Neoadjuvant chemoradiation in pancreatic and duodenal carcinoma. A Phase II Study

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

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

Surgical Considerations for Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenging disease process with a 5-year survival rate of only 11%. Neoadjuvant therapy in patients with localized pancreatic cancer has multiple theoretical benefits, including improved patient selection for surgery, early delivery of systemic therapy, and assessment of response to therapy. Herein, we review key surgical considerations when selecting patients for neoadjuvant therapy and curative-intent resection. Accurate determination of resectability at diagnosis is critical and should be based on not only anatomic criteria but also biologic and clinical criteria to determine optimal treatment sequencing. Borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer is best treated with neoadjuvant therapy and resection, including vascular resection and reconstruction when appropriate. Lastly, providing nutritional, prehabilitation, and supportive care interventions to improve patient fitness prior to surgical intervention and adequately address the adverse effects of therapy is critical.

Neoadjuvant Therapy Versus Upfront Resection for Nonpancreatic Periampullary Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

In contrast to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for periampullary adenocarcinomas is not well studied, with data limited to single-institution retrospective reviews with small cohorts. We sought to compare outcomes of NAT versus upfront resection (UR) for non-PDAC periampullary adenocarcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified patients who underwent surgery for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary adenocarcinoma, or duodenal adenocarcinoma from 2006 to 2016. We compared outcomes between NAT versus UR groups for each tumor subtype with 1:3 propensity score matching. Cox regression was used to identify predictors of survival.

RESULTS

Among 7656 patients who underwent resection for non-PDAC periampullary adenocarcinoma, the proportion of patients who received NAT increased from 6 to 11% for cholangiocarcinoma (p < 0.01), 1 to 4% for ampullary adenocarcinoma (p = 0.01), and 5 to 8% for duodenal adenocarcinoma (p = 0.08). Length of stay, readmission, and 30-day mortality were comparable between NAT and UR. All tumor subtypes were downstaged following NAT (p < 0.01). The R0 resection rate was significantly higher in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who received NAT, and these patients had improved median overall survival (38 vs 26 months, p < 0.001). After adjustment for clinicopathologic factors and adjuvant chemotherapy, use of NAT was associated with improved survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma [hazard ratio (HR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.89, p = 0.004] but not duodenal or ampullary adenocarcinoma. The survival advantage for cholangiocarcinoma persisted after propensity matching.

CONCLUSION

This national cohort analysis suggests, for the first time, that neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Routine neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? A review of the evidence

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy that carries a poor prognosis because the majority of patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. However, even patients who are fortunate enough to present with resectable disease are often plagued by high recurrence rates. While adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrence after surgery, post operative complications and poor performance status after surgery prevent up to 50% of patients from receiving it. Given the benefits of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with borderline resectable disease, it is understandable that neoadjuvant therapy has been steadily increasing in patients with resectable cancers as well. In this review paper, we highlight the rational and existing evidence of using neoadjuvant therapy in all patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Treatment of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer with percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) following initial systemic chemotherapy (LAP-PIE) trial: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of patients with pancreas cancer have unresectable locally advanced disease, which is currently treated with systemic chemotherapy. A new treatment option of irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been investigated for these patients since 2005. Cohort studies suggest that IRE confers a survival advantage, but with associated, procedure-related complications. Selection bias may account for improved survival and there have been no prospective randomised trials evaluating the harms and benefits of therapy. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility of a randomised comparison of IRE therapy with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Eligible patients with LAPC who have undergone first-line 5-FluoroUracil, Leucovorin, Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin chemotherapy will be randomised to receive either a single session of IRE followed by (if indicated) further chemotherapy or to chemotherapy alone (standard of care). Fifty patients from up to seven specialist pancreas centres in the UK will be recruited over a period of 15 months. Trial follow-up will be 12 months. The primary outcome measure is ability to recruit. Secondary objectives include practicality and technical success of treatment, acceptability of treatment to patients and clinicians and safety of treatment. A qualitative study has been incorporated to evaluate the patient and clinician perspective of the locally advanced pancreatic cancer with percutaneous irreversible electroporation trial. It is likely that the data obtained will guide the structure, the primary outcome measure, the power and the duration of a subsequent multicentre randomised controlled trial aimed at establishing the clinical efficiency of pancreas IRE therapy. Indicative procedure-related costings will be collected in this feasibility trial, which will inform the cost evaluation in the subsequent study on efficiency.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has received approval by London-Brent Research Ethics Committee reference number 21/LO/0077.Results will be analysed following completion of trial recruitment and follow-up. Results will be presented to international conferences with an interest in oncology, hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery and interventional radiology and be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN14986389.

The Landmark Series: Preoperative Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

The surgical treatment of pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is plagued by high rates of distant recurrences despite complete resection, highlighting the importance of systemic therapy. Historically, patients with PDAC have been treated with postoperative therapy, but this sequencing strategy can be associated with the inability to complete therapy due to perioperative complications and prolonged recovery. In addition, a subset of patients progress early, irrespective of whether surgery is performed, highlighting the systemic nature of this disease. Preoperative therapy has increasingly been utilized in clinical practice, but studies examining its benefits are limited. In this Landmark Series, we will review seminal studies for resectable and borderline resectable PDAC.

Trends in the utilization of neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

For patients with localized pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly delivered before surgery to maximize the receipt of multimodality therapy and the odds of a margin-negative resection. Three decades of refining the use of NT have led to its acceptance as a valid treatment approach for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this review, we discuss the rationale for and recent global trends in the utilization of NT for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Factors Predicting Response, Perioperative Outcomes, and Survival Following Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Borderline/Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictive factors associated with operative morbidity, mortality, and survival outcomes in patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT).

BACKGROUND

The optimal preoperative treatment sequencing for BR/LA PDA is unknown. TNT, or systemic chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation (CRT), addresses both occult metastases and positive margin risks and thus is a potentially optimal strategy; however, factors predictive of perioperative and survival outcomes are currently undefined.

