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Pandey S, Bradley L, Del Fabbro E. Updates in Cancer Cachexia: Clinical Management and Pharmacologic Interventions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1696. [PMID: 38730648 PMCID: PMC11083841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite a better understanding of the mechanisms causing cancer cachexia (CC) and development of promising pharmacologic and supportive care interventions, CC persists as an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. CC contributes to fatigue, poor quality of life, functional impairment, increases treatment related toxicity, and reduces survival. The core elements of CC such as weight loss and poor appetite should be identified early. Currently, addressing contributing conditions (hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and adrenal insufficiency), managing nutrition impact symptoms leading to decreased oral intake (nausea, constipation, dysgeusia, stomatitis, mucositis, pain, fatigue, depressed mood, or anxiety), and the addition of pharmacologic agents when appropriate (progesterone analog, corticosteroids, and olanzapine) is recommended. In Japan, the clinical practice has changed based on the availability of Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist that improved lean body mass, weight, and appetite-related quality of life (QoL) compared to a placebo, in phase III trials. Other promising therapeutic agents currently in trials include Espindolol, a non-selective β blocker and a monoclonal antibody to GDF-15. In the future, a single therapeutic agent or perhaps multiple medications targeting the various mechanisms of CC may prove to be an effective strategy. Ideally, these medications should be incorporated into a multimodal interdisciplinary approach that includes exercise and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Pandey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (S.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Lauren Bradley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (S.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Egidio Del Fabbro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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2
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Chang VT, Sandifer C, Zhong F. GI Symptoms in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2023; 22:24-33. [PMID: 36623952 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This review will apply a multidisciplinary approach to GI symptoms with attention to symptom assessment (instruments and qualitative aspects), differential diagnosis, and recent findings relevant to management of symptoms and underlying diseases. We conclude that further development of supportive interventions for GI symptoms for both patient and caregivers has the potential to reduce distress from GI symptoms, and anticipate better symptom control with advances in scientific knowledge and improvement of the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor T Chang
- Section Hematology Oncology (111), VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ; Department of Medicine, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ.
| | | | - Fengming Zhong
- Section Hematology Oncology (111), VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ; Department of Medicine, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
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3
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Bechtold ML, Brown PM, Escuro A, Grenda B, Johnston T, Kozeniecki M, Limketkai BN, Nelson KK, Powers J, Ronan A, Schober N, Strang BJ, Swartz C, Turner J, Tweel L, Walker R, Epp L, Malone A. When is enteral nutrition indicated? JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2022; 46:1470-1496. [PMID: 35838308 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Enteral nutrition (EN) is a vital component of nutrition around the world. EN allows for delivery of nutrients to those who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by oral intake alone. Common questions regarding EN are when to initiate and in what scenarios it is safe. The answers to these questions are often complex and require an evidence-based approach. The Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) established an Enteral Nutrition Committtee to address the important questions surrounding the indications for EN. Consensus recommendations were established based on eight extremely clinically relevant questions regarding EN indications as deemed by the Enteral Nutrition Committee. These consensus recommendations may act as a guide for clinicians and stakeholders on difficult questions pertaining to indications for EN. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brandee Grenda
- Morrison Healthcare at Atrium Health Navicant, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Theresa Johnston
- Nutrition Support Team, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Powers
- Nursing Research and Professional Practice, Parkview Health System, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea Ronan
- Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Nathan Schober
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America - Atlanta, Newnan, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Cristina Swartz
- Northwestern Medicine Delnor Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Justine Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Renee Walker
- Michael E. DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Epp
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ainsley Malone
- American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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4
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Hickman K, Godfrey E, Ajithkumar T. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided neurolysis in advanced pancreatic cancer: current status. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021; 12:22-28. [PMID: 34635545 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis with patients often presenting with locally advanced, inoperable or metastatic disease. A significant proportion of patients have visceral pain due to perineural infiltration or coeliac plexus involvement by the tumour. This pain is difficult to control and may become refractory to conventional pain management. Therefore, coeliac plexus neurolysis (CPN) has been proposed to ablate the neuronal transmission pathway of pain permanently. CPN is recommended for those who have uncontrolled pain, are experiencing unacceptable opioid adverse effects or are receiving escalating doses of analgesics. It is not known whether CPN performed at diagnosis as the first-line treatment ('early') would impact short-term and long-term pain control and quality of life. NICE has recommended (2018) a randomised trial comparing early endoscopic ultrasound-guided coeliac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN) with on-demand EUS-CPN in pancreatic cancer. In this context, we will review the current evidence on its clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Hickman
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edmund Godfrey
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thankamma Ajithkumar
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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5
