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Moond V, Maniyar B, Harne PS, Bailey-Lundberg JM, Thosani NC. Harnessing endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation to reshape the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment and elicit systemic immunomodulation. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:1056-1073. [PMID: 39351436 PMCID: PMC11438557 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by poor prognostics and substantial therapeutic challenges, with dismal survival rates. Tumor resistance in PDAC is primarily attributed to its fibrotic, hypoxic, and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved minimally invasive technique for treating pancreatic cancer, disrupts tumors with heat and induces coagulative necrosis, releasing tumor antigens that may trigger a systemic immune response-the abscopal effect. We aim to elucidate the roles of EUS-RFA-mediated thermal and mechanical stress in enhancing anti-tumor immunity in PDAC. A comprehensive literature review focused on radiofrequency immunomodulation and immunotherapy in pancreatic tumors to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of RFA and its effect on the TME, which could prevent recurrence and resistance. We reviewed clinical, preclinical, and in vitro studies on RFA mechanisms in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, discussing the unique immunomodulatory effects of EUS-RFA. Recent findings suggest that combining RFA with immune adjuvants enhances responses in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. EUS-RFA offers a dual benefit against PDAC by directly reducing tumor viability and indirectly enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Observations of neutrophil-mediated immunomodulation and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) modulation support integrating EUS-RFA with targeted immunotherapies for managing pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Integrating EUS-RFA in PDAC treatment promises direct cytoreduction and synergistic effects with molecular targeted therapies. Prospective clinical trials are crucial to assess the efficacy of this combined approach in improving outcomes and survival rates in advanced PDAC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishali Moond
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Peter’s University Hospital/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Bhumi Maniyar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Prateek Suresh Harne
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Bailey-Lundberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nirav C. Thosani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Peter’s University Hospital/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Division of Elective Surgery and Interventional Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston TX 77030, USA
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2
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Patrick PS, Stuckey DJ, Zhu H, Kalber TL, Iftikhar H, Southern P, Bear JC, Lythgoe MF, Hattersley SR, Pankhurst QA. Improved tumour delivery of iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia therapy of melanoma via ultrasound guidance and 111In SPECT quantification. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39044561 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00240g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic field hyperthermia relies on the intra-tumoural delivery of magnetic nanoparticles by interstitial injection, followed by their heating on exposure to a remotely-applied alternating magnetic field (AMF). This offers a potential sole or adjuvant route to treating drug-resistant tumours for which no alternatives are currently available. However, two challenges in nanoparticle delivery currently hinder the effective clinical translation of this technology: obtaining enough magnetic material within the tumour to enable sufficient heating; and doing this accurately to limit or avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue. A further complication is the lack of established methods to non-invasively quantify nanoparticle biodistribution, which is necessary to evaluate the performance of improved delivery strategies. Here we employ 111In radiolabelling and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to non-invasively quantify distribution of a clinical grade iron-oxide-based nanoparticle in a mouse model of melanoma. We show that compared to manual injection, ultrasound guided delivery together with syringe-pump-controlled infusion improves both the nanoparticle concentration within the tumour, and the accuracy of delivery - reducing off-target peri-tumoural delivery. Following AMF heating, injected melanomas shrank significantly compared to non-injected controls, validating therapeutic efficacy. Systemic off-target delivery was quantified and extrapolated to predict off-target energy absorbance within safe limits for the main sites of background accumulation. With many nanoparticle-based therapies currently in development for cancer, this image-guided delivery strategy has wide potential impact beyond the field of magnetic hyperthermia. Future use in representative patient cohorts would also be enabled by the high clinical availability of both SPECT and ultrasound imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stephen Patrick
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | - Daniel J Stuckey
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | - Huachen Zhu
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | - Tammy L Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | - Haadi Iftikhar
- Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Paul Southern
- Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS, UK
- Resonant Circuits Limited, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Joseph C Bear
- School of Life Science, Pharmacy & Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | | | - Quentin A Pankhurst
- Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS, UK
- Resonant Circuits Limited, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS, UK
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3
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Itonaga M, Kitano M, Ashida R. Development of devices for interventional endoscopic ultrasound for the management of pancreatobiliary diseases. Dig Endosc 2023; 35:302-313. [PMID: 36052861 DOI: 10.1111/den.14428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of devices have been developed for interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). EUS-guided drainage of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, as well as fluid collection adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract, is performed by a procedure involving puncture, guidewire manipulation, tract dilation, and stent placement. Devices specialized for interventional EUS are being developed for each step of the procedure. Mechanical dilators such as bougie, balloon, and electrocautery dilators are used for tract dilation. Various types of plastic stents, self-expandable metal stents, and lumen-apposing metal stents specifically designed for interventional EUS are now available, including one-step devices developed to improve the efficacy and safety of interventional EUS. In addition, radiofrequency ablation and the placement of fiducial markers and radioactive seeds under EUS guidance are now becoming established for pancreatic neoplasms. Such development of specialized devices has expanded the indications for interventional EUS, increased the success rate, and lowered the adverse event rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Itonaga
