Long-term health-related quality of life after pancreatic resection for malignancy in patients with and without severe postoperative complications

The Impact of Postoperative Complications on Recovery of Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Capacity After Pancreatectomy: Findings From a Prospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the extent to which postoperative complications impact patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and survival after pancreatic surgery.

BACKGROUND

Pancreatectomy is frequently associated with severe postoperative morbidity, which can affect patient recovery. Few and conflicting data are available regarding the effect of post-pancreatectomy complications on patient-reported HRQoL.

METHODS

This is an observational cohort study including consecutive patients enrolled in a prospective clinical trial (NCT04431076) who underwent elective pancreatectomy (2020-2022). Before surgery and on postoperative days 15, 30, 90, and 180, patients completed the PROMIS-29 profile and Duke Activity Status Index questionnaires to assess their HRQoL and functional capacity. Mean differences in HRQoL scores were obtained using multivariable linear regression adjusting for preoperative scores and confounders.

RESULTS

Of 528 patients, 370 (70%) experienced morbidity within 90 days, and 154 (29%) had severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade >2). Delayed gastric emptying had the greatest impact on HRQoL, showing decreased mental health up to POD90 and physical health up to POD180 compared with uncomplicated patients. An inverse relationship between complication severity grade and HRQoL was evident for most domains, with Clavien-Dindo grade 3b to 4 patients showing worse HRQoL and functional capacity scores up to 6 months after surgery. In 235 pancreatic cancer patients, grade 3b and 4 complications were associated with reduced disease-specific survival (median 25 vs 41 mo, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing pancreatic resection, postoperative complications significantly impact all domains of patient quality of life with a dose-effect relationship between complication severity and impairment of HRQoL and functional capacity.

Do Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy Have an Impact on Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes?

Objective

Our aim was to assess whether complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) impact long-term quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes.

Background

There is an increasing number of long-term post-PD survivors, but few studies have evaluated long-term QoL outcomes.

Methods

The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires were administered to patients who survived >5 years post-PD. Clinical relevance (CR) was scored as small (5-10), moderate (10-20), or large (>20). Patients were stratified based on whether they experienced a complication during the index hospitalization.

Results

Of 305 patients >5 years post-PD survivors, with valid contact information, 248 completed the questionnaires, and 231 had complication data available. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced a complication, of which 17 (7.4%) were grade 1, 27 (11.7%) were grade 2, and 25 (10.8%) were grade 3. Global health status and functional domain scores were similar between both groups. Patients experiencing complications reported lower fatigue (21.4 vs 28.1, P < 0.05, CR small) and diarrhea (15.9 vs 23.1, P < 0.05, CR small) symptom scores when compared to patients without complications. Patients experiencing complications also reported lower pancreatic pain (38.2 vs 43.4, P < 0.05, CR small) and altered bowel habits (30.1 vs 40.7, P < 0.01, CR moderate) symptom scores. There was a lower prevalence of worrying (36.2% vs 60.5%, P < 0.05) and bloating (42.0% vs 56.2%, P < 0.05) among PD survivors with complications.

Conclusions

Post-PD complication rates were not associated with long-term global QoL or functionality, and may be associated with less severe pancreas-specific symptoms.

The influence of delayed gastric emptying on quality of life after partial duodenopancreatectomy

PURPOSE

Quality of life (QoL) is temporarily compromised after pancreatic surgery, but no evidence for a negative impact of postoperative complications on QoL has been provided thus far. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatic surgery and is associated with a high level of distress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of DGE on QoL.

METHODS

This single-centre retrospective study analysed QoL after partial duodenopancreatectomy (PD) via the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (QLQ-C30). The QoL of patients with and without postoperative DGE was compared.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2022, 251 patients were included, 85 of whom developed DGE (34%). Within the first postoperative year, compared to patients without DGE, those with DGE had a significantly reduced QoL, by 9.0 points (95% CI: -13.0 to -5.1, p < 0.001). Specifically, physical and psychosocial functioning (p = 0.020) decreased significantly, and patients with DGE suffered significantly more from fatigue (p = 0.010) and appetite loss (p = 0.017) than patients without DGE. After the first postoperative year, there were no significant differences in QoL or symptom scores between patients with DGE and those without DGE.

CONCLUSION

Patients who developed DGE reported a significantly reduced QoL and reduced physical and psychosocial functioning within the first year after partial pancreatoduodenectomy compared to patients without DGE.

Quality of life after pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic surgery is challenging owing to the anatomical characteristics of the pancreas. Increasing attention has been paid to changes in quality of life (QOL) after pancreatic surgery.

AIM

To summarize and analyze current research results on QOL after pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature available on PubMed and EMBASE was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant studies were identified by screening the references of retrieved articles. Studies on patients' QOL after pancreatic surgery published after January 1, 2012, were included. These included prospective and retrospective studies on patients' QOL after several types of pancreatic surgeries. The results of these primary studies were summarized inductively.

