The incidence and prognosis of true duodenal carcinomas

Prediction of the invasion depth of superficial nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Distinguishing between intramucosal cancer and submucosal invasive cancer is vital for optimal treatment selection for patients with superficial nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma (SNADAC); however, standard diagnostic systems for diagnosing invasion depth are as yet undetermined.

METHODS

Of 205 patients with SNADAC who underwent treatment at our institution between 2006 and 2022, 188 had intramucosal cancer and 17 had submucosal invasive cancer. The clinical, endoscopic, and pathological features used in the preoperative diagnosis of invasion depth and the diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were retrospectively analyzed in 85 patients.

RESULTS

The oral side of the papilla tumor location, protruded or mixed macroscopic type, and moderately-to-poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma based on biopsy specimens were significantly more frequent in submucosal invasive cancer than in intramucosal cancer (88% vs. 48%; 94% vs. 42%; 47% vs. 0%, respectively). From the relationship between the endoscopic features and the submucosal invasive cancer incidence, submucosal invasion risk was stratified as: (i) low-risk (risk, 2%), all lesions located on the anal side of the papilla and superficial macroscopic type on the oral side of the papilla; and (ii) high-risk (risk, 23%), protruded or mixed macroscopic type on the oral side of the papilla. Based on the biopsy specimens, all eight patients with moderately-to-poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma had submucosal invasive cancer. Furthermore, EUS was not associated with invasion depth's diagnostic accuracy improvements.

CONCLUSION

Optimal treatment indications for SNADAC can be selected based on the risk factors of submucosal invasion by tumor location, macroscopic type, and biopsy diagnosis.

Multiple duodenal epithelial tumors in a patient with polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis in POLE variant

Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis (PPAP) is a rare disease with autosomal-dominant inheritance caused by germline variants in the POLE and POLD1 genes. PPAP has been reported to increase the risk of multiple cancers, including colon, duodenal, and endometrial cancers. Herein, we report a case in which multiple duodenal tumors led to the detection of a POLE mutation. A 43-year-old woman underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Multiple duodenal tumors were detected, and all lesions were treated endoscopically. The patient had a history of multiple colorectal cancers and endometrial cancer along with a family history of cancer; hence, genetic testing was performed, and POLE variant, c.1270C > G (p.Leu424Val) was detected. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes should be considered in patients with colorectal cancer who have multiple cancers or a family history of cancer, and multigene panel sequencing is useful in confirming the diagnosis. In addition, duodenal tumors frequently coexist in patients with PPAP-carrying POLE variants, while the endoscopic treatment for duodenal tumors becomes safe and useful with several new approaches. Therefore, surveillance EGD is necessary in such patients for the early detection and treatment of duodenal tumors.

The emerging role of cell-free DNA as a molecular marker for duodenal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Duodenal adenocarcinoma is rare and its prognostic factors remain controversial. In our study, the role of cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) as prognostic factor in duodenal adenocarcinoma was evaluated.

METHODS

From June 2003 to July 2021, plasma samples were collected from 41 patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma. Plasma cfDNA was assessed in combination with clinicopathological and biochemical characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival with a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

The 1- and 5-year survival rates of the patients with high plasma cfDNA level (>9288 copies/mL) group were 58.7% and 17.6%, respectively, which were much lower than patients with low cfDNA level (≤9288 copies/mL), with 95.2% and 64.6%. In univariate analysis, high cfDNA level, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor stage were associated with decreased survival. When subjected to multivariate analysis, only high cfDNA level showed significance in influencing the overall survival of duodenal cancer.

CONCLUSION

cfDNA analysis is simple and noninvasive. High cfDNA level is a strong independent prognostic factor for decreased overall survival and it should be integrated into clinical care.

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Duodenal and Ampullary Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The role of systemic therapy in the management of ampullary (AA) and duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) remains poorly understood. This study sought to synthesize current evidence supporting the use of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in AA and DA.

METHODS

The study searched PubMed, Cochrane Library (Wiley), Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for observational or randomized studies published between 2002 and 2022 evaluating survival outcomes for patients with non-metastatic AA or DA who received systemic therapy and surgical resection. The data extracted included overall survival, progression-free survival, and pathologic response (PR) rate.

RESULTS

From the 347 abstracts identified in this study, 29 reports were reviewed in full, and 15 were included in the final review. The selected studies published from 2007 to 2022 were retrospective. Eight were single-center studies; five used the National Cancer Database (NCDB); and two were European multicenter/national studies. Overall, no studies identified survival differences between NAT and upfront surgery (with or without adjuvant therapy). Two NCDB studies reported longer survival with NAT/AT than with surgery. Five single-center studies reported a significant portion of NAT patients who achieved PR, and one study identified major PR as an independent predictor of survival. Other outcomes associated with NAT included conversion from unresectable to resectable disease, reduced lymph node positivity, and decreased local recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supporting the use of NAT in AA and DA is weak. No randomized studies exist, and observational data show mixed results. For patients with DA and AA, NAT appears safe, but better evidence is needed to understand the preferred multidisciplinary management of DA and AA periampullary malignancies.