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Gianotti L, Besselink MG, Sandini M, Hackert T, Conlon K, Gerritsen A, Griffin O, Fingerhut A, Probst P, Abu Hilal M, Marchegiani G, Nappo G, Zerbi A, Amodio A, Perinel J, Adham M, Raimondo M, Asbun HJ, Sato A, Takaori K, Shrikhande SV, Del Chiaro M, Bockhorn M, Izbicki JR, Dervenis C, Charnley RM, Martignoni ME, Friess H, de Pretis N, Radenkovic D, Montorsi M, Sarr MG, Vollmer CM, Frulloni L, Büchler MW, Bassi C. Nutritional support and therapy in pancreatic surgery: A position paper of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). Surgery 2018; 164:1035-1048. [PMID: 30029989 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal nutritional therapy in the field of pancreatic surgery is still debated. METHODS An international panel of recognized pancreatic surgeons and pancreatologists decided that the topic of nutritional support was of importance in pancreatic surgery. Thus, they reviewed the best contemporary literature and worked to develop a position paper to provide evidence supporting the integration of appropriate nutritional support into the overall management of patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Strength of recommendation and quality of evidence were based on the approach of the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation Working Group. RESULTS The measurement of nutritional status should be part of routine preoperative assessment because malnutrition is a recognized risk factor for surgery-related complications. In addition to patient's weight loss and body mass index, measurement of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity should be considered in the preoperative evaluation because they are strong predictors of poor short-term and long-term outcomes. The available data do not show any definitive nutritional advantages for one specific type of gastrointestinal reconstruction technique after pancreatoduodenectomy over the others. Postoperative early resumption of oral intake is safe and should be encouraged within enhanced recovery protocols, but in the case of severe postoperative complications or poor tolerance of oral food after the operation, supplementary artificial nutrition should be started at once. At present, there is not enough evidence to show the benefit of avoiding oral intake in clinically stable patients who are complicated by a clinically irrelevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (a so-called biochemical leak), while special caution should be given to feeding patients with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula orally. When an artificial nutritional support is needed, enteral nutrition is preferred whenever possible over parenteral nutrition. After the operation, regardless of the type of pancreatic resection or technique of reconstruction, patients should be monitored carefully to assess for the presence of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although fecal elastase-1 is the most readily available clinical test for detection of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, its sensitivity and specificity are low. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy should be initiated routinely after pancreatoduodenectomy and in patients with locally advanced disease and continued for at least 6 months after surgery, because untreated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency may result in severe nutritional derangement. CONCLUSION The importance of this position paper is the consensus reached on the topic. Concentrating on nutritional support and therapy is of utmost value in pancreatic surgery for both short- and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gianotti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and Department of Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Sandini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and Department of Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Conlon
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arja Gerritsen
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Oonagh Griffin
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Abe Fingerhut
- University of Graz Hospital, Surgical Research Unit, Graz, Austria
| | - Pascal Probst
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Giovanni Marchegiani
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Gennaro Nappo
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zerbi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Amodio
- Unit of Gastroenterology, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Julie Perinel
- Department of Digestive Surgery, E. Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon-Sud Faculty of Medicine, Lyon, France
| | - Mustapha Adham
- Department of Digestive Surgery, E. Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon-Sud Faculty of Medicine, Lyon, France
| | - Massimo Raimondo
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Horacio J Asbun
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Asahi Sato
- Division of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Takaori
- Division of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Marco Del Chiaro
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit - Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC) - Karolinska Institutet at Center for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maximilian Bockhorn
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic-Surgery, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob R Izbicki
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic-Surgery, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christos Dervenis
- University of Cyprus and Department of Surgical Oncology and HPB Surgery Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Richard M Charnley
- Department of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marc E Martignoni
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | | | - Dejan Radenkovic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia and School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marco Montorsi
- Department of Surgery, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael G Sarr
- Department of Gastroenterologic and General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Charles M Vollmer
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Luca Frulloni
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Markus W Büchler
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudio Bassi
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
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Johnson AM, Spaete JP, Jowell PS, Kamal AH, Fisher DA. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Interventional Symptom Management Options When Caring for Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:1339-1343. [PMID: 29905501 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with advanced stages of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are often quite symptomatic, with symptoms primarily related to anatomic sites of obstruction. Endoscopic approaches to the palliation of GI malignancies have begun to overtake surgical approaches as first line in interventional management. We brought together a team of interventional gastroenterologists and palliative care experts to collate practical pearls for the types of endoscopic interventions used for symptom management in patients with GI malignancies. In this article, we use a "Top 10" format to highlight issues that may help palliative care physicians recognize common presentations of advanced GI malignancies, address interventional approaches to improve symptom burden, and improve the quality of shared decision making and goals-of-care discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson M Johnson
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joshua P Spaete
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Paul S Jowell
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Arif H Kamal
- 2 Duke Cancer Institute , Duke Fuqua School of Business, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Deborah A Fisher
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
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Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invading the Duodenum and Presenting as Idiopathic Gastroparesis with Nausea and Vomiting. ACG Case Rep J 2016; 3:e109. [PMID: 27807571 PMCID: PMC5062666 DOI: 10.14309/crj.2016.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Prior esophagogastrodudenoscopy showed retained food and delayed gastric emptying, but abdominal computed tomography was normal. The working diagnosis was idiopathic gastroparesis. Subsequently, an electrogastrogram test showed normal 3-cycle-per-minute activity, although it was suggestive of obstructive gastroparesis. Repeat esophagogastrodudenoscopy showed obstruction at the postbulbar duodenum. Repeat abdominal computed tomography revealed a 2.2 x 1.6-cm mass in the pancreaticoduodenal groove narrowing the descending duodenum and aspiration of the mass revealed adenocarcinoma.