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Reiko Ashida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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4
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Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Interstitial Laser Ablation Using a Cylindrical Laser Diffuser: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112895. [PMID: 36428465 PMCID: PMC9687491 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Local ablative treatment is another option for improving outcomes and has been evaluated for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. We previously suggested endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interstitial laser ablation using a cylindrical laser diffuser (CILA) might be a feasible therapeutic option based on experiments performed on pancreatic cancer cell lines and porcine model with a short follow-up (3 days). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of EUS-CILA performed using optimal settings in porcine pancreas with a long-term follow-up (2 weeks). METHODS EUS-CILA (laser energy of 450 J; 5 W for 90 s) was applied to normal pancreatic tissue in porcine (n = 5) under EUS guidance. Animals were observed clinically for 2 weeks after EUS-CILA to evaluate complications. Computed tomography and laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate safety. Two weeks after EUS-CILA, all pigs were sacrificed, and histopathological safety and efficacy evaluations were conducted. RESULTS EUS-CILA was technically successful in all five cases. No major complications occurred during the follow-up period. Body weight of porcine did not change during the study period without any significant change in feed intake. Animals remained in excellent condition throughout the experimental period, and laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT) scans provided no evidence of a major complication. Histopathological evaluation showed complete ablation in the ablated area with clear delineation of surrounding normal pancreatic tissue. Mean ablated volume was 55.5 mm2 × 29.0 mm and mean ablated areas in the pancreatic sections of the five pigs were not significantly different (p = 0.368). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our experimental study suggests that EUS-CILA is safe and has the potential to be an effective local treatment modality. No major morbidity or mortality occurred during the study period. Further evaluations are warranted before clinical application.
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Thosani N, Cen P, Rowe J, Guha S, Bailey-Lundberg JM, Bhakta D, Patil P, Wray CJ. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) for advanced pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16516. [PMID: 36192558 PMCID: PMC9530230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long term prognosis and 5-year survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains suboptimal. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided RFA (EUS-RFA) is an emerging technology and limited data exist regarding safety and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to report safety-profile, feasibility and outcomes of EUS-RFA for advanced PDAC. Prospective review of patients with diagnosis of locally-advanced or metastatic PDAC undergoing EUS-RFA between October 2016 to March 2018 with long-term follow up (> 30 months). Study patients underwent a total of 1–4 RFA sessions. All patients were enrolled in longitudinal cohort study and received standard of care chemotherapy. 10 patients underwent EUS-RFA. Location of the lesions was in the head(4), neck(2), body(2), and tail(2). 22 RFA sessions were performed with a range of 1–4 sessions per patient. There were no major adverse events (bleeding, perforation, infection, pancreatitis) in immediate (up to 72 h) and short-term follow up (4 weeks). Mild worsening of existing abdominal pain was noted during post-procedure observation in 12/22 (55%) of RFA treatments. Follow-up imaging demonstrated tumor progression in 2 patients, whereas tumor regression was noted in 6 patients (> 50% reduction in size in 3 patients). Median survival for the cohort was 20.5 months (95% CI, 9.93–42.2 months). Currently, 2 patients remain alive at 61 and 81 months follow-up since initial diagnosis. One patient had 3 cm PDAC with encasement of the portal confluence, abutment of the celiac axis, common hepatic and superior mesenteric artery. This patient had significant reduction in tumor size and underwent standard pancreaticoduodenectomy. In our experience, EUS-RFA was safe, well-tolerated and could be concurrently performed with standard chemotherapy. In this select cohort, median survival was improved when compared to published survival based upon SEER database and clinical trials. Future prospective trials are needed to understand the role of EUS-RFA in overall management of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirav Thosani
- Department of Medicine, Center for Interventional Gastroenterology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Putao Cen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julie Rowe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sushovan Guha
- Department of Medicine, Center for Interventional Gastroenterology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Dimpal Bhakta
- Department of Medicine, Center for Interventional Gastroenterology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prithvi Patil
- Department of Medicine, Center for Interventional Gastroenterology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Curtis J Wray
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 4.164a, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Kerdsirichairat T, Shin EJ. Endoscopic ultrasound guided interventions in the management of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2022; 14:191-204. [PMID: 35634485 PMCID: PMC9048490 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v14.i4.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in developing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions for pancreatic cancer, some of which have become standard of care. There are two main factors that drive these advancements to facilitate treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer, ranging from direct locoregional therapy to palliation of symptoms related to inoperable pancreatic cancer. Firstly, an upper EUS has the capability to access the entire pancreas-lesions in the pancreatic head and uncinate process can be accessed from the duodenum, and lesions in the pancreatic body and tail can be accessed from the stomach. Secondly, there has been a robust development of devices that allow through-the-needle interventions, such as placement of fiducial markers, brachytherapy, intratumoral injection, gastroenterostomy creation, and ablation. While these techniques are rapidly emerging, data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial for some procedures are awaited prior to their adoption in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
