Pancreaticoduodenectomy with or without distal gastrectomy and extended retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for periampullary adenocarcinoma, part 2: randomized controlled trial evaluating survival, morbidity, and mortality. Ann Surg. 2002;236:355-366; discussion 366-368. [PMID: 12192322 DOI: 10.1097/01.sla.0000027272.08464.0b]

Prognostic Value of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Pancreatic Cancer

Lymph node involvement in pancreatic adenocancer is one of the strongest predictors of prognosis. However, the extent of lymph node dissection is still a matter of debate and number of dissected nodes varies widely among patients. In order to homogenize this diverse group of patients and more accurately predict their prognosis, we aimed to analyze the effect of metastatic lymph node ratio as an independent prognostic factor. We retrospectively analyzed medical recordings of 326 patients with pancreatic cancer who were treated in a tertiary medical oncology center over a 10-year period. Both in univariate and multivariate analyses, metastatic lymph node ratio proved to be a strong predictor of prognosis which was unaffected from heterogeneity of our patient population and can be used to facilitate predict prognosis of patients who underwent lymph node dissection to various extents and with future studies it can emerge as a successful tool for creating prognostic subgroups of the disease.

Extensive lymph node dissection during pancreaticoduodenectomy: a risk factor for hepatic steatosis?

PURPOSE

The first reports of hepatic steatosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were published several years ago; however, clear risk factors remain to be identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for hepatic steatosis post-PD.

METHODS

We studied 90 patients who had undergone PD between September 2005 and January 2015. The inclusion criteria were as follows: available unenhanced CT within one month before PD and at least one unenhanced CT acquisition between PD and chemotherapy initiation. Using scanners, we studied the liver and spleen density as well as the surface areas of visceral (VF) and subcutaneous fat (SCF). These variables were previously identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Hepatic steatosis occurred in 25.6% of patients at 45.2 days, on average, post-PD. Among the patients with hepatic steatosis, the average liver density was 52 HU before PD and 15.1 HU post-PD (p < 0.001). The Patients with hepatic steatosis lost more VF (mean, 28 vs. 11 cm²) and SCF (28.8 vs. 13.7 cm²) (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Portal vein resection and extensive lymph node dissection were independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 5.29, p = 0.009; OR 3.38, p = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Portal vein resection and extensive lymph node dissection are independent risk factors for post-PD hepatic steatosis.

Locally advanced pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma: pancreatectomy with planned arterial resection based on axial arterial encasement

Pancreatectomy with arterial resection for locally advanced pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDA) is associated with high morbidity and is thus considered as a contraindication. The aim of our study was to report our experience of pancreatectomy with planned arterial resection for locally advanced PDA based on specific selection criteria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients receiving pancreatectomy for PDA between October 2008 and July 2014 were reviewed. The patients were classified into group 1, pancreatectomy without vascular resection (66 patients); group 2, pancreatectomy with isolated venous resection (31 patients), and group 3, pancreatectomy with arterial resection for locally advanced PDA (14 patients). The primary selection criteria for arterial resection was the possibility of achieving a complete resection based on the extent of axial encasement, the absence of tumor invasion at the origin of celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and a free distal arterial segment allowing reconstruction. Patient outcomes and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six SMA, two CT, four common hepatic artery, and two replaced right hepatic artery resections were undertaken. The preferred arterial reconstruction was splenic artery transposition. Group 3 had a higher preoperative weight loss, a longer operative time, and a higher incidence of intraoperative blood transfusion. Ninety-day mortality occurred in three patients in groups 1 and 2. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence, grade, and type of complications in the three groups. Postoperative pancreatic fistula and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage were also comparable. In group 3, none had arterial wall invasion and nine patients had recurrence (seven metastatic and two loco-regional). Survival and disease-free survival were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

Planned arterial resection for PDA can be performed safely with a good outcome in highly selected patients. Key elements for defining the resectability is based on the extent of the axial arterial encasement with two criteria: the origin of the CT and SMA are free from tumor invasion and the possibility of distal reconstruction.

Current situation and predicament of multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest solid malignancies. As the anatomy position of the pancreas is deep, most patients are difficult to diagnose in the early stage. Approximately 40% of patients are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, which severely limits the number of patients who can undergo surgical resection. There is an urgent need to explore new treatments or comprehensive treatment for pancreatic cancer, in order to improve the long-term survival rate and quality of life. Recent therapeutic advances for advanced pancreatic cancer have improved overall survival, but the prognosis remains grim. This article reviews both the major therapeutic strategies and their predicaments for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including currently ongoing clinical trials about use of the new agents and technologies.

Improving outcomes in pancreatic cancer: Key points in perioperative management

This review focused in the perioperative management of patients with pancreatic cancer in order to improve the outcome of the disease. We consider that the most controversial points in pancreatic cancer management are jaundice management, vascular resection and neo-adjuvant therapy. Preoperative biliary drainage is recommended only in patients with severe jaundice, as it can lead to infectious cholangitis, pancreatitis and delay in resection, which can lead to tumor progression. The development of a phase III clinical trial is mandatory to clarify the role of neo-adjuvant radiochemotherapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Venous resection does not adversely affect postoperative mortality and morbidity, therefore, the need for venous resection should not be a contraindication to surgical resection in selected patients. The data on arterial resection alone, or combined with vascular resection at the time of pancreatectomy are more heterogeneous, thus, patient age and comorbidity should be evaluated before a decision on operability is made. In patients undergoing R0 resection, arterial resection can also be performed.