed in these cases.

Results:

A total of 1172 pancreatic EUS-guided FNAs were identified, of which 25 cases (2.1%) had a confirmed diagnosis of a pancreatic metastasis. This included 12 (48%) cases of renal cell carcinoma, 3 (12%) melanomas, 3 (12%) small cell carcinomas, and 7 (28%) other malignancies. In these metastatic tumors involving the pancreas, 20 (80%) of the lesions were solitary. Four (16%) cases had no prior history of malignancy. The average time to diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis was 5.3 years. Immunohistochemistry and special stains were performed in 22 (88%) and 9 (36%) cases, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our data shows that although metastases to the pancreas are rare, they can present as a solitary mass many years after the primary malignancy is diagnosed and can even be the first manifestation of an extrapancreatic primary in a small number of cases. It is important to consider the possibility of a metastatic lesion in the pancreas because this may require a different management than a primary pancreatic tumor.

Surgical resection of metastasis to the pancreas

PURPOSE

Metastasis to the pancreas is rare, and the benefit of resection for pancreatic metastasis is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to review our experiences of the operative management of metastasis to the pancreas.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2009, 11 patients (8 men and 3 women; median age, 54 years) were admitted to our institution with a metachronously metastatic lesion to the pancreas and later underwent pancreatic resection. The clinical features and outcomes of treatments were examined.

RESULTS

The primary cancers were renal cell carcinoma (RCC, n = 7), carcinoid tumor (n = 2), rectal cancer and leiomyosarcoma. Six patients underwent distal pancreatectosplenectomy, 3 pancreaticoduodenectomy and 2 patients underwent enucleation for small RCC. One patient died of metastatic RCC at 53 months after surgery and ten patients remain alive; four patients without disease at 7 to 69 months postoperatively, and the other six with disease at 11 to 68 months. Median postoperative survival of all patients was 34 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a low surgical risk should be considered for pancreatic metastasectomy if curative resection is possible. Primary cancer type, which is associated with survival benefit, would be the best candidate for surgical resection of metastases to the pancreas.

Clinical features of metastatic tumors of the pancreas in Korea: a single-center study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features of metastatic tumors of the pancreas (MTPs) in Korea.

METHODS

A total of 53 cases (31 males) of pathologically proven MTPs were collected. Clinicopathological characteristics and patient outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median age at the diagnosis of the MTP was 60 years. The median interval between the diagnoses of primary malignancy and MTP was 2.2 years. Primary malignancies were renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (n=14), gastric cancer (n=11), colorectal cancer (n=5), lymphoma (n=4), non-small cell lung cancer (n=3), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n=2), melanoma (n=2), small cell lung cancer (n=2), gallbladder cancer (n=2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=1), thymic carcinoid (n=1), liposarcoma (n=1), cholangiocarcinoma (n=1), osteosarcoma (n=1), breast cancer (n=1), duodenal cancer (n=1), and ovarian cancer (n=1). The median survival after the diagnosis of MTP was 23.1 months. Multivariate analysis showed that prolonged survival was associated with RCC as the primary malignancy, the patient being asymptomatic upon the diagnosis of MTP, the absence of extrapancreatic involvement, and surgery included in the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

MTPs can occur after a prolonged period from the primary diagnosis. RCC as the primary malignancy, the patient being asymptomatic upon the diagnosis of MTP, the absence of extrapancreatic involvement, and surgery included in the treatment are associated with better prognosis.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma to the pancreas

Metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma to the pancreas is rare. A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma and underwent surgery. Thereafter, recurrences in the lung and subsequently in the pancreas were diagnosed. These lesions were resected and diagnosed as metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma. We report a rare case of uterine leiomyosarcoma with metastasis to the lung and pancreas, both of which were resected using aggressive surgery.