RESULTS

A total of 45 articles were included in the study, of which 13 were related to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), seven to duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR), nine to distal pancreatectomy (DP), two to central pancreatectomy (CP), and 14 to total pancreatectomy (TP). Some studies showed that 3-6 months were needed for QOL recovery after PD, whereas others showed that 6-12 months was more accurate. Although TP and PD had similar influences on QOL, patients needed longer to recover to preoperative or baseline levels after TP. The QOL was better after DPPHR than PD. However, the superiority of the QOL between patients who underwent CP and PD remains controversial. The decrease in exocrine and endocrine functions postoperatively was the main factor affecting the QOL. Minimally invasive surgery could improve patients' QOL in the early stages after PD and DP; however, the long-term effect remains unclear.

CONCLUSION

The procedure among PD, DP, CP, and TP with a superior postoperative QOL is controversial. The long-term benefits of minimally invasive versus open surgeries remain unclear. Further prospective trials are warranted.

Quality of life after pancreatoduodenectomy: Is the outcome predetermined by the diagnosis?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-physiological factors tied to the disease process may drive the diminished quality of life (QoL) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We compared postoperative QoL among patients undergoing PD for either benign or malignant pathology.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2021, 228 patients underwent PD in a large healthcare system. Eighty-two patients (36.0%) were interviewed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A minimum of 6 months after surgery was required for the survey. QoL outcomes were compared based on diagnosis (benign vs. malignant).

RESULTS

Patient mean age was 65 years (21-82), and forty-seven (57%) were men. Most patients underwent surgery for cancer, 76% (n = 62). Grade B postoperative pancreatic fistula incidence was higher in benign cases (30% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.024). Weight loss was more common in malignancy (79% vs. 50%, p = 0.016). Carcinoma patients felt less useful, hopeful, reported less control of their life and certainty of the future, and were less satisfied with their appearance. Carcinoma patients also reported diminished memory, fear of relapse, and greater financial burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term QoL is inferior in PD patients with carcinoma and is driven by the psychological and socioeconomic implications of malignancy. Supportive resources for pancreas cancer patients should be evaluated and optimized.

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency and the Gut Microbiome in Pancreatic Cancer: A Target for Future Diagnostic Tests and Therapies?

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is common amongst pancreatic cancer patients and is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is known to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this narrative literature review is to summarise the current evidence linking PEI with microbiome dysbiosis, assess how microbiome composition may be impacted by PERT treatment, and look towards possible future diagnostic and therapeutic targets in this area. Early evidence in the literature reveals that there are complex mechanisms by which pancreatic secretions modulate the gut microbiome, so when these are disturbed, as in PEI, gut microbiome dysbiosis occurs. PERT has been shown to return the gut microbiome towards normal, so called rebiosis, in animal studies. Gut microbiome dysbiosis has multiple downstream effects in pancreatic cancer such as modulation of the immune response and the response to chemotherapeutic agents. It therefore represents a possible future target for future therapies. In conclusion, it is likely that the gut microbiome of pancreatic cancer patients with PEI exhibits dysbiosis and that this may potentially be reversible with PERT. However, further human studies are required to determine if this is indeed the case.

Recent Advances in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Strategies to Optimise the Perioperative Nutritional Status in Pancreatoduodenectomy Patients

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy for which the mainstay of treatment is surgical resection, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with PDAC are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, which increases the rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as reducing the chance of completing adjuvant chemotherapy. This review presents the current evidence for pre-, intra-, and post-operative strategies to improve the nutritional status of PDAC patients. Such preoperative strategies include accurate assessment of nutritional status, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and prehabilitation. Postoperative interventions include accurate monitoring of nutritional intake and proactive use of supplementary feeding methods, as required. There is early evidence to suggest that perioperative supplementation with immunonutrition and probiotics may be beneficial, but further study and understanding of the underlying mechanism of action are required.

Quality of Life in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer-A Literature Review

Pancreatic cancer is the malignant disease with the highest mortality rate, and it ranks third in the world after lung and colon cancer. Identified factors that increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include chronic pancreatitis, radiation therapy to the pancreatic area due to another cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, and age. The objective of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, factors that determine QoL, and ways of coping with the disease. The low curability and low survival rates of pancreatic cancer significantly affect the quality of life of patients, often in the form of significant deterioration, especially in terms of mental changes, cognitive functions, and coping with the disease. Cognitive decline with comorbid depression is also typical for patients with this type of cancer. Research has shown that the health-related quality of life of patients with pancreatic cancer is low, so further research is needed to improve the situation in this area.

The impact of the 30-day postoperative complications on the quality of life following gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

The effect of postoperative complications on long-term quality of life (QoL) is controversial in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 30-day postoperative complications on long-term QoL after gastrectomy.