METHODS

We reviewed our experience in BR/LA patients undergoing resection from 2010 to 2017 following TNT assessing operative morbidity, mortality, and survival in order to define outcome predictors and response endpoints.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-four patients underwent resection after TNT, including 123 (63%) BR and 71 (37%) LA PDAC. FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine along with nab-paclitaxel were used in 165 (85%) and 65 (34%) patients, with 36 (19%) requiring chemotherapeutic switch before long-course CRT and subsequent resection. Radiologic anatomical downstaging was uncommon (28%). En bloc venous and/or arterial resection was required in 125 (65%) patients with 94% of patients achieving R0 margins. The 90-day major morbidity and mortality was 36% and 6.7%, respectively. Excluding operative mortalities, the median, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) [overall survival (OS)] rates were 23.5 (58.8) months, 65 (96)%, 48 (78)%, and 32 (62)%, respectively. Radiologic downstaging, vascular resection, and chemotherapy regimen/switch were not associated with survival. Only 3 factors independently associated with prolonged survival, including extended duration (≥6 cycles) chemotherapy, optimal post-chemotherapy CA19-9 response, and major pathologic response. Patients achieving all 3 factors had superior survival outcomes with a survival detriment for each failing factor. In a subset of patients with interval metabolic (PET) imaging after initial chemotherapy, complete metabolic response highly correlated with major pathologic response.

CONCLUSION

Our TNT experience in resected BR/LA PDAC revealed high negative margin rates despite low radiologic downstaging. Extended duration chemotherapy with associated biochemical and pathologic responses highly predicted postoperative survival. Potential modifications of initial chemotherapy treatment include extending cycle duration to normalize CA19-9 or achieve complete metabolic response, or consideration of chemotherapeutic switch in order to achieve these factors may improve survival before moving forward with CRT and subsequent resection.

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Propensity-Matched Analysis of Postoperative Complications Using ACS-NSQIP

BACKGROUND

The use of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is increasing. While there is an association between NAT and improved post-pancreatectomy complication rates in limited patient populations, the strength of the relationship and its applicability to a broader and modern pancreatectomy cohort remains unclear.

METHODS

We used the 2014-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project to evaluate NAT use for PDAC patients undergoing pancreatectomy. We also used propensity score matching techniques to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes, including clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE), between patients selected for NAT versus upfront surgery.

RESULTS

Patients receiving NAT were more likely to undergo vascular resections (33% vs. 16%, p < 0.001), have perioperative transfusions (18% vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and undergo longer procedures. Rates of CR-POPF (6%, vs. 10%, p < 0.001), DGE (11% vs. 13%, p = 0.016), postoperative percutaneous drainage (9% vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and SSI (15% vs. 18%, p < 0.001) were lower for patients selected for NAT. The association of NAT with CR-POPF remained statistically significant (adjusted odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.66) after adjustment for operative technique, gland texture, and need for vascular resection for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, but not for patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Among PDAC patients undergoing resection, selection for NAT is associated with fewer CR-POPFs, postoperative procedural interventions, and infectious complications, particularly for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. These associations should be considered in discussions of multidisciplinary treatment sequencing for patients with PDAC.

The Role of Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Therapy for Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database Propensity Score Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Adjuvant therapy is recommended in duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA), but the role of neoadjuvant therapy remains undefined. We compared the effect of neoadjuvant therapy to adjuvant therapy on overall survival, 30-day, and 90-day mortality following the resection of DA.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the National Cancer Database was performed on patients with DA who received either adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in addition to surgical resection. Propensity score matching was done for patient, socioeconomic, and tumor characteristics. Overall survival, 30-day, and 90-day mortality were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients were identified; 55 received adjuvant therapy; 57 received neoadjuvant therapy. There was no difference in 30-day (0% vs. 1.75%; P = 1.00), 90-day mortality (1.82% vs. 7.02%; P = .36), nor overall survival (1 yr: 86% vs. 76; 3 yr: 49% vs. 46%; 5 yr: 42% vs. 39%; P = .28).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in overall survival after propensity score matched analysis.

Optimal timing and treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

For pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), no studies have established any association between earlier treatment initiation and long-term outcomes. In addition, an optimal type of initial treatment for the localized disease remains ill-defined.

METHODS

Patients in the National Cancer Database (2004-2015) with clinical stage I (CS-I) and II (CS-II) PDAC who underwent curative-intent resection were included. Optimal time from diagnosis-to-treatment including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, or upfront surgery was assessed. An optimal type of treatment was evaluated. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Among 29 167 patients, starting any treatment within 0 to 6 weeks was associated with improved median OS compared with 7 to 12 weeks (21.0 vs 20.1 months; P = .004). This persisted when accounting for sex, race, and Charlson-Deyo score (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; P = 0.02) and on subset analysis for CS-I (23.5 vs 21.8 months; P = .04) and CS-II (19.4 vs 18.3 months; P = .03). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (25.6 vs 22.7 months; P < .0001) or US (25.6 vs 20.1 months; P < .0001) even when accounting for sex, race, and Charlson-Deyo score (neoadjuvant chemoradiation: HR, 0.86; P < .001; US: HR, 0.79; P < .001). This improvement persisted in subset analysis with NC compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CS-I: 28.6 vs 25.0 months; CS-II: 25.0 vs 22.9 months; both P < .0001) and to US (CS-I: 28.6 vs 22.9 months; CS-II: 24.7 vs 18.4 months; both P < .0001). On multivariable analysis for each CS-I/CS-II, NC remained associated with 20% improved survival compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiation or upfront surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

For PDAC, initiation of therapy within 6 weeks from diagnosis is associated with improved survival, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy associated with the best survival compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiation or upfront surgery.

Prognostic Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) After Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients with Resected Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), calculated using absolute platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has recently emerged as a predictor of survival for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) when assessed at diagnosis. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly used in the treatment of PDAC. However, biomarkers of response are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of SII before and after NAT and its association with the pancreatic tumor biomarker carbohydrate-antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9).