Rare abdominal metastases from occult lobular breast cancer: report of two cases

Intra-abdominal metastases from breast carcinomas are rarely reported in the literature. Least are those originating from occult breast primary. We report, one case of pancreatic metastasis and one case of metastatic infiltration of the colonic wall, both by occult lobular breast carcinoma. The first patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for obstructive jaundice, with unexpected histological finding of infiltration of distal bile duct, pancreatic gland, portal vein and retroperitoneal soft tissue by lobular carcinoma of the breast. The second patient complained of diffuse abdominal pain associated with constipation and rectal bleeding and underwent endoscopic biopsy of three intestinal strictures, revealing metastatic lobular carcinoma with signet-ring cell morphology. In both cases, a subsequent complete diagnostic work-up demonstrated asymptomatic multiple breast nodules, diagnosed as lobular carcinoma by fine needle aspiration cytology.

Isolated pancreatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor and extrahepatic metastasis is not rare. The most common organ of HCC metastasis is lung, followed by bone and adrenal gland. To the best of our knowledge, isolated pancreatic metastasis of HCC that developed after curative resection has not been described previously. We report a case of solitary pancreatic metastasis of HCC, which was found 28 mo after left hemihepatectomy for HCC. The lesion was successfully resected with the pancreas, and no other metastatic lesions have been found in follow-up.

Isolated pancreatic metastasis from rectal cancer: a case report and review of literature

Isolated pancreatic metastases from a non-pancreatic primary malignancy are very rare. Studies have shown that resection of metastases is of proven benefit in some types of tumors. We report a case of 76-year-old Taiwanese woman with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection 2 years ago presenting with an asymptomatic mass at the pancreatic tail on a routine follow up abdominal computed tomography scan. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy under the preoperative impression of a primary pancreatic malignancy. Histological examination of the surgical specimen showed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma. Postoperative chemotherapy in the form of oral capecitabine was given. The patient is alive and disease free 12 months after the surgery. In a patient presenting with a pancreatic mass with history of a non-pancreatic malignancy, a differential diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis should be considered. Surgical resection of a solitary pancreatic mass is justified not only to get the definitive diagnosis but also to improve the survival.

Analysis of prognostic factors in metastatic tumors of the pancreas: a single-center experience and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic metastases are rare. The role of surgery is poorly defined, and data on long-term survival are lacking.

METHODS

Data from patients with pancreatic metastases observed in our division from 2003 to 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the recent English medical literature was reviewed regarding series of patients with pancreatic secondary tumors.

RESULTS

Data from 234 patients including 9 consecutive patients observed in our division were retrieved. Metastasis from renal cell carcinoma accounted for 67.9% of all cases. Factors predictive of worse survival, as determined by multivariate analysis, were symptoms at diagnosis, synchronous tumors, radical-intent surgery not performed, and pathologic diagnosis of the primary tumor. Compared with pancreatic metastases from renal cell cancer, metastases from melanoma (P < 0.001) and lung cancer (P = 0.002) were associated with worse survival. The differences in survival of patients with renal cell cancer metastases and those with breast cancer, colorectal, or sarcoma metastases did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

There may be a subset of patients with pancreatic metastases who are able to benefit from surgery with respect to improved long-term survival. Symptoms at diagnosis, presentation with primary tumor, surgical resection, and pathologic diagnosis seem to be important prognostic factors.

Localized intrapancreatic malignant mesothelioma: a rare entity that may be confused with other pancreatic neoplasms

Malignant mesothelioma usually presents with diffuse involvement of the pleura or peritoneum. Circumscribed or localized malignant mesothelioma has been described in these locations, as well as the viscera, in which case it may cause diagnostic confusion with other, more common entities. Herein, we describe the first well-documented case of primary intrapancreatic malignant mesothelioma in the English literature. The patient was an otherwise healthy 39-year-old woman who presented with a symptomatic mass in the head of the pancreas that was completely resected via pancreaticoduodenectomy. The tumor was composed of cysts, papillae, and tubules lined by cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and immunohistochemically expressed CA-125, calretinin, and D2-40. Follow-up revealed no evidence of residual or recurrent disease 32 months after surgery. This report also describes the clinical and pathologic characteristics of an intrapancreatic mesothelioma and provides a review of the literature regarding entities that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of this tumor.