METHOD

This is a longitudinal cohort study that enrolled 908 patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2016 and 2017. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) generic cancer (QLQ C-30) and gastric module (STO-22) preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into the morbidity (30-day postoperative complications) and no-morbidity groups, and the postoperative QoL change was compared using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62.5 ± 12.0 years. Subtotal and total gastrectomy was performed in 763 (84.0%) and 145 (16.0%) patients, respectively. There were 189 (20.8%) patients developing postoperative complications. The morbidity group showed worse scores in several functions and symptoms of QoL at the baseline. However, the two groups showed no significant difference in postoperative changes in most functions and symptoms of the QLQ C-30 and STO-22 (P_{group × time} > 0.05). The recovery of global health (P_{group × time} < 0.001) and anxiety (P_{group × time} = 0.008) was slightly better in the morbidity group. The subgroup analysis of patients developing major abdominal complications showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

The morbidity group showed worse QoL in several functions and symptoms at the baseline. However, postoperative complications had little influence on QoL change following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Prospective multicentre randomised controlled trial of the effect of raun Enteroenterostomy in the Reconstruction after Pancreaticoduodenectomy on delayed gastric emptying (DGE): protocol for the BERP study

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in achieving low mortality rates with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), morbidity remains high. A key contributor to this morbidity is delayed gastric emptying (DGE) occurring with an incidence of up to 30%. The utility of a Braun enteroenterostomy (BE) appears promising to reducing the incidence of DGE, but current research is not definitive.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This project will be designed as a prospective multicentre randomised controlled blinded study to assess how BE effects the rate of DGE after PD in the setting of malignancy, within Australia-with blinding of patients, outcome assessors and data analysts. Patients will be randomly assigned to PD with Billroth II reconstruction with BE versus PD with Billroth II reconstruction without BE. The primary outcome is the incidence of DGE as defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Secondary outcomes will include length of hospital stay, postoperative pancreatic fistula incidence, development of major complications (Clavien-Dindo≥3 a), quality of life and 90-day mortality.The study will be powered at 80% to detect a reduction in DGE rate from 30% to 15%, requiring a total of 264 study participants. An interim analysis will be performed once a total of 104 study participants have been recruited at which point the study will be able to detect reduction in DGE from 30% to 10% with 80% power. Statistical analysis will be done with intention-to-treat principles. The proportion of patients suffering DGE will be compared between treatment arms using a χ² test, with p values used to represent statistical significance.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been ethically approved by the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/ETH11939), with results disseminated through presentation and publication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRN12622000048785.

Complications of modern pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In the past decades, the perioperative management of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has undergone major changes worldwide. This review aimed to systematically determine the burden of complications of PD performed in the last 10 years.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review was conducted in PubMed for randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting postoperative complications in at least 100 PDs from January 2010 to April 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool for randomized studies and the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Pooled complication rates were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 20 randomized and 49 observational studies reporting 63 229 PDs were reviewed. Mean MINORS score showed a high risk of bias in non-randomized studies, while one quarter of the randomized studies were assessed to have high risk of bias. Pooled incidences of 30-day mortality, overall complications and serious complications were 1.7% (95% CI: 0.9%-2.9%; I² = 95.4%), 54.7% (95% CI: 46.4%-62.8%; I² = 99.4%) and 25.5% (95% CI: 21.8%-29.4%; I²= 92.9%), respectively. Clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk was 14.3% (95% CI: 12.4%-16.3%; I² = 92.0%) and mean length of stay was 14.8 days (95% CI: 13.6-16.1; I² = 99.3%). Meta-regression partially attributed the observed heterogeneity to the country of origin of the study, the study design and the American Society of Anesthesiologists class.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled complication rates estimated in this study may be used to counsel patients scheduled to undergo a PD and to set benchmarks against which centers can audit their practice. However, cautious interpretation is necessary due to substantial heterogeneity.

Association of robotic approach with patient-reported outcomes after pancreatectomy: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted pancreatectomy continues to proliferate despite limited evidence supporting its benefits from the patient's perspective. We compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between patients undergoing robotic and open pancreatectomies.

METHODS

PROs, measured with the FACT-Hep, FACT-G, and HCS, were assessed in the immediate postoperative (i.e., preoperative to discharge) and recovery (i.e., discharge to three months postoperative) periods. Linear mixed models estimated the association of operative approach on PROs. Minimally important differences (MIDs) were also considered.

RESULTS

Among 139 patients, 105 (75.5%) underwent robotic pancreatectomies. Compared to those who underwent open operations, those who underwent robotic operations experienced worse FACT-Hep scores that were both statistically and clinically significant (mean difference [MD] 8.6 points, 95% CI 1.0-16.3). Declines in FACT-G (MD 4.3, 95% CI -1.0 to 9.6) and HCS (MD 4.3, 95% CI 0.8-7.9) scores appeared to contribute equally in both operative approaches to the decline in total FACT-Hep score. Patients who underwent robotic versus open operations both statistically and clinically significantly improved due to improvements in HCS (MD 6.1, 95% CI 2.3-9.9) but not in FACT-G (MD 1.2, 95% CI - 5.1-7.4).

CONCLUSION

The robotic approach to pancreas surgery might offer, from the patient's perspective, greater improvement in symptoms over the open approach by three months postoperatively.

Complications and chemotherapy have little impact on postoperative quality of life after pancreaticoduodenectomy - a cohort study

BACKGROUND

With the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and the high rate of postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy, it is important to evaluate how the operation affects patients' quality of life.

METHODS

This single-centre study included all patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2006 to 2016. Quality of life was measured with two questionnaires preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Comparisons between groups were made using a linear mixed models analysis.