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed all PDAC patients treated with NAT before pancreatic resection at a single institution between 2007 and 2017. Pre- and post-NAT lab values were collected to calculate SII. Absolute pre-NAT, post-NAT, and change in SII after NAT were evaluated for their association with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 419 patients and found no significant correlation between pre-NAT SII and clinical outcomes. Elevated post-NAT SII was an independent, negative predictor of overall survival (OS) when assessed as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR], 1.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00003-1.00014; p = 0.006). Patients with a post-NAT SII greater than 900 had a shorter median OS (31.9 vs 26.1 months; p = 0.050), and a post-NAT SII greater than 900 also was an independent negative predictor of OS (HR, 1.369; 95% CI 1.019-1.838; p = 0.037). An 80% reduction in SII independently predicted a CA 19-9 response after NAT (HR, 4.22; 95% CI 1.209-14.750; p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Post-treatment SII may be a useful prognostic marker in PDAC patients receiving NAT.

Concomitant Radiotherapy with Protracted 5-fluorouracil Infusion in Locally Advanced Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Phase Ii Study

Aims and Background

To evaluate the efficacy of combined radiation therapy and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil in patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the pancreas.

Methods

Between January 1992 and June 1999, 31 patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were treated in our Institute. In 20 patients, the tumor (65%) was located in the head of the pancreas and in 11 (35%) in the body or tail; 13 cases also showed involved nodes. Radiation therapy consisted in a median dose of 63 Gy in 33-36 fractions applied to the tumor and regional lymph nodes. Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil in continuous infusion, 250 mg/m2 daily, was administered in the first and fifth week of the radiation therapy. Thereafter, 22 patients received 3-10 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with same doses. Median follow-up of the series was 20 months. The toxicity of the treatment was scored according to WHO criteria. All patients underwent nutritional assessment at the time of radiochemotherapy.

Results

The median overall survival was 15.2 months (range, 4-42). At restaging, 17 cases (55%) showed no change and 14 (45%) a partial remission. At the end of radiochemotherapy in 8 (26%) of the cases there was indication for pancreatectomy, which was executed in 4 patients. At the time of the study, 2 patients (6.4%) were surgically proven disease free. Eleven of the 13 cases (85%) presenting involved nodes showed that the enlarged lymph nodes had disappeared. Nineteen patients (61%) are alive with clinical evidence of disease and 2 cases are alive with liver metastases; 8 patients (26%) died for disease. In 74% of cases there was complete pain control. Tolerance to the regimen was good. Nutritional assistance was evaluated and was found to be correlated to survival.

Conclusions

The results of the series confirm a good tolerance with low acute toxicity. Tumor down-staging and resectability rates were high, together with prolonged survival and a good quality of life.

Integration of different criteria for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer using classification tree analysis: the use of radiological tumour-vascular interface in correlation with surgical and pathological outcomes

AIM

To integrate various criteria for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) based on radiological parameters using classification tree analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. Two hundred and thirty-five tumour-vein interfaces and 67 tumour-artery interfaces in 245 patients with surgically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent both preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed by two independent readers. Radiological parameters for evaluation of the tumour-vascular interface were boundary, length of interface, degree of circumferential interface, and contour deformity of affected vessels. Classification tree analysis was performed to determine parameters associated with vascular invasion using pathological and surgical results as the reference standard.

RESULTS

In the classification tree analysis for the tumour-vein interface, contour deformity and degree of circumferential interface were the first and second determining factors, respectively, for both surgical and pathological vascular invasion. For the tumour-artery interface, boundary and degree of circumferential interface were the first and second determining factors for surgical invasion, while contour deformity and length of interface were the first and second determining factors for pathological invasion. The BRPC group of modified criteria arbitrarily formed based on the results had similar surgical (74.1-81.6%) and pathological (54.3-63.3%) venous invasion compared to that of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria, and the lowest surgical (33.3%) and pathological (6.7%) arterial invasion compared with those in previously established criteria for BRPC (43.3-55.6% and 22.2-26.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Various criteria for BRPCs were integrated using classification tree analysis, and a modified criterion for BRPC, which provides satisfactory results, was established.

Pathologic Response to Preoperative Therapy as a Novel Prognosticator for Ampullary and Duodenal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of pathologic response to preoperative therapy on patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AMPA) has not been established.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 266 patients who underwent curative resection for DA (n = 97) or AMPA (n = 169) during 1993-2015 was performed. For patients who underwent preoperative therapy, the pathologic response was systematically evaluated and classified as major (0-49% of viable residual tumor cells) or minor (≥ 50% of viable residual tumor cells). Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of pathologic response and disease-specific survival (DSS).

RESULTS

For the 79 patients treated with preoperative therapy (DA: n = 34; AMPA: n = 45), concomitant use of radiation (80%, 67/79) was the sole independent predictor of major pathologic response (odds ratio [OR] 8.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85-58.2; P = 0.005). The patients with major pathologic response had a better 5-year DSS rate than the patients with minor pathologic response (DA: 65 vs 25%; P = 0.028; AMPA: 85 vs 43%; P = 0.016). In the multivariable analysis of DSS for the 79 patients who underwent preoperative therapy, major pathologic response was the sole predictor of improved DSS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.88; 95% CI 1.41-5.98; P = 0.004). In the multivariable analysis of DSS for the entire cohort, pathologic stage 2 or lower was the sole predictor of better DSS.

CONCLUSION

The major pathologic response to preoperative therapy predicted improved DSS after resection of DA and AMPA and might represent a new prognosticator after resection of DA and AMPA.

Initial Experience in the Treatment of "Borderline Resectable" Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

A borderline resectable group (APBR) has recently been defined in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The objective of the study is to evaluate the results in the surgical treatment after neoadjuvancy of the APBR.

METHOD

Between 2010 and 2014, we included patients with APBR in a neoadjuvant and surgery protocol, staged by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Treatment with chemotherapy was based on gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Subsequently, MDCT was performed to rule out progression, and 5-FU infusion and concomitant radiotherapy were given. MDCT and resection were performed in absence of progression. A descriptive statistical study was performed, dividing the series into: surgery group (GR group) and progression group (PROG group).