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8
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Del Fabbro E. Current and future care of patients with the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2015:e229-e237. [PMID: 25993178 DOI: 10.14694/edbook_am.2015.35.e229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many important advances have occurred in the field of cancer cachexia over the past decade, including progress in understanding the mechanisms of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) and the development of promising pharmacologic and supportive care interventions. However, no approved agents for cancer cachexia currently exist, emphasizing the unmet need for an effective pharmacologic therapy. This article reviews the key elements of CACS assessment in daily practice, the contribution of nutritional impact symptoms (NIS), the evidence for current pharmacologic options, and promising anticachexia agents in perclinical and clinical trials. It also proposes a model for multimodality therapy and highlights issues pertinent to CACS in patients with pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egidio Del Fabbro
- From the Palliative Care Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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9
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Fontes PRO, Waechter FL, Nectoux M, Sampaio JA, Teixeira UF, Pereira-Lima L. Low mortality rate in 97 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies: the experience of a group. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2014; 51:29-33. [PMID: 24760061 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032014000100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the procedure of choice for resectable cancer of the periampullary region. These tumors account for 4% of deaths from cancer, being referred to as one of the lowest survival rates at 5 years. Surgery remains a complex procedure with substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite reports of up to 30% mortality rates, in centers of excellence it have been identified as less than 5%. Recent studies show that pancreaticojejunostomy represents the "Achilles' heel" of the procedure. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the post-operative 30 days morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 97 consecutive resected patients between July, 2000 and December, 2012. All patients were managed by the same group, and data were obtained from specific database service. The main objective was to evaluate the 30-day mortality rate, but we also studied data of surgical specimen, need for vascular resection and postoperative complications (gastric stasis, pancreatic fistula, pneumonia and reoperation rate). RESULTS Thirty-day mortality rate was 2.1% (two patients). Complete resection with no microscopic residual tumor was obtained in 93.8% of patients, and in 67.3% of cases pathology did not detected metastatic nodes. Among postoperative complications were reported 6% of prolonged gastric stasis, 10.3% of pneumonia, 10.3% of pancreatic fistula and 1% of infection in the drain pathway. Two patients underwent reoperation due to bleeding and infected hematoma caused by pancreatic fistula, and another for intestinal obstruction because of adhesions at postoperative day 12. CONCLUSIONS The pancreaticoduodenectomy as treatment procedure for periampullary cancers has a low morbidity and mortality rate in services with experience in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery, remaining as first-line treatment in resectable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Roberto Ott Fontes
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Fábio Luiz Waechter
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Mauro Nectoux
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - José Artur Sampaio
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Uirá Fernandes Teixeira
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Luiz Pereira-Lima
- Universidade Federal de Ciências de Saúde de Porto Alegre, UFCSPA ? Departamento de Clínica Cirúrgica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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A Rare Case of Paraneoplastic Syndrome Presented with Severe Gastroparesis due to Ganglional Loss. Case Rep Med 2012; 2012:894837. [PMID: 23304163 PMCID: PMC3529536 DOI: 10.1155/2012/894837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 11/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare initial manifestations of a neoplastic disorder that may precede the actual detection of an overt cancer. These syndromes can generally involve any organic system of the human body with gastroparesis being the commonest manifestation of the paraneoplastic involvement of the neuronal bodies of the gastrointestinal tract in cancer patients. Gastroparesis is the result of an autoimmune destruction of the nerve plexus of the stomach that causes nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as intractable vomiting and abdominal discomfort that interfere with patients' quality of life and are often ascribed to psychological factors. Thus, if not suspected, it easily evades the diagnostic thought especially in those cases where the diagnostic work up has not detected any apparent cause. Consequently, it should always be considered in patients with diagnosed or suspected cancer who complain of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. In our report, so as to increase the clinical awareness of this rare clinical entity, we present the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian female who presented in our hospital with severe gastroparesis that was later proven to be associated with an overt small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and we discuss the existing knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this disorder.
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Abstract
Gastroparesis is a prevalent condition that produces symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of physical blockage. The most common etiologies of gastroparesis are idiopathic, diabetic, and postsurgical disease, although some cases stem from autoimmune, paraneoplastic, neurologic or other conditions. Histologic examination of gastric tissues from patients with severe gastroparesis reveals heterogeneous and inconsistent defects in the morphology of enteric neurons, smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal, and increased levels of inflammatory cells. Diagnosis is most commonly made by gastric emptying scintigraphy; however, wireless motility capsules and nonradioactive isotope breath tests have also been validated. A range of treatments have been used for gastroparesis including dietary modifications and nutritional supplements, gastric motor stimulatory or antiemetic medications, endoscopic or surgical procedures, and psychological interventions. Most treatments have not been subjected to controlled testing in patients with gastroparesis. The natural history of this condition is poorly understood. Active ongoing research is providing important insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Hasler
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Hospital, 3912 Taubman Center, Ann Arbor, MI 5362, USA.
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