RESULTS

Of 279 patients planned for pancreaticoduodenectomy, 245 underwent the operation. The postoperative response rates were all 80% or more. Differences were found in one domain between the early and late time periods and three domains between patients receiving and not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. No significant differences were found between patients with and without severe postoperative complications. However, the demographic variables of age group, sex, preoperative diabetes and smoking all exerted a significant impact on postoperative quality of life.

CONCLUSION

While little or no impact was shown for the factors of postoperative complications, time period and adjuvant chemotherapy, demographic data, such as age, sex, preoperative diabetes and smoking, had considerable impacts on postoperative quality of life after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Delayed gastric emptying after classical Whipple or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a randomized clinical trial (QUANUPAD)

PURPOSE

Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) has been the gold standard for pancreatic head lesion resection for several years. Some studies have noted that it involves more delayed gastric emptying (DGE) than classical Whipple (i.e., pancreatoduodenectomy with antrectomy). Our working hypothesis was that the classical Whipple has a lower incidence of DGE. We aimed to compare the incidence of DGE among pancreatoduodenectomy techniques.

METHODS

This pragmatic, randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial involved patients who underwent classical Whipple (study group) or PPPD (control group). Gastric emptying was clinically evaluated using scintigraphy. DGE was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) criteria. The secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional status.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients were randomized (42 per group). DGE incidence was 50% (20/40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 35-65%) in the study group and 62% (24/39, 95% CI: 46-75%) in the control group (p = 0.260). No differences were observed between both groups regarding postoperative morbidity or length of hospital stay. Anthropometric measurements at 6 months post-surgery: triceps fold measurements were 12 mm and 16 mm (p = 0.021). At 5 weeks post-surgery, triceps fold measurements were 13 mm and 16 mm (p = 0.020) and upper arm circumferences were 26 cm and 28 cm (p = 0.030). No significant differences were observed in nutritional status.

CONCLUSION

DGE incidence and severity did not differ between classical Whipple and PPPD. Some anthropometric measurements may indicate a better recovery with PPPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03984734.

Health-related quality of life scores of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients responsive to first line chemotherapy compared to newly derived EORTC QLQ-C30 reference values

Background

Metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) and its treatments significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). POLO, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial evaluated the efficacy of olaparib as maintenance therapy in germline BRCA mutated mPC patients who had not progressed during ≥16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30. To enhance score interpretation, we derived reference values for treatment-naïve mPC patients from the literature.

Methods

A targeted literature review identified EORTC QLQ-C30 baseline values in treatment-naïve mPC patients. Reference values were calculated by deriving means from studies meeting inclusion criteria, with scores from 0 to 100 (higher scores indicate better QoL/functioning but worse symptoms). For POLO patients, means were calculated using pooled baseline data across study arms.

Results

Four studies met inclusion criteria. Depending on the specific scale, sample sizes ranged from n = 466 to n = 639. Compared to newly derived reference values, POLO patients reported markedly better HRQoL scores at baseline across most scales, with eight scales showing differences of ≥10 points. POLO patients’ HRQoL scores were often close to or better than general population norm data.

Conclusions

This is the first study to systematically derive EORTC QLQ-C30 reference values for mPC. POLO patients had better HRQoL scores than those in the literature and similar to general population data. Comparatively high HRQoL of POLO patients are likely due to effects of prior first-line treatment and resolution of chemotherapy-related symptoms, response shift, or a combination. Newly derived reference values can enhance interpretation of mPC patients’ HRQoL.

Trial registration

The POLO trial was registered on 9 July 2014 with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT 02184195.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09661-7.

Effects of intensive physiotherapy on Quality of Life (QoL) after pancreatic cancer resection: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients have significantly lower QoL scores after pancreatic resection due to cancer in the physical and psychological domains compared to healthy controls or other cancer patients. Intensified physiotherapy or physical training can increase QoL by reducing fatigue levels and improving physical functioning. However, data on the long-term effects of intensive or supervised physiotherapy is lacking. The aim of this exploratory study is the assessment of QoL in the intervention group, using various QoL questionnaires in their validated German translations and gather data on its feasibility in the context of chemotherapy with a follow-up of 12 months (and develop concepts to improve QoL after pancreatic cancer resection).

METHODS

Fifty-six patients (mean age: 66.4 ± 9.9 years) were randomized in this study to intervention (cohort A, n = 28) or control group (cohort B, n = 28). Intervention of intensified physiotherapy program consisted of endurance and muscle force exercises using cycle ergometer. In the control group physiotherapy was limited to the duration of the hospital stay and was scheduled for 20 min on 5 days per week. The clinical visits took place 2 days preoperatively, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. Both groups attended the follow-up program. QoL was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and pancreatic cancer-specific module QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires. The course of QoL was evaluated using a repeated measures ANOVA and a per protocol design.

RESULTS

Of the initial 56 randomized patients, 34 finished the 12 months follow-up period. There were no adverse events due to the intervention and 80% of patients in the intervention group where adherent. There was no significant influence on physical performance as measured by SPPB and SF-8 questionnaire. However, after 6 months patients in the intervention group regained their prior physical condition, whereas the control group did not. Intensive physiotherapy significantly influenced various factors of QoL measured with the C30 questionnaire positively, such as physical functioning (p = 0.018), role functioning (p = 0.036), and appetite loss (p = 0.037), even after 6 months. No negative effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy compared to those without chemotherapy was observed.