RESULTS

We indicated neoadjuvant treatment to 22 patients, 11 of them were operated, 9 pancreatoduodenectomies, and 2 distal pancreatectomies. Of the 11 patients, 7 required some type of vascular resection; 5 venous resections, one arterial and one both. No postoperative mortality was recorded, 7 (63%) had any complications, and 4 were reoperated. The median postoperative stay was 17 (7-75) days. The pathological study showed complete response (ypT0) in 27%, and free microscopic margins (R0) in 63%. At study clossure, all patients had died, with a median actuarial survival of 13 months (9,6-16,3). The median actuarial survival of the GR group was higher than the PROG group (25 vs. 9 months; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The neoadjuvant treatment of APBR allows us to select a group of patients in whom resection achieves a longer survival to the group in which progression is observed. Post-adjuvant pancreatic resection requires vascular resection in most cases.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: effects of neoadjuvant therapy on post-pancreatectomy outcomes - an American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted variable review

BACKGROUND

As the incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma increases, so has the utilization of neoadjuvant therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy or surgery first for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The ACS-NSQIP 2014-2015 targeted pancreatectomy variables were queried for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent resection. Outcomes of those receiving neoadjuvant therapy were compared to surgery first using a multivariate, logistic regression model.

RESULTS

3408 patients underwent pancreatectomy; 2596 proximal pancreatectomies, 741 distal pancreatectomies, 64 total pancreatectomies and 7 other pancreatic procedures were performed. Of the 3408 patients identified, 934 (27.5%) received neoadjuvant therapy: 496 chemotherapy alone, 28 radiation alone, and 410 combined chemotherapy/radiation therapy. Overall morbidity and mortality were similar between patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy versus those who underwent surgery first. Neoadjuvant treatment was associated with lower rates of pancreatic fistulas (10.2% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.017), but higher intra/postoperative transfusion rates (27.4% vs. 20.3%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy appeared to be safe prior to operative intervention as no difference in overall postoperative morbidity or mortality rates were identified. There were increased intra/postoperative transfusions in the neoadjuvant therapy group, but neoadjuvant therapy was associated with lower rates of pancreatic fistulas.

Should functional renal scans be obtained prior to upper abdominal IMRT for pancreatic cancer?

BACKGROUND

Upper abdominal irradiation for pancreatic cancer is administered in close proximity to the radiation-sensitive kidneys. There is difficulty in defining dose-volume parameters to predict late renal toxicity after partial kidney irradiation. Less than 10% of the general population is estimated to have asymmetrical kidney function; however, there are no studies that examine this in patients with pancreatic cancer. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymmetrical kidney function in patients with pancreatic cancer. A secondary aim was to determine if asymmetrical kidney function was associated with abnormal laboratory values or kidney size on computed tomography scans. Finally, we aimed to develop recommendations for when a functional renal scan in patients with pancreatic cancer should be ordered.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer who received abdominal radiation therapy and had preradiation functional renal scans between 2009 and 2015. Asymmetrical kidney function was defined as a difference between the 2 kidneys that was ≥60%/40% on a functional renal scan. Serum studies (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine [Cr], and glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) and abdominal computed tomography scans were routinely obtained before simulation.

RESULTS

Of the 204 patients examined, 23 (11.2%) had asymmetrical kidney function that was identified on preradiation functional renal scans. Elevated Cr or BUN, a GFR <60, or a medical history that suggested abnormal renal function were not significantly associated with asymmetrical kidney function. Only 6 of 23 patients (26%) with asymmetrical kidney function had a notable difference in kidney size.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, approximately 11% of patients with pancreatic cancer have asymmetrical kidney function that was not identified by kidney size, serum BUN, Cr, GFR, or a significant medical history. These data suggest that in cases in which renal radiation doses exceed a V18 of 20% to 30% or there is concern about baseline renal function, a functional renal scan should be considered.

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Systematic Review of Postoperative Morbidity, Mortality, and Complications

The purpose of this review was to assess whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) result in differential postoperative morbidity and mortality as compared with pancreatic tumor resection surgery alone. Using PRISMA guidelines and the PubMed search engine, we reviewed all prospective phase II trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and CRT for pancreatic cancer that examined postoperative morbidities and mortalities. A total of 30 articles were identified, collated, and analyzed. Risks of postoperative complications vary based on trial. With surgery alone, the most common postoperative complications included delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (17% to 24%), pancreatic fistula (10% to 20%), anastomotic leaks (0% to 15%), postoperative bleeding (2% to 13%), and infections/sepsis (17% to 20%). With surgery alone, the mortality was <5%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed comparable fistula rates (3% to 4%), leaks (3% to 11%), infection (3% to 7%), with mortality 0% to 4% in all but 1 study. CRT for resectable/borderline resectable patients also showed comparable complication rates: DGE (6% to 15%), fistulas (2% to 3%), leaks (3% to 7%), bleeding/hemorrhage (2% to 13%), infections/sepsis (3% to 19%), with 9/13 studies showing a mortality of ≤4%. As compared with initially borderline/resectable tumors, CRT for initially unresectable tumors (despite less data) showed higher complication rates: DGE (13% to 33%), fistulas (3% to 25%), infections/sepsis (3% to 16%). However, the confounding factor of the potentially higher tumor burden as an associative agent remains. The only parameters slightly higher than historical surgery-only complication rates were leaks and bleeding/hemorrhage (13% to 20%). Mortality rates in these patients were consistently 0%, with 2 outliers. Hence, neoadjuvant chemotherapy/CRT is safe from a postoperative complication standpoint, without significant increases in complication rates compared with surgery alone. Resectable and borderline resectable patients have fewer complications as compared with unresectable patients, although data for the latter are lacking.

Clinical effects of chemoradiotherapy in pursuit of optimal treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer remains extremely challenging, particularly as the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains unclear.