Metachronous primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and duodenal adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) is increasing in parallel with the incidence of malignancies, the continual improvement of diagnostic models, and the extended life of patients with tumors, especially those of the digestive system. However, the co-existence of MPMNs and duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) is rarely reported. In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of MPMNs regarding multi-omics and the tumor microenvironment (TME).

CASE SUMMARY

In this article, we report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with a complaint of chest discomfort and abdominal distension. The patient was diagnosed with metachronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and DA in the Department of Oncology. He underwent radical resection and chemotherapy for the esophageal tumor, as well as chemotherapy combined with a programmed death-1 inhibitor for the duodenal tumor. The overall survival was 16.6 mo. Extensive evaluation of the multi-omics and microenvironment features of primary and metastatic tumors was conducted to: (1) Identify the reasons responsible for the poor prognosis and treatment resistance in this case; and (2) Offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for MPMNs. This case demonstrated that the development of a second malignancy may be independent of the location of the first tumor. Thus, tumor recurrence (including metastases) should be distinguished from the second primary for an accurate diagnosis of MPMNs.

CONCLUSION

Multi-omics characteristics and the TME may facilitate treatment selection, improve efficacy, and assist in the prediction of prognosis.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected duodenal adenocarcinoma: a case-matched analysis in nation wide cohort

BACKGROUND

Duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) is a rare tumor for which survival data on adjuvant chemotherapy in patients after surgical treatment are unclear. This case-matched study in a nationwide cohort aims to investigate the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resectable DA on overall survival.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with DA and intestinal type periampullary adenocarcinoma (PVA) in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2015 were included (n = 1316). Patients with disease stages II and III who underwent resection and adjuvant chemotherapy were matched (1:2), based on identified covariates associated with OS, with patients who underwent surgery alone. Overall survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates.

RESULTS

The median OS was 49.9 months in patients who underwent curative resection (n = 649). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed a significant influence of age, lymph node involvement, and T- stage on survival. The group of patients receiving adjuvant treatment consisted of 43 patients and the non-adjuvant group of 83 case-matched patients. The median OS of the complete matched cohort (n = 126) was 26.9 months. No statistically significant survival benefit was found for the adjuvant group as compared to the group treated with surgery alone (median OS = 34.4 months and 23.0 months, p = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

This population-based, case-matched analysis demonstrates no statistically significant survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection in stages II and III patients. Future studies with specified treatment regimens as well as thorough stratification for prognostic factors will be required in order to more definitively determine the role of adjuvant therapy.

Radiotherapy in the management of rare gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review

The aim of this analysis is to assess radiotherapy's role and technical aspects in an array of rare gastrointestinal (GI) cancers for adult patients. Collection data pertaining to radiotherapy and digestive rare cancers were sourced from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy improved outcomes for patients with esophageal undifferentiated carcinoma compared with esophageal salivary gland types of carcinomas. For rare gastric epithelial carcinoma, perioperative chemotherapy is the common treatment. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy showed no benefice compared with adjuvant chemotherapy for duodenal adenocarcinoma. Small bowel sarcomas respond well to radiotherapy. By analogy to anal squamous cell carcinoma, exclusive chemoradiotherapy provided better outcomes for patients with rectal squamous cell carcinoma. For anal adenocarcinoma, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery, was the most effective regimen. For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, chemoradiotherapy can be a suitable option as postoperative or exclusive for unresectable/borderline disease. The stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a promising approach for hepatobiliary malignancy. Radiotherapy is a valuable option in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) for palliative intent, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resistant disease, and unresectable or residual disease. Involved field (IF) radiotherapy for digestive lymphoma provides good results, especially for gastric extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MALT). In conclusion, radiotherapy is not an uncommon indication in this context. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for better management of digestive rare cancers.

Poorly cohesive duodenal carcinoma mixed with signet ring cell carcinoma with systemic metastasis: a case report and literature review

Poorly cohesive duodenal carcinoma mixed with signet ring cell carcinoma is very rare, and no cases have been reported. When distant metastasis occurs, it is very easy to be misdiagnosed. We report the first case of a 52-year-old man with poorly cohesive carcinoma of the duodenum mixed with signet ring cell carcinoma with systemic metastasis. The process of its diagnosis and differential diagnosis is highlighted.

Duodenal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma in a Patient With Immunodeficiency: A Case Report

Duodenal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare type of small bowel carcinoma. It is not commonly encountered; hence little knowledge exists about its presentation, diagnosis, and management. The diagnosis is mostly made by either esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or intra-operatively. Some of the main symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, this is a serious condition that healthcare providers and patients should be aware of to reduce its severity and improve prognosis. We present a case of duodenal mucinous adenocarcinoma in a patient with immunodeficiency virus.

Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between resected ampullary carcinoma and carcinoma of the second portion of the duodenum

BACKGROUND

Few studies compared the oncological and biological characteristics between ampullary carcinoma (AC) and cancer of the second portion of the duodenum (DC-II), although both tumors arise from anatomically close locations.

AIM

To elucidate differences in clinicopathological characteristics, especially the patterns of lymph node metastasis (LNM), between AC and DC-II.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 80 patients with AC and 27 patients with DC-II who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 1998 and December 2018 in two institutions. Clinicopathological factors, LNM patterns, and prognosis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients with AC and DC-II did not exhibit significant differences in 5-year overall survival (66.0% and 67.1%, respectively) and 5-year relapse-free survival (63.5% and 62.2%, respectively). Compared to the patients with DC-II, the rate of preoperative biliary drainage was higher (P = 0.042) and the rates of digestive symptoms (P = 0.0158), ulcerative-type cancer (P < 0.0001), large tumor diameter (P < 0.0001), and advanced tumor stage (P = 0.0019) were lower in the patients with AC. The LNM rates were 27.5% and 40.7% in patients with AC and DC-II, respectively, without significant difference (P = 0.23). The rates of LNM to hepatic nodes (N-He) and pyloric nodes (N-Py) were significantly higher in patients with DC-II than in those with AC (metastasis to N-HE: 18.5% and 5% in patients with DC-II and AC, respectively; P = 0.0432; metastasis to N-Py: 11.1% and 0% in patients with DC-II and AC, respectively; P = 0.0186)

CONCLUSION

Although there were no significant differences in the prognosis and recurrence rates between the two groups, metastases to N-He and N-Py were more frequent in patients with DC-II than in those with AC.

Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery Using Open-Window Suturing Technique for Treating Non-ampullary Superficial Duodenal Neoplasms Located on the Pancreatic Side

PURPOSE

No study has focused on the safety and feasibility of our previously developed open-window suturing technique to close mucosal defects on the pancreatic side after endoscopic submucosal dissection from the opened duodenal wall. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and usefulness of laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors for treating superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors on the pancreatic side of the duodenum.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 61 consecutive patients who underwent surgery during August 2014-November 2021. After dissection when the tumor was on the pancreatic side, we sutured the mucosal defect from the opened duodenal wall. A preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stent was placed for tumors within 1 cm of the ampulla of Vater. The surgical outcomes were compared between tumors on the pancreatic and non-pancreatic sides.

RESULTS

There were 27 and 34 patients with tumors on the pancreatic and non-pancreatic sides, respectively. The patient characteristics were similar. Preoperative pancreatic stents were placed in four patients in the pancreatic side group. The median operative time was significantly longer on the pancreatic side than in the non-pancreatic side group (241 vs. 209 min, P = 0.02). In one patient in the pancreatic side group, an intraoperative injury of the ampulla of Vater was successfully treated with intraoperative management. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative grade II or higher complications between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors for treating superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors on the pancreatic side is safe and feasible.

PBRM1 presents a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in duodenal papillary carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Due to its rarity, duodenal papillary carcinoma (DPC) is seldom studied as a unique disease and no specific molecular features or treatment guidelines are provided.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing was performed to gain new insights into the DPC mutation landscape and to identify potential signalling pathways and therapeutic targets. Mechanistically, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and in vitro cell function experiments were performed to confirm the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

We described the mutational landscape of DPC for the first time as a group of rare tumours with a high frequency of dysregulation in the chromatin remodelling pathway, particularly PBRM1-inactivating mutations that are significantly higher than duodenal adenocarcinomas and ampullary adenocarcinoma (27% vs. 0% vs. 7%, p < .01). In vitro cell experiments showed that downregulation of PBRM1 expression could significantly promote the cancer progression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the PBRM1-c-JUN-VIM axis. The IHC data indicated that PBRM1 deficiency (p = .047) and c-JUN expression (p < .001) were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, the downregulation of PBRM1 expression in HUTU-80 cells was sensitive to radiation, which may be due to the suppression of c-JUN by irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings define a novel molecular subgroup of PBRM1-inactivating mutations in DPC. PBRM1 play an important role in DPC progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic indicator.

Surgical treatment of duodenal adenocarcinoma: ampullary vs. non-ampullary, short- and long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms, diagnostic methods, short- and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single center, retrospective, observational study of 52 consecutive patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma operated on with curative intent between 2006 - 2019. Duodenectomy as part of a hemipancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy procedure was performed for ADAC (ampullary duodenal/intestinal adenocarcinoma) or NADAC (non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma).