CONCLUSION

This first randomized controlled study with a 12-month follow-up shows that supervised physiotherapy or prescribed home-based exercise after pancreatic cancer resection is safe and feasible and should be proposed and started as soon as possible to improve certain aspects of QoL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (No: DRKS00006786 ); Date of registration: 01/10/2014.

The impact of cancer treatment on quality of life in patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer: a propensity score matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of pancreatic and periampullary cancer treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is unclear.

METHODS

This study merged data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry with EORTC QLQ-C30 and -PAN26 questionnaires at baseline and three-months follow-up of pancreatic and periampullary cancer patients (2015-2018). Propensity score matching (1:3) of group without to group with treatment was performed. Linear mixed model regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between cancer treatment and HRQoL at follow-up.

RESULTS

After matching, 247 of 629 available patients remained (68 (27.5%) no treatment, 179 (72.5%) treatment). Treatment consisted of resection (n = 68 (27.5%)), chemotherapy only (n = 111 (44.9%)), or both (n = 40 (16.2%)). At follow-up, cancer treatment was associated with better global health status (Beta-coefficient 4.8, 95% confidence-interval 0.0-9.5) and less constipation (Beta-coefficient -7.6, 95% confidence-interval -13.8-1.4) compared to no cancer treatment. Median overall survival was longer for the cancer treatment group compared to the no treatment group (15.4 vs. 6.2 months, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic and periampullary cancer reported slight improvement in global HRQoL and less constipation at three months-follow up compared to patients without cancer treatment, while overall survival was also improved.

Preoperative predictors for early and very early disease recurrence in patients undergoing resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify predictors for early and very early disease recurrence in patients undergoing resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resection with and without neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS

Included were patients who underwent PDAC resection (2014-2016). Multivariable multinomial regression was performed to identify preoperative predictors for manifestation of recurrence within 3, 6 and 12 months after PDAC resection.

RESULTS

836 patients with a median follow-up of 37 (interquartile range [IQR] 30-48) months and overall survival of 18 (IQR 10-32) months were analyzed. 670 patients (80%) developed recurrence: 82 patients (10%) <3 months, 96 patients (11%) within 3-6 months and 226 patients (27%) within 6-12 months. LogCA 19-9 (OR 1.25 [95% CI 1.10-1.41]; P < 0.001) and neoadjuvant treatment (OR 0.09 [95% CI 0.01-0.68]; P = 0.02) were associated with recurrence <3 months. LogCA 19-9 (OR 1.23 [95% CI 1.10-1.38]; P < 0.001) and 0-90° venous involvement on CT imaging (OR 2.93 [95% CI 1.60-5.37]; P < 0.001) were associated with recurrence within 3-6 months. A Charlson Age Comorbidity Index ≥4 (OR 1.53 [95% CI 1.09-2.16]; P = 0.02) and logCA 19-9 (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.14-1.35]; P < 0.001) were related to recurrence within 6-12 months.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates preoperative predictors that are associated with the manifestation of early and very early recurrence after PDAC resection. Knowledge of these predictors can be used to guide individualized surveillance and treatment strategies.

Quality of Life Instruments and Trajectories After Pancreatic Cancer Resection: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

This systematic review aimed to investigate the instruments available to measure quality of life (QOL) after pancreatic cancer surgery and to describe short- and long-term QOL outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was completed using PubMed, Embase, and Medline from inception to March 2019. Studies investigating QOL outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery who were 18 years or older were included. The main outcomes of interest were QOL instruments and short (≤6 months) and long term (>6 months) QOL outcomes. The overarching domains of physical, psychosocial, overall QOL, symptoms, and other were used to summarize QOL outcomes. Thirty-five studies reporting on 3573 patients were included. Fifteen unique QOL instruments were identified, of which 4 were disease-specific instruments. Most of the included studies reported no changes in QOL at short- and long-term follow-ups for the overarching domains. No difference in QOL outcomes was reported between different surgical approaches, except laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy versus distal pancreatectomy. There are a wide range of instruments available to measure QOL outcomes in pancreatic cancer surgical patients, although only few are disease-specific. Most of the included studies reported no significant changes in QOL outcomes at short- or long-term follow-ups.

Survival Benefit Associated With Resection of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Following Upfront FOLFIRINOX versus FOLFIRINOX Only: Multicenter Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study compared median overall survival (OS) after resection of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) following upfront FOLFIRINOX versus a propensity-score matched cohort of LAPC patients treated with FOLFIRINOX-only (i.e. without resection).

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy, increased resection rates in LAPC patients have been reported, with improved OS. Some studies have also reported promising OS with FOLFIRINOX-only treatment in LAPC. Multicenter studies assessing the survival benefit associated with resection of LAPC versus patients treated with FOLFIRINOX-only are lacking.