METHODS

We studied 93 patients (8.0%) with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer without distant metastases from among a total group of 1168 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from March 2005 to November 2015 at the Kochi Health Sciences Center, Kochi, Japan. We therefore evaluated the clinical efficacy of CRT in patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 93 patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer, 35 patients (37.6%) were subsequently classified as having resectable disease following CRT. The median overall survival of patients who received CRT alone for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer was 8.0 months, and all died within 3 years. On the other hand, the overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in patients who were reclassified as having resectable tumour after CRT were 71.3%, 39.2% and 23.5%, respectively. Our pathological assessments after surgical resection suggested that CRT might be associated with a significant reduction in the risk of lymph node metastases in patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that CRT is clinically effective in improving survival, particularly in association with the resultant possibility of curative resection. Advances in knowledge: The best treatment strategy for patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer is the subject of considerable debate, and CRT is only recommended if cancer has only grown around the pancreas without any distant metastases.

Retrospective cohort analysis of neoadjuvant treatment and survival in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a high volume referral centre

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease. Neoadjuvant therapy (NA) with chemotherapy (NAC) and radiotherapy (RT) prior to surgery provides promise. In the absence of prospective data, well annotated clinical data from high-volume units may provide pilot data for randomised trials.

METHODS

Medical records from a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, were analysed to identify all patients with resectable or borderline resectable PDAC. Data regarding treatment, toxicity and survival were collected.

RESULTS

Between January 1 2010 and April 1 2016, 220 sequential patients were treated: 87 with NA and 133 with upfront operation (UO). Forty-three NA patients (52%) and 5 UO patients (4%) were borderline resectable at diagnosis. Twenty-four borderline patients received NA RT, 22 sequential to NAC. The median overall survival (OS) in the NA group was 25.9 months (mo); 95% CI (21.1-43.0 mo) compared to 26.9 mo (19.7, 32.7) in the UO; HR 0.89; log-ranked p-value = 0.58. Sixty-nine NA patients (79%) were resected, mOS was 29.2 mo (22.27, not reached (NR)). Twenty-two NA (31%) versus 22 UO (17%) were node negative at operation (N0). In those managed with NAC/RT the mOS was 29.0 mo (17.3, NR). There were no post-operative deaths with NA within 90-days and three in the UO arm.

DISCUSSION

This is a hypothesis generating retrospective review of a selected real-world population in a high-throughput unit. Treatment with NA was well tolerated. The long observed survival in this group may be explained by lymph node sterilisation by NA, and the achievement of R0 resection in a greater proportion of patients.

The Role of Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer in the Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Settings

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Although surgery remains the only curative treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are frequently used. In the adjuvant setting, radiation is usually delivered with chemotherapy to eradicate residual microscopic or macroscopic disease in the resection bed. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy has become more frequently utilized. This article reviews the historical and modern literature regarding radiation therapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, focusing on the evolution of radiation therapy techniques and clinical trials in an attempt to identify patients best suited to receiving radiation therapy.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and the role of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity. In these cases, neoadjuvant treatment could maximize the potential for an R0 resection and avoid R1/R2 resections. In fact, by analyzing, the current literature is evident that approximately one-third of initially borderline resectable pancreatic tumors may undergo successful resection following neoadjuvant therapy. However, the enormous difficulties in achieving a consensus and the variability in therapeutic algorithms have delayed progress in establishing strong evidence-based practices for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the absence of a unique definition of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer remains a great obstacle for planning a therapeutic strategy and surgical decision-making. If on the one hand, we can finally say that the presence of only few prospective trials generates no strong data to support a specific neoadjuvant therapy regimen in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, there are many studies on patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who receive neoadjuvant therapy that can enjoy an R0 resection with similar outcomes to up-front resectable disease.

Clinical impact of neoadjuvant treatment in resectable pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Although the only curative strategy for pancreatic cancer is surgical resection, up to 85% of patients relapse after surgery. The efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment in resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) remains unclear and there is no systematic review focusing fully on this issue. Recently, two prospective trials of neoadjuvant treatment in RPC were terminated early because of slow recruiting and existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have too small sample sizes. Therefore, to overcome probable biases, it would be more reasonable to include both RCTs and non-randomised studies (NRSs) with selected criteria. This review aims to investigate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in RPC using RCTs and specific NRSs.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This systematic review will include conventional RCTs as group I, and quasi-randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies as group II. Two groups will be assessed and analysed separately. Comprehensive literature search will use Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and Scopus databases. Additionally, we will search references from relevant studies and abstracts from major conferences. Two authors will independently identify, screen, include studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus with another author. An independent methodologist will categorise and assess NRSs to minimise heterogeneity. In each study group, meta-analysis will be conducted using a random-effect model and statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated using I(2)-statistics. Publication bias will be visualised with contour-enhanced funnel plots and analysed with Egger's test. In group I, cumulative meta-analysis will be considered because the CTx regimen and CRT protocol have changed. The quality of evidence will be summarised using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review does not use primary data, and formal ethical approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and committee conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42015023820.

The role of neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer: a review

Controversy remains regarding neoadjuvant approaches in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant therapy has several potential advantages over adjuvant therapy including earlier delivery of systemic treatment, in vivo assessment of response, increased resectability rate in borderline resectable patients and increased margin-negative resection rate. At present, there are no randomized data favoring neoadjuvant over adjuvant therapy and multiple neoadjuvant approaches are under investigation. Combination chemotherapy regimens including 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin, gemcitabine with or without abraxane, or docetaxel and capecitabine have been used in the neoadjuvant setting. Radiation and chemoradiation have also been incorporated into neoadjuvant strategies, and delivery of alternative fractionation regimens is being explored. This review provides an overview of neoadjuvant therapies for pancreatic cancer.