RESULTS

Prevailing symptoms were obstructive jaundice in the ADAC group (P<0.0001) and bleeding in the NADAC group (P=0.005), with larger tumor size in patients with NADAC (P=0.001). Complication rate, morbidity and mortality were comparable. Primary total pancreatoduodenectomy predominated in the NADAC group, 16.6% vs. 2.9%, and salvage completion pancreatectomy in the ADAC group, 6% vs. 0%. Significant prognostic factors for OS were perineural invasion (P=0.006) and adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.045) in the ADAC group, and for DFS the total number of resected lymph nodes (P=0.042) and lymph node ratio (P=0.031) in the NADAC group. Median OS is 21 months and 5-year survival 27.3% in the NADAC group and 41.5 months and 52% in the ADAC group.

CONCLUSION

Ampullary duodenal/intestinal adenocarcinomas are smaller than non-ampullary at diagnosis, with a higher rate of lymph node metastases, but with a better prognosis and long-term outcome in the presented cohort. Oral localisation of NADAC prevailed in the present cohort. Perineural invasion and postoperative oncological therapy are significant prognostic factors for OS in ADAC, but the total number of lymph nodes and lymph node ratio are significant prognostic factors for DFS in NADAC.

Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the duodenal bulb presenting with gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a case report and literature review

Background

Primary duodenal cancer (PDC) is rare, especially signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the duodenal bulb, and it is commonly misdiagnosed as an ulceration. Here, we report a rare case of SRCC of the duodenal bulb presenting with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in an 82-year-old man.

Case presentation

An 82-year-old man was admitted for gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Physical examination revealed upper abdominal tenderness and pale appearance, but was otherwise unrevealing. Laboratory workup was significant for anemia. Imaging showed no abnormalities. Two endoscopic evaluations along with interventional embolization were attempted and, unfortunately, adequate hemostasis was not achieved, resulting in distal subtotal gastrectomy, including the duodenal bulb. SRCC of the duodenal bulb was diagnosed based on pathology after surgery. Post-operatively, the patient experienced persistent gastrointestinal bleeding. Family declined further intervention and the patient eventually died one month post-resection.

Conclusions

SRCC in the duodenal bulb is difficult to diagnose. For those with high-risk factors, endoscopic examination and biopsy are recommended. For patients who can receive radical tumor resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a first-line option. Early diagnosis and resection have been shown to improve prognosis.

Linked Color Imaging and Blue Laser Imaging for the Diagnosis of Superficial Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate endoscopic findings using linked color imaging (LCI) and blue laser imaging (BLI) and to determine a diagnostic predictor for duodenal adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) between October 2012 and June 2019 were enrolled in this study. Two highly experienced endoscopists investigated six morphological findings using both white light imaging and LCI and three magnifying endoscopic findings using magnifying BLI (M-BLI).

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients with 110 SNADETs, including 87 adenocarcinomas and 23 adenomas, were analyzed in this study. Among the non-magnifying endoscopic findings, the presence of reddish color, orange color on LCI (orange color sign), lobulation, depression, and marginally white opaque substance were found significantly more frequently in adenocarcinomas than in adenomas (p = 0.015, p < 0.001, p = 0.048, p < 0.001, and p = 0.007, respectively). Among the magnifying endoscopic findings, a mixed microsurface pattern (MSP), irregular MSP, and irregular microvascular pattern were found significantly more frequently in adenocarcinomas than in adenomas (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). In the multivariate analysis of all endoscopic findings associated with adenocarcinoma, orange color sign (odds ratio [OR] 10.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-77.08; p = 0.021), mixed MSP (OR 4.66; 95% CI: 1.02-21.40; p = 0.048), and irregular MSP (OR 13.11; 95% CI: 1.41-121.99; p = 0.024) were independent predictors of adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of orange color sign on LCI and mixed/irregular MSP on M-BLI were independent diagnostic predictors that were frequently observed in duodenal adenocarcinoma.

Development and validation of a nomogram for primary duodenal carcinoma: a multicenter, population-based study

Aim: This study aimed to develop a predictive model for patients with duodenal carcinoma. Methods: Duodenal carcinoma patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2010-2015) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (2010-2021) were enrolled. A nomogram was constructed according to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, the Akaike information criterion approach and Cox regression analysis. Results: Five independent prognostic factors were significantly associated with the prognosis of the duodenal carcinoma patients. A nomogram was constructed with a C-index in the training and validation cohorts of 0.671 (95% CI: 0.578-0.716) and 0.662 (95% CI: 0.529-0.773), respectively. Conclusion: The established nomogram model provided visualization of the risk of each prognostic factor.

Surgical results of non-ampullary duodenal cancer: a nationwide survey in Japan

BACKGROUND

As non-ampullary duodenal cancer is relatively rare, the optimal treatment strategy, including the appropriate surgical procedure and efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy, remains unclear. This nationwide survey aimed to clarify the actual lymph node spread pattern and determine the optimal treatment strategy for this disease, using a large-scale database.