METHODS

Patients with non-progressive LAPC after 4 cycles of FOLFIRINOX treatment, both with and without resection, were included from a prospective multicenter cohort in 16 centers (April 2015-December 2019). Cox regression analysis identified predictors for OS. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was used to obtain a matched cohort of patients with and without resection. These patients were compared for OS.

RESULTS

Overall, 293 patients with LAPC were included, of whom 89 underwent a resection. Resection was associated with improved OS (24 vs 15 months, p<0.01), as compared to patients without resection. Before PSM, resection, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and RECIST response were predictors for OS. After PSM, resection remained associated with improved OS (HR 0.344, 95% CI [0.222-0.534], p<0.01), with an OS of 24 vs 15 months, as compared to patients without resection. Resection of LAPC was associated with improved 3-year OS (31% vs 11%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Resection of LAPC following FOLFIRINOX was associated with increased OS and 3-year survival, as compared to propensity-score matched patients treated with FOLFIRINOX-only.

Long-term quality of life and global health following pancreatic surgery for benign and malignant pathologies

BACKGROUND

While the frequency of pancreatic operations are increasing, understanding quality of life is still insufficient. The aim was to evaluate global health and quality of life of long-term survivors from a range of pancreatic operations using internationally validated instruments.

METHODS

Patients surviving longer than 5 years after pancreatic operations were surveyed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Cancer-30 and Pancreatic Cancer-26 modules. Variables were analyzed according to demographic and clinical features.

RESULTS

Eighty patients completed questionnaires. The median follow-up was 9.3 years from the time of operation. The mean scores of global health status/quality of life, physical function, role function, emotional function, cognitive function, and social functioning were 73.9, 83.7, 84.6, 81.1, 80.2, and 86.3, respectively. The participants' reported quality of life was comparable or better than the general United States population. The summary score, which was defined as weighted average of function and symptom scores (excluding global health status/quality of life and financial impact scores), showed significant differences according to the level of education (70.1 no college vs 85.2 college and 85.7 grad school, P = .049), operation type (79.9 pancreatoduodenectomy vs 91.1 total, P = .043), additional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (77.3 vs 86.0, P = .029), and additional abdominal operations related to the primary operation (79.0 vs 86.6, P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Long-term survivors of pancreatectomy had comparable or better global health status/quality of life, function scale, and lower symptom scores than the general population of the United States, though persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are common. These findings should help inform patients of the long-term consequences of pancreatectomy, so they can make better decisions especially when considering prophylactic operations.

Long-Term Quality of Life after Pancreatic Surgery for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

INTRODUCTION

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent the most common precancerous cystic lesions of the pancreas. The aim of our study was to investigate if resection for non-invasive IPMNs alters quality of life (QoL) in a long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Patients (n = 50) included in the analysis were diagnosed and resected from 2010 to 2016. QoL was assessed at a median of 5.5 years after resection. At that point in time, the current QoL as well as the QoL before resection was evaluated retrospectively. The standardised European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Pancreatic Cancer (EORTC QLQ - PAN26) was applied for the QoL assessment.

RESULTS

After a median of 66 months postoperatively, the total QoL score significantly worsened (92.13 vs. 88.04, p = 0.020, maximum achievable score = 100) for patients (median age at surgery 68.0 years), mostly due to digestive symptoms. During the same follow-up period, median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status did not worsen (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term QoL statistically significantly worsened after pancreatic resection for IPMN. The extent of worsening, however, was small, and QoL still remained excellent. Therefore, resection in cases of IPMN is appropriate, if indicated carefully.

Achieving 'Marginal Gains' to Optimise Outcomes in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Simple Summary

Improving outcomes in pancreatic cancer is achievable through the accumulation of marginal gains. There exists evidence of variation and undertreatment in many areas of the care pathway. By fully realising the existing opportunities, there is the potential for immediate improvements in outcomes and quality of life.

Abstract

Improving outcomes among patients with resectable pancreatic cancer is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Major improvements in survival will result from the development of novel therapies. However, optimising existing pathways, so that patients realise benefits of already proven treatments, presents a clear opportunity to improve outcomes in the short term. This narrative review will focus on treatments and interventions where there is a clear evidence base to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer, and where there is also evidence of variation and under-treatment. Avoidance of preoperative biliary drainage, treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, prehabiliation and enhanced recovery after surgery, reducing perioperative complications, optimising opportunities for elderly patients to receive therapy, optimising adjuvant chemotherapy and regular surveillance after surgery are some of the strategies discussed. Each treatment or pathway change represents an opportunity for marginal gain. Accumulation of marginal gains can result in considerable benefit to patients. Given that these interventions already have evidence base, they can be realised quickly and economically.

Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of Pancreatoduodenectomy on Health-Related Quality of Life Using the EORTC QLQ-PAN26 Module

BACKGROUND

Long-term pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) survivors have previously reported favorable quality of life (QoL). However, there has been a paucity of studies utilizing pancreas-specific modules for QoL assessment, which may uncover disability that general modules cannot detect.

METHODS

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires were administered to PD survivors who were at least 5 years out of their operations for neoplasms (1998-2011, study cohort) and compared their scores with published preoperative scores of patients with pancreatic cancer (control cohort). The clinical relevance (CR) of differences was scored as small (5-10), moderate (10-20), or large (> 20) based on validated interpretation of clinically important differences.