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Ross PJ, Wasan HS, Croagh D, Nikfarjam M, Nguyen N, Aghmesheh M, Nagrial AM, Bartholomeusz D, Hendlisz A, Ajithkumar T, Iwuji C, Wilson NE, Turner DM, James DC, Young E, Harris MT. Results of a single-arm pilot study of 32P microparticles in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel or FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100356. [PMID: 34953400 PMCID: PMC8717429 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is generally managed with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, but prognosis is poor with a median survival of ∼13 months (or up to 19 months in some studies). We assessed a novel brachytherapy device, using phosphorous-32 (32P) microparticles, combined with standard-of-care chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this international, multicentre, single-arm, open-label pilot study, adult patients with histologically or cytologically proven unresectable LAPC received 32P microparticles, via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle implantation, planned for week 4 of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy, per investigator's choice. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability measured using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. The lead efficacy endpoint was local disease control rate at 16 weeks. RESULTS Fifty patients were enrolled and received chemotherapy [intention-to-treat (ITT) population]. Forty-two patients received 32P microparticle implantation [per protocol (PP) population]. A total of 1102 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in the ITT/safety population (956 PP), of which 167 (139 PP) were grade ≥3. In the PP population, 41 TEAEs in 16 (38.1%) patients were possibly or probably related to 32P microparticles or implantation procedure, including 8 grade ≥3 in 3 (7.1%) patients, compared with 609 TEAEs in 42 (100%) patients attributed to chemotherapy, including 67 grade ≥3 in 28 patients (66.7%). The local disease control rate at 16 weeks was 82.0% (95% confidence interval: 68.6% to 90.9%) (ITT) and 90.5% (95% confidence interval: 77.4% to 97.3%) (PP). Tumour volume, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, and metabolic tumour response at week 12 improved significantly. Ten patients (20.0% ITT; 23.8% PP) had surgical resection and median overall survival was 15.2 and 15.5 months for ITT and PP populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic ultrasound-guided 32P microparticle implantation has an acceptable safety profile. This study also suggests clinically relevant benefits of combining 32P microparticles with standard-of-care systemic chemotherapy for patients with unresectable LAPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Ross
- Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - H S Wasan
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D Croagh
- Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - M Nikfarjam
- Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Nguyen
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M Aghmesheh
- Southern Medical Day Care Centre, Wollongong, Australia
| | - A M Nagrial
- The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | | | - A Hendlisz
- Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T Ajithkumar
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Iwuji
- Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - N E Wilson
- OncoSil Medical Limited, Sydney, Australia
| | - D M Turner
- OncoSil Medical Limited, Sydney, Australia
| | - D C James
- OncoSil Medical Limited, Sydney, Australia
| | - E Young
- Southern Star Research Pty Ltd, Gordon, Australia
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Bratanic A, Bozic D, Mestrovic A, Martinovic D, Kumric M, Ticinovic Kurir T, Bozic J. Role of endoscopic ultrasound in anticancer therapy: Current evidence and future perspectives. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1863-1879. [PMID: 35070030 PMCID: PMC8713319 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i12.1863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The digestive system is one of the most common sites of malignancies in humans. Since gastrointestinal tumors represent a massive global health burden both in terms of morbidity and health care expenditures, scientists continuously develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods to ameliorate the detrimental effects of this group of diseases. Apart from the well-established role of the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnostic course of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary malignancies, we have recently become acquainted with a vast array of its therapeutic possibilities. A multitude of previously established, evidence-based methods that might now be guided by the EUS emerged: Radiofrequency ablation, brachytherapy, fine needle injection, celiac plexus neurolysis, and endoscopic submucosal dissection. In this review we endeavored to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of these methods in different malignancies of the digestive system, primarily in the treatment and symptom control in pancreatic cancer, and additionally in the management of hepatic, gastrointestinal tumors, and pancreatic cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Bratanic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Split, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Dorotea Bozic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Split, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Antonio Mestrovic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Split, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Tina Ticinovic Kurir
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split 21000, Croatia
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Split, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split 21000, Croatia
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Heger U, Hackert T. Can local ablative techniques replace surgery for locally advanced pancreatic cancer? J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:2536-2546. [PMID: 34790414 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) the best chance at long term survival or cure has to date always included the complete surgical removal of the tumor. However, locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), about 25% of all newly diagnosed PDAC, is defined by its primary technical unresectability due to infiltration of visceral arteries and absence of metastasis. Induction therapies, especially FOLFIRINOX treatment, together with technical surgical advancement have increased the numbers for conversion to secondary resectability. Recent data on resections after induction therapy show promising, almost doubled survival compared to palliative treatment. Yet, around 70% of LAPC remain unresectable after induction therapy, often due to persistent local invasion. As locally ablative techniques are becoming more widely available this review examines their possible applicability to substitute for surgery in these cases which we propose to group under the new term "Inconvertible LAPC". The need for defining this novel subgroup who might benefit from ablative treatment is based on the findings in our review that high-level evidence on ablative techniques for PDAC is largely lacking and the latest effective, harmonized treatment guidelines for LAPC are not often incorporated in these studies. The "inconvertible LAPC" label requires persistent unresectability after staging and induction therapy of LAPC according to current guidelines followed by liberal indication for aggressive surgical exploration at a center equipped for extended pancreatic resections. Ideally, this specification of a new, distinct patient group will also put it in the spotlight more, hopefully prompt more trials designed to generate robust evidence and optimize transferability of study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Heger
- Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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