METHODS

We used a questionnaire and a retrospective registry of 1083 patients with non-ampullary duodenal cancer who had undergone surgery during 2008-2017 in 114 high-volume Japanese Society of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery-certified training institutions. Propensity score-matched analyses were conducted to minimise background bias. Cox regression was performed to identify covariates associated with recurrence-free survival. There were distinct disparities in the nodal dissection rate according to the predominant tumor location and tumor invasion depth. Metastases were frequently observed in the peripancreatic nodes and those along the superior mesenteric artery, irrespective of tumor location. Their dissection seemed to be beneficial for improved survival. In the overall cohort, no survival benefit was observed in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy when compared with that in patients who underwent surgery alone. Nevertheless, in the matched cohort, adjuvant chemotherapy for > 6 months was associated with a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (median: 43.5 vs. 22.5 months, p = 0.016), particularly in patients with tumor invasion of the subserosa or deeper tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, or elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatoduodenectomy should be the standard procedure for advanced non-ampullary duodenal cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy for > 6 months, especially for advanced tumors, significantly improves survival.

Prognostic Factors and Lymph Node Metastasis Patterns of Primary Duodenal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness and extent of regional lymph node dissection in primary duodenal cancer (DC) remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors and lymph node metastasis (LNM) patterns in DC.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients who underwent surgical resection for DC between January 1998 and December 2018 at two institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the prognostic factors of resected DC. Moreover, the relationships between depth of tumor invasion and incidence of LNM and between tumor location and LNM stations were analyzed.

RESULTS

The five-year survival rate of the study population was 68.9%. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that histologic grade G2-G4, presence of LNM, pT3-4, and elevated preoperative CA19-9 were the independent poor prognostic factors. No patient with pTis-T2 had LNM. On the other hand, LNM was found in 70% of patients with pT3-4. Among 36 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), LNM around the pancreatic head was observed, regardless of the duodenal cancer site, including the duodenal bulb and the third to the fourth portion.

CONCLUSIONS

Histologic grade G2-G4, presence of LNM, pT3-T4, and elevated preoperative CA19-9 were the independent poor prognostic factors in patients with resected DC. Our results suggested that lymph node dissection could be omitted for DC Tis-T1a. Moreover, based on the high frequency of LNM in T3-4 cases, PD with lymph node dissection in the pancreatic head region was considered necessary for T3-4 DC at any site.

Predictive nomogram for postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most common complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Predictive models are needed to select patients with a high risk of POPF. This study was aimed to establish an effective predictive nomogram for POPF following PD.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who had undergone PD between January 2016 and May 2020 at a single institution were analysed retrospectively. A predictive nomogram was established based on a training cohort, and Lasso regression and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate predictors. The predictive abilities of the predicting model were assessed for internal validation by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot using bootstrap resampling. The performance of the nomogram was compared with that of the currently used a-FRS model.

RESULTS

A total of 459 patients were divided into a training cohort (n = 302) and a validation cohort (n = 157). No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to clinicopathological characteristics. The POPF rate was 16.56%. The risk factors of POPF POPF were albumin difference, drain amylase value on postoperative day 1, pancreas texture, and BMI, which were all selected into a nomogram. Nomogram application revealed good discrimination (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81-0.94, P <  0.001) as well as calibration abilities in the validation cohort. The predictive value of the nomogram was better than that of the a-FRS model (AUC: 0.87 vs 0.62, P <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This predictive nomogram could be used to evaluate the individual risk of POPF in patients following PD, and albumin difference is a new, accessible predictor of POPF after PD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register ( ChiCTR2000034435 ).

Feasibility of laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for non-ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasms: Single-arm confirmatory trial

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors (D-LECS) has been developed to prevent duodenal leakage by reinforcing the endoscopic submucosal dissection site. However, there has been no prospective trial showing the feasibility of D-LECS. Herein, we conducted a single-arm confirmatory trial to evaluate the safety of D-LECS for non-ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasms.

METHODS

This prospective single-center single-arm confirmatory trial analyzed patients with non-ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasms who underwent D-LECS. The primary endpoint was the incidence of any postoperative leakage occurring on the duodenal wall within 1 month postoperatively. The planned sample size was 20 patients, considering a threshold of 28% and one-sided alpha value of 5%.

RESULTS

Between January 2015 and September 2018, 20 eligible patients were enrolled. Sixteen tumors were located in the second portion, three in the first portion, and one in the third portion of the duodenal region. The median operative time was 225 (134-361) min and the median blood loss was 0 (0-150) mL. Curative resection (R0) with negative margins was achieved in 19 cases. One case of postoperative leakage and one case of bleeding of grade 2 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed in this series. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was 9 (5-12) days. No local recurrence was observed in any patient during the median follow-up of 15.0 (12.0-38.0) months.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial confirmed the safety and feasibility of D-LECS for non-ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasms with respect to the low incidence of postoperative duodenal leakage.