Survival data justifies resection for pancreatic metastases

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic metastases are uncommon and little is known about the oncologic outcome after resection or prognostic parameters. This study was designed to evaluate perioperative and follow-up results after resection for pancreatic metastases and to define prognostic factors.

METHODS

From a prospective database, all consecutive resections performed at our institution for pancreatic metastases between October 2001 and July 2008 were identified. Clinicopathological details, perioperative, and follow-up results were analyzed. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify parameters associated with overall and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

Forty-four resections were performed for pancreatic metastases. Primary tumors included 31 (70%) renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and 13 other primary tumors. Morbidity was 33% and mortality 4.4%. Pancreatic metastases occurred after a median interval of 6.9 years after resection of the primary tumor. Twenty-five patients (57%) had additional extrapancreatic disease. With a median follow-up of 32.1 months, overall 3- and 5-year survivals were 70.2% and 56.8%, disease-free 3- and 5-year survivals were 37.2% and 33%, respectively. Patients with isolated pancreatic metastases had an overall 3- and 5-year survival of 85.6% and 74.9%. Additional extrapancreatic disease, a disease-free interval of less than 36 months, and non-RCC entity were associated with shorter overall survival. Previous recurrence, non-RCC primary tumors, and a disease-free interval of less than 36 months were associated with shorter disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection for pancreatic metastases can be performed safely and with good follow-up results and can be recommended as part of an interdisciplinary treatment. Especially in patients with isolated pancreatic metastases, long-term survival can be expected.

Systematic review of pancreatic surgery for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study examined the clinical outcome of patients with pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

A systematic literature search produced individual data for 311 surgically and 73 non-surgically treated patients with pancreatic RCC metastases. A further ten patients underwent resection at the authors' institution.

RESULTS

In the resected group, pancreatic metastases were solitary in 65.3 per cent, symptomatic in 57.4 per cent, and were preceded and/or accompanied by extrapancreatic disease in 22.3 per cent. Respective values in the unresected group were 59, 60 and 58 per cent. Disease-free survival rates were 76.0 and 57.0 per cent respectively at 2 and 5 years after resection, and overall survival rates were 80.6 and 72.6 per cent. The only significant risk factor for disease-free survival after pancreatic resection was extrapancreatic disease (P = 0.001), and that for overall survival was symptomatic RCC metastasis (P = 0.031). Two- and 5-year overall survival rates were 41 and 14 per cent respectively in unresected patients.

CONCLUSION

The actuarial 5-year overall survival rate following pancreatic surgery for RCC metastases was 72.6 per cent, as determined by pooled analysis from published series. Extrapancreatic disease was an independent risk factor for recurrence, but had no significant impact on overall survival.

Metastasis to the pancreas from colorectal cancer: is there a place for pancreatic resection?

PURPOSE

Pancreatic metastases from colorectal cancer are very rare, and the possible benefit of surgical treatment is not clearly defined. This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing pancreatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer to the pancreas.

METHODS

Nine patients underwent pancreatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer between January 1980 and December 2006. The primary cancers were colon (n = 7) and rectal carcinoma (n = 2). The median interval between primary treatment and detection of pancreatic metastases was 32.5 months. In three cases pancreatic metastases were synchronous with the primary tumor.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, and four underwent distal pancreatectomy. A left lateral liver section and three colon resections were simultaneously performed in four patients. There was no postoperative mortality, and only two patients experienced complications. Survival averaged 19.8 (median, 17.0; range, 5-30) months: seven patients died of metastatic disease, one for unrelated disease after five months, and one is alive with liver metastases 30 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection can be performed safely in patients with isolated pancreatic metastases from colorectal cancer and in selected patients with associated extrapancreatic disease. Although long-term survival is rare, surgery should be included, whenever possible, in the multimodality approach to this disease.