RESULTS

Of 1266 patients who underwent PD, there were 305 survivors with valid contact information, of whom 248 responded to the questionnaire (response rate 81.3%) and made up the study cohort. The median follow-up was 9.1 years (range 5.1-21.2 years). When compared with the control cohort, patients in the study cohort reported higher pancreatic pain (41.7 ± 17.6 vs. 18.1 ± 20.5, p < 0.001, CR large), sexuality dissatisfaction (63.0 ± 37.5 vs. 35.1 ± 34.3, p < 0.001, CR large), altered bowel habits (37.6 ± 30.6 vs. 20.0 ± 24.5, p < 0.001, CR moderate), and digestive symptoms (26.3 ± 29.5 vs. 18.7 ± 27.8, p = 0.002, CR small) scores. There was a higher prevalence of bloating, indigestion, and flatulence, but lower prevalence of future health worry (71.7% vs. 89.6%, p < 0.001) and limitation in planning activities (30.1% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001) at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

While post-PD patients had better long-term global QoL than healthy controls, a more granular, pancreas-specific questionnaire uncovered digestive abnormalities and sexuality dissatisfaction. These data can better inform clinical decision making and provide potential areas for improvement and patient support.

Effects of pancreatectomy on nutritional state, pancreatic function, and quality of life over 5 years of follow up

BACKGROUND

To analyze serial changes in nutritional status, pancreatic function, and quality of life (QoL) over 5 years of follow-up after pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) between 2007 and 2013 were included. Data on relative body weight (RBW); triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT); body mass index (BMI); serum protein, albumin, transferrin, fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2-h glucose, and stool elastase levels; and QoL questionnaire scores were collected serially for 5 years.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventeen patients were enrolled, but 79 patients completed the 5-year follow-up. RBW, BMI, and TSFT continued to decrease postoperatively but increased after 6 months. Transferrin, albumin, and protein levels recovered to the preoperative level after 3 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that a BMI >25 kg/m² , DP, and adjuvant therapy had a significant impact on endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although steatorrhea and diarrhea were mainly resolved by 12 months, the stool elastase level decreased after PD and was not restored. The mean scores for all QoL questionnaires improved above the preoperative value at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing pancreatectomy can return to their daily lives after 12 months. However, those with risk factors associated with pancreatic function and QoL need more careful follow-up and supportive management.

Quality of life analysis after Whipple procedure. Retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Patient reported outcomes establish the patient’s own perception about his/her health and enable the development of policies designed to improve health/disease processes. These are particularly helpful in the case of diseases with a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Objective: To compare the quality of life scores assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire in patients undergoing cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (Whipple procedure) and laparoscopic cholecystectomies in the same hospital. Methodology: Retrospective cohort trial between July 2018 and February 2020. Patients programmed for cephalic duodenopancreatectomy were included, regardless of the type of pathology, and over 18 years old. Patients with carcinomatosis or vascular infiltration were excluded. The EQ-5D-5L was administered following Whipple surgery and compared against a control group (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). The demographic characteristics, the diagnosis, hospital stay and 60-day mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 68 patients were included. The most frequent diagnosis was pancreatic cancer (30 %) in the Whipple group and lithiasis (100 %) in the control group. In the five dimensions assessed, there were no differences in terms of mobility (OR: 0.41, 95 % CI [0.30-0.57], p = 0.103) and in terms of personal care (OR: 0.42, 95 % CI [0.32-0.58], p = 0.254). There was a difference in daily life activities (OR: 0.38, 95 % CI [0.27-0.54], p = 0.017), pain/malaise (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI [0.99-5.48]), p = 0.013 and anxiety/depression (OR: 0.39, 95 % CI [0.28-0.55], p = 0.019). The overall health perception was 80 points for Whipple (IQR 60-90) vs. 100 points for the control group (IQR 90-100). Conclusions: Patients undergoing a Whipple procedure experience a health perception slightly lower than patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This difference may be associated with increased pain, anxiety/depression and a reduction in their activities of daily life. The administration of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire to measure quality of life is a friendly tool that used be used routinely to plan activities aimed at improving medical care.

Synchronous arterial resections in pancreatic cancer - still a matter of debate?

Surgery remains the cornerstone of a multimodality approach aimed at cure in pancreatic cancer (PC). To improve outcomes in PC and widen the indications for surgical resection, surgeons have targeted borderline-resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) tumours having demonstrated the feasibility of synchronous arterial (SAR) and venous resections (SVR). However, the true benefit of SARs in PC in terms of improving overall survival has not been fully realised. One of the reasons for this lies in the fact that once the tumour involves the artery, it has already spread along the perineural autonomic plexus that surround it, resulting in early extended local and distant cancer dissemination. Thus, before advocating for the performance of routine SARs in PC, it is important to critically analyse the evidence and develop a structured framework to test if these operations truly hold a beacon of hope for patients with LAPC.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Current evidence and management