Time trends in incidence and survival of small intestinal cancer in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Small intestinal cancer is less common than some other gastrointestinal malignancies. Tumours of different histological types and anatomical sites of origin have therefore often been described together. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology for each of the four main subtypes: duodenal adenocarcinoma (D-AC), duodenal neuroendocrine tumour (D-NET), jejunoileal adenocarcinoma (J/I-AC), and jejunoileal neuroendocrine tumour (J/I-NET).

METHODS

All patients with small intestinal cancer diagnosed between 1960 and 2015 were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. The age-adjusted incidence rate with incidence rate ratios, as well as overall (OS) and net (NS) survival, were determined and temporal trends were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence rate was highest for J/I-NET, with 9.98 clinical diagnoses per million in 2010-2015. Clinical diagnosis of D-AC increased more than 10-fold and surpassed J/I-AC as the second most common subtype. D-NET was by far the least common subtype. Diagnosis at autopsy became less common over time, whereas clinical diagnoses increased significantly for all four subtypes. All subtypes except J/I-AC affected men more often than women. The age distribution was similar between subtypes, although patients with adenocarcinomas were slightly older. Survival was generally much better for patients with NET than for those with adenocarcinoma. Both OS and NS showed a negative association with advancing age. Survival improved only for J/I-NET from a 5-year NS of 0.69 in the 1960s to 0.81 in 2010-2015.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of small intestinal cancer is increasing, particularly for D-AC and in the elderly. Survival of patients with small intestinal cancer has improved only for J/I-NET over the last decades.

Limited resection vs. pancreaticoduodenectomy for primary duodenal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

It is well known that surgery is the mainstay treatment for duodenal adenocarcinoma. However, the optimal extent of surgery is still under debate. We aimed to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of limited resection (LR) and pancreatoduodenectomy for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma. A systematic electronic database search of the literature was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Library. All studies comparing LR and pancreatoduodenectomy for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma were selected. Long-term overall survival was considered as the primary outcome, and perioperative morbidity and mortality as the secondary outcomes. Fifteen studies with a total of 3166 patients were analyzed; 995 and 1498 patients were treated with limited resection and pancreatoduodenectomy, respectively. Eight and 7 studies scored a low and intermediate risk of publication bias, respectively. The LR group had a more favorable result than the pancreatoduodenectomy group in overall morbidity (odd ratio [OR]: 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.65) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR: 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.43). Mortality (OR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.70-1.33) and overall survival (OR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.33-1.13) were not significantly different between the two groups, although comparison of the two groups stratified by prognostic factors, such as T categories, was not possible due to a lack of detailed data. LR showed long-term outcomes equivalent to those of pancreatoduodenectomy, while the perioperative morbidity rates were lower. LR could be an option for selected duodenal adenocarcinoma patients with appropriate location or depth of invasion, although further studies are required.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A SEER Analysis

Duodenal adenocarcinoma is an uncommon, malignant tumor usually accompanied by a poor prognosis. We identified 3150 duodenal adenocarcinoma cases from the SEER database (1988-2013) to analyze clinical characteristics and outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate cancer-specific survival (CSS). Cox regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic factors of CSS. Adverse prognostic factors include higher tumor grade, later stage, tumor size ≥ 2cm, positive regional lymph nodes, and not undergoing surgical resection. Our results suggest, surgery is the optimal treatment for duodenal cancer, and combined radiotherapy does not improve survival.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection using a scissors-type knife with prophylactic over-the-scope clip closure for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using a scissors-type knife with prophylactic closure using over-the-scope clip (OTSC) for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent ESD for SNADETs >10 mm between January 2009 and July 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. We performed ESD using either a needle-type knife (Flush Knife-ESD) or a scissors-type knife (Clutch Cutter-ESD). Mucosal defects were prophylactically closed using three methods: conventional clip, laparoscopic closure, or OTSC.

RESULTS

A total of 84 lesions were resected using the Flush Knife-ESD and the Clutch Cutter-ESD (37 and 47 patients, respectively), and conventional clip, laparoscopic closure, and OTSC for mucosal defect closure after ESD were applied in 13, 13, and 56 lesions, respectively. The R0 resection rate was significantly higher in the Clutch Cutter-ESD than that in the Flush Knife-ESD (97.9% vs 83.8%, respectively, P = 0.040). The intraoperative perforation rate was significantly lower in the Clutch Cutter-ESD than in the Flush Knife-ESD (0% vs 13.5%, respectively, P = 0.014). Complete closure rates of conventional clip, laparoscopic closure, and OTSC were 76.9%, 92.3%, and 98.2%, respectively (P = 0.021); and delayed perforation rates were 15.4%, 7.7%, and 1.8%, respectively (P = 0.092).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection using a scissors-type knife with prophylactic OTSC closure is safe and feasible for the low-invasive treatment of SNADETs.