Preferential gene expression and epigenetic memory of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from mouse pancreas

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been established from various somatic cell types. Accumulating evidence suggests that iPSCs from different cell sources have distinct molecular and functional properties. Here, we establish iPSC derived from mouse pancreas (Panc-iPSC) and compared their properties with those of iPSC derived from tail-tip fibroblast (TTF-iPSC). The metabolic profile differs between Panc-iPSC and TTF-iPSC, indicating distinct cell properties in these iPSCs. Expression of Pdx1, a marker of pancreas differentiation, is increased through formation of embryoid body (EB) in Panc-iPSC, but the level is similar to that in TTF-iPSC. In contrast, EBs derived from Panc-iPSC express liver-specific albumin (Alb) and alpha-fetoprotein (Afp) genes much more strongly than those from TTF-iPSC. Epigenetic analysis shows a different histone modification pattern between Panc-iPSC and TTF-iPSC. Promoter regions of Alb and Afp genes in Panc-iPSC are suggested to have a more open chromatin structure than those in TTF-iPSC, which also is seen in primary cultured pancreatic cells. Our data suggest that Panc-iPSC possesses distinct differentiation capacity from that of TTF-PSC, which may be influenced by epigenetic memory.

Does the use of neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma increase postoperative morbidity and mortality rates?

INTRODUCTION

The impact of neoadjuvant therapy on postpancreatectomy complications is inadequately described.

METHODS

Data from the NSQIP Pancreatectomy Demonstration Project (11/2011 to 12/2012) was used to identify patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who did and did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy was classified as chemotherapy alone or radiation ± chemotherapy. Outcomes in the neoadjuvant vs. surgery first groups were compared.

RESULTS

Of 1,562 patients identified at 43 hospitals, 199 (12.7%) received neoadjuvant therapy (99 chemotherapy alone and 100 radiation ± chemotherapy). Preoperative biliary stenting (57.9 vs. 44.7%, p = 0.0005), vascular resection (41.5 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.0001), and open resections (94.0 vs. 91.4%, p = 0.008) were more common in the neoadjuvant group. Thirty-day mortality (2.0 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.56) and postoperative morbidity rates (56.3 vs. 52.8%, p = 0.35) were similar between groups. Neoadjuvant therapy patients had fewer organ space infections (3.0 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.001), and neoadjuvant radiation patients had fewer pancreatic fistulas (7.3 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite evidence for more extensive disease, patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy did not experience more complications. Neoadjuvant radiation was associated with lower pancreatic fistula rates. These data provide evidence against higher postoperative complication rates in patients with pancreatic cancer who are treated with neoadjuvant therapy.

Optimal duration of the early and late recurrence of pancreatic cancer after pancreatectomy based on the difference in the prognosis

BACKGROUND

The term "early recurrence" of pancreatic cancer has not been well-defined in most previous studies.

METHODS

The clinical records of 86 patients who underwent macroscopic curative pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively examined. We divided 55 patients who experienced disease recurrence into two groups, the early and late recurrence groups, using the minimum p value approach. The relationships between the interval prior to recurrence and clinical outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year overall survival rates for all 86 patients were 30.2%. For 55 patients who experienced disease recurrence, the optimal cut-off value for differentiating early (n = 37) and late (n = 18) recurrence based on the overall survival was 12 months (p = 0.0000045). The Cox proportional hazard analysis identified carbohydrate antigen 19-9 > 100 U/ml (p = 0.017) and surgical margin (p = 0.007) as the independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival. Positive surgical margin (p = 0.037) and severe venous invasion (p = 0.005) were identified as independent factors associated with early recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Twelve months after pancreatectomy is the optimal cut-off value for defining early versus late recurrence based on the overall survival. Early recurrence was related to the status of the surgical margin and venous invasion.

Sequential neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by curative surgery vs. primary surgery alone for resectable, non-metastasized pancreatic adenocarcinoma: NEOPA- a randomized multicenter phase III study (NCT01900327, DRKS00003893, ISRCTN82191749)

BACKGROUND

Median OS after surgery in curative intent for non-metastasized pancreas cancer ranges under study conditions from 17.9 months to 23.6 months. Tumor recurrence occurs locally, at distant sites (liver, peritoneum, lungs), or both. Observational and autopsy series report local recurrence rates of up to 87% even after potentially "curative" R0 resection. To achieve better local control, neoadjuvant CRT has been suggested for preoperative tumour downsizing, to elevate the likelihood of curative, margin-negative R0 resection and to increase the OS rate. However, controlled, randomized trials addressing the impact of neoadjuvant CRT survival do not exist.

METHODS/DESIGN

The underlying hypothesis of this randomized, two-armed, open-label, multicenter, phase III trial is that neoadjuvant CRT increases the three-year overall survival by 12% compared to patients undergoing upfront surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer. A rigorous, standardized technique of histopathologically handling Whipple specimens will be applied at all participating centers. Overall, 410 patients (n=205 in each study arm) will be enrolled in the trial, taking into regard an expected drop out rate of 7% and allocated either to receive neoadjuvant CRT prior to surgery or to undergo surgery alone. Circumferential resection margin status, i.e. R0 and R1 rates, respectively, surgical resectability rate, local and distant disease-free and global survival, and first site of tumor recurrence constitute further essential endpoints of the trial.

DISCUSSION

For the first time, the NEOPA study investigates the impact of neoadjuvant CRT on survival of resectable pancreas head cancer in a prospectively randomized manner. The results of the study have the potential to change substantially the treatment regimen of pancreas cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial gov: NCT01900327, DRKS00003893, ISRCTN82191749.

Defining the role of adjuvant therapy: ampullary and duodenal adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinomas of the ampulla of Vater and duodenum are more rare than pancreatic cancer and have a better prognosis. However, studies conducted on the management of these cancers, such as adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are limited by small sample sizes and series that are retrospective. This review evaluates ampullary and duodenal adenocarcinomas with regard to incidence, anatomy, prognostic features, patterns of failure, and the available literature studying adjuvant therapy.

Treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma represents a subset of localized cancers that are at high risk for a margin-positive resection and early treatment failure when resected de novo. Although several different anatomic definitions for this disease stage exist, there is agreement that some degree of reconstructible mesenteric vessel involvement by the tumor is the critical anatomic feature that positions borderline resectable between anatomically resectable and unresectable (locally advanced) tumors in the spectrum of localized disease. Consensus also exists that such cancers should be treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation before resection; although the optimal algorithm is unknown, systemic chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation is a rational approach. Although gemcitabine-based systemic chemotherapy with either 5-FU or gemcitabine-based chemoradiation regimens has been used to date, newer regimens, including FOLFIRINOX, should be evaluated on protocol. Delivery of neoadjuvant therapy necessitates durable biliary decompression for as many as 6 months in many patients with cancers of the pancreatic head. Patients with no evidence of metastatic disease following neoadjuvant therapy should be brought to the operating room for pancreatectomy, at which time resection of the superior mesenteric/portal vein and/or hepatic artery should be performed when necessary to achieve a margin-negative resection. Following completion of multimodality therapy, patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer can expect a duration of survival as favorable as that of patients who initially present with resectable tumors. Coordination among a multidisciplinary team of physicians is necessary to maximize these complex patients' short- and long-term oncologic outcomes.

Impact of preoperative therapy on patterns of recurrence in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

A theoretical advantage of preoperative therapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is that it facilitates the early treatment of micrometastases and reduces postoperative systemic recurrence.

METHODS

Medical records of 309 consecutive patients undergoing resection of adenocarcinoma in the head of the pancreas were reviewed. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between preoperative therapy and patterns of recurrence were determined using chi-squared analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperative therapy was administered to 108 patients and upfront surgery was performed in 201 patients. Preoperative therapy was associated with a significantly longer median disease-free survival of 14 months compared with 12 months in patients submitted to upfront surgery (P = 0.035). The rate of local disease as a component of first site of recurrence was significantly lower with preoperative therapy (11.3%) than with upfront surgery (22.9%) (P = 0.016). Preoperative therapy was associated with a lower rate of hepatic metastasis (21.7%) than upfront surgery (34.3%) (P = 0.026). Preoperative therapy did not affect rates of peritoneal or pulmonary metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative therapy for pancreatic cancer was associated with longer disease-free survival and lower rates of local and hepatic recurrences. These data support the use of preoperative therapy to reduce systemic and local failures after resection.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and duration of chemotherapy before surgical resection for pancreatic cancer: does time interval between radiotherapy and surgery matter?

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and chemotherapy provided for borderline or locally advanced, potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma improves resectability rates. Response to therapy is also an important prognostic factor. There are no data in the literature regarding optimal time interval or duration of chemotherapy after chemoradiation before surgery, and pathologic response rates. Using our database, we evaluated these relationships and the effect on overall and progression-free survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 83 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced, potentially resectable, and borderline resectable pancreatic cancers before definitive resection. We divided patients into three groups according to time interval between completion of chemoradiation and resection: group A (0-10 weeks), group B (11-20 weeks), and group C (>20 weeks). After chemoradiation, patients underwent ongoing chemotherapy before resection. Pathologic response was defined as major (>95% fibrosis), partial (50-94% fibrosis), or minor (<50% fibrosis).

RESULTS

There were 56 patients in group A, 17 patients in group B, and 10 patients in group C. Patients in groups B and C were significantly more likely to experience a major response than group A (p < 0.013). Patients in group C had significantly increased median progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.05). Multivariable classification and regression tree analysis demonstrated pathologic response to be the only significant factor in overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent a prolonged time interval after neoadjuvant chemoradiation with ongoing chemotherapy were more likely to have an improved pathologic response at time of surgical resection, which was associated with improved median overall survival.

Irinotecan as Salvage Chemotherapy for Advanced Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma: A Series of Three Patients

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a relatively rare disease. Because of its rarity the role of chemotherapy either as adjuvant or for advanced disease has not been clearly defined. Therefore any information, including case reports, is warranted. We report on three patients with adenocarcinoma of the jejunum and ileum. Two patients with positive lymph nodes received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil-folinic acid (5FU-FA) for 12 months but they developed metastatic disease 3 and 8 months later, respectively. The third patient was initially treated with the same agents but for metastatic disease. All patients were subsequently treated for tumor recurrence with irinotecan 350 mg/m2 i.v. every 3 weeks as salvage chemotherapy supported by Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF) for 5 days. Two patients achieved a minor response and had a dramatic improvement of their symptoms. Their survival times after irinotecan administration were 14 and 6 months with an overall survival after primary diagnosis of 29 and 27 months, respectively. The third patient who had a tumor refractory to 5FU-FA progressed also on irinotecan and had an 8-month overall survival. Although conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in SBA, it seems reasonable to extrapolate from large bowel carcinoma experience. Irinotecan seems to have some degree of activity in the treatment of SBA but further studies are warranted.

Neoadjuvant therapy in resectable pancreatic cancer: a critical review

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest tumors. Due to intrinsic chemo- and radio-resistance, surgical resection remains the only chance for cure. However surgery alone is unable to considerably improve survival and complementary chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a multimodal approach have been tested. Adjuvant chemotherapy yielded a modest outcome improvement, whereas the use of adjuvant chemoradiation is highly controversial. In this scenario, the neoadjuvant approach has a strong theoretical rationale, but limited information on the efficacy of this strategy is available.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review critically overviews the current knowledge, the rationale, the available data and information on neoadjuvant treatment in resectable pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

The very early systemic dissemination of pancreatic cancer endorses the rationale for an up-front use of systemic therapy. However, evidence collected so far depends on retrospective data, small case series that did not balance the different characteristics of patients suitable for surgery before or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Currently there is no straightforward evidence to support the routine clinical use of this strategy. Only a properly designed randomized trial testing combination chemotherapy regimens selected on the basis of their efficacy and activity against metastatic disease can address this issue.

Neoadjuvant treatment of duodenal adenocarcinoma: a rescue strategy

AIM

To evaluate the role of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and rescue surgery in the management of unresectable or recurrent duodenal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all adults treated with neoadjuvant therapy and rescue surgery for locally unresectable or locally recurrent duodenal adenocarcinoma from 1994 to 2010.