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the commonest procedure performed for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) may be caused or exacerbated by surgery and remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this review was to ascertain the incidence of PEI, its consequences and management in the setting of PD for indications other than chronic pancreatitis. A literature search of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus) was carried out with the MeSH terms “pancreatic exocrine insufficiency” and “Pancreaticoduodenectomy”. Studies that analysed PEI and its complications in the setting of PD for malignant and benign disease were included. Studies reporting PEI in the setting of PD for chronic pancreatitis, conference abstracts and reviews were excluded. The incidence of PEI approached 100% following PD in some series. The pre-operative incidence varied depending on the characteristics of the patient cohort and it was higher (46%-93%) in series where pancreatic cancer was the predominant indication for surgery. Variability was also recorded with regards to the method used for the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic function and malabsorption. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is the mainstay of the management. PEI is common and remains undertreated after PD. Future studies are required for the identification of a well-tolerated, reliable and reproducible diagnostic test in this setting.

Understanding pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and replacement therapy in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is highly prevalent in patients with pancreatic cancer, and has substantial implications for quality of life and survival. Post resection, PEI is associated with increased post-operative complications, longer hospital stays and higher costs. Treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) improves quality of life and confers significant survival advantages. Despite this many patients with pancreatic cancer do not currently receive PERT. The nutritional consequences of PEI are extensive and even more relevant in the elderly owing to age related gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic changes that predispose to malnutrition.

Landscape of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic resection is associated with postoperative morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL). A systematic literature review was conducted to understand the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) landscape in early-stage pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS

Databases/registries (through January 24, 2019) and conference abstracts (2014-2017) were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale/Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Searches were for general (resectable PC, adjuvant/neoadjuvant, QoL) and supplemental studies (resectable PC, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire [QLQ] - Pancreatic Cancer [PAN26]).

RESULTS

Of 750 studies identified, 39 (general, 22; supplemental, 17) were eligible: 32 used QLQ Core 30 (C30) and/or QLQ-PAN26, and 15 used other PROMs. Baseline QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL scores in early-stage PC were similar to all-stage PC reference values but lower than all-stage-all-cancer values. The QoL declined after surgery, recovered to baseline in 3 to 6 months, and then generally stabilized. A minimally important difference (MID) of 10 was commonly used for QLQ-C30 but was not established for QLQ-PAN26.

CONCLUSIONS

In early-stage PC, QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 are the most commonly used PROMs. Baseline QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL scores suggested a high humanistic burden. Immediately after surgery, QoL declined but seemed stable over the longer term. The QLQ-C30 MID may elucidate the clinical impact of treatment on QoL; MID for QLQ-PAN26 needs to be established.

The Role of Exercise in the Quality of Life in Patients After Pancreatectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Pancreatic resection is still a challenging operation characterised by high morbidity. The quality of life in patients after pancreatectomy is a critical outcome. The aim of our trial is to prove whether or not exercise has any benefit to the life of these patients.

Methods

The study was an open-label, randomized clinical trial. The patients were selected according to the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials criteria. The study was registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial registry (ISRCTN) with the study ID ISRCTN1087174. The study was approved by the Bioethics and Deontology Committee, Medical School of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki (ref: 166/29.10.2015).

Results

Once the allocation and the follow-up were completed, 21 patients in the exercise group and 22 in the control group were analyzed. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding co-morbidities and disease characteristics; however, the quality of life and the total status of health were superior in the exercise group.

Conclusions

Exercise can improve the quality of life in patients after complex operations like pancreatectomy.

Prospective multicentre cohort study of patient-reported outcomes and complications following major abdominal neoplastic surgery (PATRONUS) - study protocol for a CHIR-Net student-initiated German medical audit study (CHIR-Net SIGMA study)

BACKGROUND

One of the most important aspects of designing a clinical trial is selecting appropriate outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can provide a personal assessment of the burden and impact of a malignant disease and its treatment. PROs comprise a wide range of outcomes including basic clinical symptom scores and complex metrics such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There is limited data on how postoperative complications following cancer surgery affect symptoms and HRQoL. For this reason the primary aim of the PATRONUS study is to investigate how perioperative complications affect cancer-related symptoms and HRQoL in patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery. The PATRONUS study is designed and will be initiated and conducted by medical students under the direct supervision of clinician scientists based on the concept of inquiry-based learning.

METHODS

PATRONUS is a non-interventional prospective multicentre cohort study. Patients undergoing elective oncological abdominal surgery will be recruited at regional centres of the clinical network of the German Surgical Society (CHIR-Net) and associated hospitals. A core set of 12 cancer associated symptoms will be assessed via the PRO version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The cancer-specific HRQoL will be measured via the computerised adaptive testing version of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30. PROs will be measured eight times over a period of six months. The short-term clinical outcome measure is the rate of postoperative complications (grade II to V) within 30 days according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The long-term clinical outcome is overall survival within six months postoperative.

DISCUSSION

PATRONUS will provide essential insights into the patients' assessment of their well-being and quality of life in direct relation to clinical outcome parameters following abdominal cancer surgery. Furthermore, PATRONUS will investigate the feasibility of multicentre student-led clinical research.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00013035 (registered on October 26, 2017). Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1202-8863.