Successful endoscopic mucosal resection for non-ampullary duodenal signet-ring cell carcinoma

We present a case of non-ampullary duodenal signet-ring cell carcinoma treated by endoscopic mucosal resection. The patient is a 61-year-old male with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus complicated by end-stage renal disease requiring peritoneal dialysis who presented for routine endoscopic screening. A 9 mm protruding mass was found in the second part of the duodenum, proximal to the ampulla of Vater. Biopsy of the mass revealed proliferation of signet-ring cells with vacuolated foamy cytoplasm and displaced ovoid nuclei, consistent with signet-ring cell carcinoma. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection and achieved margin-free resection without complications. No recurrence was seen during the 24 months of follow-up. Duodenal signet-ring cell carcinoma is a rare entity most commonly occurring in the ampulla of Vater. This is the first report of successful endoscopic mucosal resection for early non-ampullary duodenal signet-ring cell carcinoma.

Prognostic Factors and the Role of Adjuvant Treatment in Periampullary Carcinoma: a Single-Centre Experience of 95 Patients

PURPOSE

The effect of adjuvant treatment on those undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary carcinomas (PAC) is not well studied. Most studies employed chemoradiation as the adjuvant modality. We aimed to analyse clinicopathological differences between types of PACs, the prognostic factors and the role of adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy in the majority).

METHODS

Patients with PAC who underwent PD from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients with PAC underwent PD in the study period. Ampullary carcinoma (AC) was the most common. Pancreatic carcinomas (PC) were larger. AC had lower T stage, perineural invasion (PNI) and R1 resections. Median overall survival (OS) was 32.7 months. On multivariate analysis, lymph node ratio (LNR) ≥ 0.2 and advanced T stage adversely affected the OS. Fifty-seven (66.3%) patients received adjuvant treatment, of which 50 had chemotherapy alone. Adjuvant treatment resulted in better OS in patients with T stage ≥ 3, lymph node involvement, LNR ≥ 0.2, lymphovascular invasion, PNI, tumour size > 2 cm, higher grade and distal cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

In patients of PAC undergoing PD, AC had favourable clinicopathological profile. LNR ≥ 0.2 and advanced T stage adversely affected OS. Adjuvant treatment resulted in significantly better OS in patients with high-risk features.

Clinical and endoscopic findings to assist the early detection of duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma

Background

Sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm in which poor prognosis is often associated with delayed diagnosis.

Objective

A case-control study was designed to evaluate the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients with nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumours (NADETs).

Methods

Patients with NADETs were chronologically divided into a discovery and a validation sets. Two age- and sex-matched control individuals for each case in the discovery set were randomly selected from individuals without NADET. A prediction model for the presence of NADET, constructed in the discovery set, was evaluated in the validation set.

Results

In total, 368 adenomas, 81 adenocarcinomas, and 314 controls were analysed. Current smoking, Barrett oesophagus, fundic gland polyps, history of malignant disease, and absence of dyslipidaemia were independently associated with the presence of NADET. The combination of these five factors enabled significant discrimination for NADET in the bulb with a sensitivity of 0.81 in the validation set. We also showed that duodenal adenocarcinomas in the bulb had greater invasive potential than adenocarcinomas in the second portion.

Conclusion

The presence of a duodenal tumour in the bulb could be predicted by clinical and endoscopic findings, which helps improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.

Prognostic factors of non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma

Background

Non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma, excluding carcinoma in the ampulla of Vater, is a rare disease. Although several prognostic factors have been reported, they remain controversial due to the rarity of non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma. The aims of this study were to investigate prognostic factors in patients with non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma and to assess chemotherapy in patients with recurrence.

Patients and methods

Records of 25 patients who underwent surgical treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between the clinicopathological factors and outcomes was investigated.

Results

Serum level of CA19-9, gross appearance, tumor size, tumor invasion, lymph node metastases, TNM stage and lymphatic and vascular invasion were significant risk factors of recurrence. Patients with recurrence who received chemotherapy according to regimens used to treat colorectal cancer had a better prognosis than those without chemotherapy (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Advanced non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis, but chemotherapy possibly improves the prognosis in the patients with recurrent non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma.

Outcomes and Treatment Options for Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) is a rare tumor for which survival data per treatment modality and disease stage are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the current literature on patient outcome after surgical, (neo)adjuvant, and palliative treatment in patients with DA.

Methods

A systematic search was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, to 25 April 2017. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS), specified for treatment strategy or disease stage. Random-effects models were used for the calculation of pooled odds ratios per treatment modality. Included papers were also screened for prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 26 observational studies, comprising 6438 patients with DA, were included. Of these, resection with curative intent was performed in 71% (range 53–100%) of patients, and 29% received palliative treatment (range 0–61%). The pooled 5-year OS rate was 46% after curative resection, compared with 1% in palliative-treated patients (OR 0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.09, p < 0.0001). Both segmental resection and pancreaticoduodenectomy allowed adequate assessment of lymph node involvement and resulted in similar OS. Lymph node involvement correlated with worse OS (pooled 5-year survival rate 21% for nodal metastases vs. 65% for node-negative disease; OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.27, p < 0.0001). In the current literature, no survival benefit for adjuvant therapy after curative resection was found.