RESULTS

Ten patients received various forms of neoadjuvant therapy prior to operative exploration for potential resection. Six patients presented with locally unresectable disease, while four had local recurrences. Six patients had vascular encasement, three had retroperitoneal extension with vascular invasion, and one had invasion of surrounding organs. Of the six patients with locally advanced disease, preoperative therapy consisted of chemotherapy alone (3) or chemoradiotherapy (3). Of the four patients with local recurrences, preoperative therapy consisted of chemotherapy alone (1), chemoradiotherapy alone (1), chemoradiotherapy after chemotherapy (1), and chemoradiotherapy followed by combination chemotherapy (1). Nine of ten patients became resectable after neoadjuvant therapy. Clinically, two patients had complete responses, and four had partial responses. Histopathology revealed complete pathologic response in two patients and near-complete pathologic response in one (<1 mm of residual disease). Currently, five patients are alive (range 18-83 months postoperatively). All have no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant therapy may convert locally unresectable duodenal adenocarcinoma to resectable disease with subsequent prolonged survival.

Neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis of phase II trials

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant treatment has proven beneficial for many gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, but no phase III trials have been completed examining this approach in pancreatic cancer. This meta-analysis examines the best available phase II trials using neoadjuvant treatment for resectable and borderline/unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Phase II trials were identified using a MEDLINE search, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1960 to July 2010. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Patients with initially resectable tumors (group A), and patients with borderline/unresectable tumors (group B). Primary outcome measures were rate of resection and survival. Pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 14 phase II clinical trials including 536 patients were analyzed. After treatment, resectability was 65.8% (95% CI, 55.4-75.6%) compared with 31.6% in group B (95% CI, 14.0-52.5%). A partial response was observed in patients with borderline/unresectable tumors; 31.8 (95% CI, 24.2-39.8%) in group B and 9.5% (95% CI, 2.9-19.4%) in group A (P = .003). Progressive disease was seen in 17.0% (95% CI, 11.9-22.7) of patients in group A versus 21.8% (95% CI, 10.1-36.5%) in group B (P = .006). Median survival in resected patients was 23 months for group A and 22 months for group B.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant treatment seems to have some activity in patients with borderline/unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Nearly one third of tumors initially deemed marginal for operative intervention were able to be ultimately resected after treatment. Until more effective targeted chemotherapeutics are developed, the only group of patients with pancreatic cancer that may benefit from neoadjuvant treatment are those with locally advanced disease.

A decision model of therapy for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer is controversial. Resection is considered the only curative treatment, but neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may offer significant advantages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed a decision model for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. Initial therapeutic choices were surgery, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, or no treatment; subsequent decisions offered a second intervention if not prohibited by complications or death. Payoffs were calculated as the median expected survival. We gathered evidence for this model through a comprehensive MEDLINE search. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is favored over initial surgery, with expected values of 18.6 and 17.7 mo, respectively. The decision is sensitive to the probabilities of treatment mortality and tumor resectability. Threshold probabilities are 7.0% mortality of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 69.2% resectability on imaging after neoadjuvant therapy, and 73.7% resectability at exploration after neoadjuvant therapy, 92.2% resectability at initial resection, and 9.9% surgical mortality following chemoradiotherapy. The decision is sensitive to the utility of time spent in chemoradiotherapy, with surgery favored for utilities less than 0.3 and -0.8, for uncomplicated and complicated chemoradiotherapy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal treatment for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer remains controversial, but recent evidence supports a slight benefit for neoadjuvant therapy. Our model shows that the decision is sensitive to the probability of tumor resectability and chemoradiation mortality, but not to rates of other treatment complications. With minimal benefit of one treatment over another based on survival alone, patient preferences will likely play an important role in determining best treatment.

Gemcitabine/cisplatin versus 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin C chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a retrospective analysis of 93 patients

Background

Despite of a growing number of gemcitabine based chemoradiotherapy studies in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), 5-fluorouracil based regimens are still regarded to be standard and the debate of superiority between the two drugs is going on. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effect of two concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimens using 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine to compare their effect and tolerance.

Methods

We have performed a single centre retrospective analysis of 93 patients treated with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy of 55.8 Gray using either concurrent 5-fluorouracil, 1 g/m² on days 1-5 and 29-33 of radiotherapy and 10 mg/m² of mitomycin C on day 1, 29 of radiotherapy (FM group, 35 patients) versus gemcitabine (300 mg/m²) and cisplatin, (30 mg/m²) on days 1, 8, 22, and 29 (GC group, 58 patients). Primary endpoint was the median overall survival (OS) rate.

Results

The median OS rate was 12.7 months in the GC group and 9.7 months in the FM group. The 1-year OS rate was 53% versus 40%, respectively (p = 0.009). GC led to more grade 3 leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia than FM, but not to more grade 4 myelosuppression. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequently observed grade 4 toxicity in both groups (11% after FM versus 12% after GC). No grade 3/4 febrile neutropenia was observed. Grade 3 nausea was more common in the FM group (20% versus 9%) and grade 4 nausea was observed in one patient per group only.

Conclusions

GC was superior to FM for overall survival and both regimens were similar in terms of tolerance. We conclude that GC leads to encouraging results and that the use of FM for chemoradiotherapy in LAPC cannot be recommended without concerns.

Neoadjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer: a disappointing therapeutic approach?

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Germany. The incidence in 2003/2004 was 16 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Of all carcinomas, pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate, with one- and five-year survival rates of 25% and less than 5%, respectively, regardless of the stage at diagnosis. These low survival rates demonstrate the poor prognosis of this carcinoma. Previous therapeutic approaches including surgical resection combined with adjuvant therapy or palliative chemoradiation have not achieved satisfactory results with respect to overall survival. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. Neoadjuvant therapy is an interesting therapeutic option for patients with pancreatic cancer. For selected patients with borderline or unresectable disease, neoadjuvant therapy offers the potential for tumor downstaging, increasing the probability of a margin-negative resection and decreasing the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. Currently, there is no universally accepted approach for treating patients with pancreatic cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. In this review, the most common neoadjuvant strategies will be described, compared and discussed.