Conclusion

Resection with curative intent, either pancreaticoduodenectomy or segmental resection, and lack of nodal metastases, favors survival for DA. Further studies exploring multimodality (neo)adjuvant therapy are warranted to investigate their benefit.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1245/s10434-018-6567-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oncologic outcomes after radical surgery for periampullary cancer in octogenarians

Backgrounds/Aims

Interest in treatments for elderly patients has increased with life expectancy, and various studies have reported on the safety and feasibility of radical surgery in elderly patients with cancer. Here, we investigated oncologic outcomes of periampullary cancer in octogenarians.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 68 patients over 80 years of age who were diagnosed with periampullary cancer and were eligible for surgery; we analyzed overall survival (OS) and immediate postoperative complications and mortality.

Results

There were no significant differences in mean age, disease type, oncologic features, comorbidities, or nutritional status between the patients who had surgery and those who did not. Five patients (20.0%) had major postoperative complications, but there was no immediate postoperative mortality. Patients who had surgery (n=25) had better OS (29.3 months; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.6–53.0) than did those who did not (n=43, OS: 7.6 months; 95% CI: 3.2–12.0 months; p<0.001). Similarly, patients with distal common bile duct cancer who underwent surgery had better OS than those who did not (surgery group: n=13, OS: 29.3 months, 95% CI: 8.9–49.7; non-surgery group: n=15, OS: 5.7 months, 95% CI: 4.2–7.2 months; p=0.002).

Conclusions

Radical surgery for octogenarian patients with periampullary cancer is safe, feasible, and expected to result in better survival outcomes, especially for patients with common bile duct cancer.

Updated therapeutic outcome for patients with periampullary and pancreatic cancer related to recent translational research

Chemotherapy with improved effect in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer has recently been established, launching a new era for patients with this very aggressive disease. FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel are different regimens, both capable of stabilizing the disease, thus increasing the number of patients who can reach second line and even third line of treatment. Concurrently, new windows of opportunity open for nutritional support and other therapeutic interventions, improving quality of life. Also pancreatic surgery has changed significantly during the latest years. Extended operations, including vascular/multivisceral resections are frequently performed in specialized centers, pushing borders of resectability. Potentially curative treatment including neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is offered new patient groups. Translational research is the basis for the essential understanding of the ongoing development. Even thou biomarkers for clinical management of patients with periampullary tumors have almost been lacking, biomarker driven trials are now in progress. New insight is constantly made available for clinicians; one recent example is selection of patients for gemcitabine treatment based on the expression level of the human equilibrium nucleoside transporter 1. An example of new diagnostic tools is identification of early pancreatic cancer patients by a three-biomarker panel in urine: The proteins lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1, regenerating gene 1 alpha and translation elongation factor 1 alpha. Requirement of treatment guideline revisions is intensifying, as combined chemotherapy regimens result in unexpected advantages. The European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer 4 trial outcome is an illustration: Addition of capecitabine in the adjuvant setting improved overall survival more than expected from the effect in advanced disease. Rapid implementation of new treatment options is mandatory when progress finally extends to patients with this serious disease.

Laparoscopic and endoscopic co-operative surgery for non-ampullary duodenal tumors

AIM

To assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic and endoscopic co-operative surgery (LECS) for early non-ampullary duodenal tumors.

METHODS

Twelve patients with a non-ampullary duodenal tumor underwent LECS at our hospital. One patient had two mucosal lesions in the duodenum. The indication for this procedure was the presence of duodenal tumors with a low risk for lymph node metastasis. In particular, the tumors included small (less than 10 mm) submucosal tumors (SMT) and epithelial mucosal tumors, such as mucosal cancers or large mucosal adenomas with malignant suspicion. The LECS procedures, such as full-thickness dissection for SMT and laparoscopic reinforcement after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for epithelial tumors, were performed for the 13 early duodenal lesions in 12 patients. Here we present the short-term outcomes and evaluate the safety and feasibility of this new technique.

RESULTS

Two SMT-like lesions and eleven superficial epithelial tumor-like lesions were observed. Seven and Six lesions were located in the second and third parts of the duodenum, respectively. All lesions were successfully resected en bloc. The defect in the duodenal wall was manually sutured after resection of the duodenal SMT. For epithelial duodenal tumors, the ulcer bed was laparoscopically reinforced via manual suturing after ESD. Intraoperative perforation occurred in two out of eleven epithelial tumor-like lesions during ESD; however, they were successfully laparoscopically repaired. The median operative time and intraoperative estimated blood loss were 322 min and 0 mL, respectively. Histological examination of the tumors revealed one adenoma with moderate atypia, ten adenocarcinomas, and two neuroendocrine tumors. No severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or higher) were reported in this series, but minor leakage secondary to pancreatic fistula occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSION

LECS can be a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for non-ampullary early duodenal tumors.