Preoperative CA 19-9 Level Is an Important Prognostic Factor in Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Treated With Surgical Resection and Adjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Differential impact of incrementally elevated CA 19-9 levels on prognosis of resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

CA 19-9 is an extremely useful biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). However, the optimal cut-off and prognostic significance at higher cut-offs are yet to be determined.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis included patients with PDAC who underwent curative resection from January 2010 to May 2020 at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. The pretherapy CA 19-9 was dichotomized using various cut-off levels and analysed.

RESULTS

In 244 included patients, the median overall survival (OS) for those with CA19-9 level (IU/ml) < or >78, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 was 27, 24, 23, 22, 21 months versus 18, 16, 15, 14, 13 months; respectively, and was statistically significant (p-value- 0.002, 0.001, 0.002, 0.002 and 0.004, respectively). The number of recurrences and mortality had significant correlation with CA 19-9 cut-offs. On multivariate analysis, adjuvant treatment completion (p-0.004) and decreasing or stable CA19-9 after Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) (p- 0.031) were associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic significance of CA 19-9 was observed at all the cut-off levels examined, beyond mere elevated value as per the standard cut-off level. In patients with high CA19-9 level, surgery should be offered if technically and conditionally feasible, only when a response in CA19-9 level to NAT is achieved.

Role of neoadjuvant therapy for nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer: Current evidence and future perspectives

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most common and lethal human cancers worldwide. Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy offers the best chance of a long-term survival for patients with PDAC, although only approximately 20% of the patients have resectable tumors when diagnosed. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is recommended for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Several studies have investigated the role of NACT in treating resectable tumors based on the recent advances in PDAC biology, as NACT provides the potential benefit of selecting patients with favorable tumor biology and controls potential micro-metastases in high-risk patients with resectable PDAC. In such challenging cases, new potential tools, such as ct-DNA and molecular targeted therapy, are emerging as novel therapeutic options that may improve old paradigms. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of NACT in treating non-metastatic pancreatic cancer while focusing on future perspectives in light of recent evidence.

Regional lymph node metastasis detected on preoperative CT and/or FDG-PET may predict early recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma after curative resection

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of regional lymph node (LN) metastasis detected on preoperative CT and/or 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans in the prediction of early tumor recurrence after curative surgical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This retrospective study included 137 patients who underwent upfront surgery with R0 resection of PDAC between 2013 and 2016. Regional LN metastasis was identified using two criteria: positive findings for regional LN metastasis on either preoperative CT or FDG-PET scans (LNOR), or on both preoperative CT and FDG-PET scans (LNAND). A total of 55 patients had early tumor recurrence within 12 months after curative resection. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, preoperative locally advanced status, and regional LN metastasis (both LNOR and LNAND criteria) were significant risk factors for early recurrence. Positive LNOR and LNAND showed significantly poorer recurrence-free survival compared to negative regional LN metastasis groups (p = 0.048 and p = 0.020, respectively). Compared with the LNAND criteria, the LNOR criteria provided higher sensitivity (22.4% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.046) and a higher negative predictive value (61.9% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.046). The LNOR definition provided more sensitive and accurate performance in diagnosing preoperative regional LN metastasis.

Development of a MicroRNA Signature Predictive of Recurrence and Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Simple Summary

Optimal patient selection for radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer is unestablished and may be improved with molecular profiling. To this end, we developed and validated a microRNA signature that predicted for worse locoregional recurrence and overall survival in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. In a separate cohort of patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, this risk signature was also predictive of worse locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Additionally, borderline resectable or locally advanced patients who had high risk score and did not receive radiation had worse outcomes compared to patients who either had low risk score or received radiation, irrespective of risk score. This risk signature may be useful in assessing patient prognosis and tailor therapy in patients with resectable, borderline resectable, or locally advanced pancreatic cancer, but requires further study.

Abstract

Background: Optimal patient selection for radiotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unestablished. Molecular profiling may select patients at high risk for locoregional recurrence (LRR) who would benefit from radiation. Methods: We included resectable pancreatic cancer (R-PDAC) patients, divided into training and validation cohorts, treated among three institutions with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, and borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LA-PDAC) patients treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation at the primary study institution. We isolated RNA from R-PDAC surgical specimens. Using NanoString, we identified miRNAs differentially expressed between normal and malignant pancreatic tissue. ElasticNet regression identified two miRNAs most predictive of LRR in the training cohort, miR-181b/d and miR-575, which were used to generate a risk score (RS). We evaluated the association of the median-dichotomized RS with recurrence and overall survival (OS). Results: We identified 183 R-PDAC and 77 BR/LA-PDAC patients with median follow up of 37 months treated between 2001 and 2014. On multivariable analysis of the R-PDAC training cohort (n = 90), RS was associated with worse LRR (HR = 1.34; 95%CI 1.27–11.38; p = 0.017) and OS (HR = 2.89; 95%CI 1.10–4.76; p = 0.027). In the R-PDAC validation cohort, RS was associated with worse LRR (HR = 2.39; 95%CI 1.03–5.54; p = 0.042), but not OS (p = 0.087). For BR/LA-PDAC, RS was associated with worse LRR (HR = 2.71; 95%CI 1.14–6.48; p = 0.025), DR (HR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.10–3.38; p = 0.022), and OS (HR = 1.97; 95%CI 1.17–3.34; p = 0.011). Additionally, after stratifying by RS and receipt of radiation in BR/LA-PDAC patients, high RS patients who did not receive radiation had worse LRR (p = 0.018), DR (p = 0.006), and OS (p < 0.001) compared to patients with either low RS or patients who received radiation, irrespective of RS. Conclusions: RS predicted worse LRR and OS in R-PDAC and worse LRR, DR, and OS in BR/LA-PDAC. This may select patients who would benefit from radiation and should be validated prospectively.

Prognostic Role of Carbohydrate Antigen 19 to 9 in Predicting Survival of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

This study evaluates the prognostic role of carbohydrate antigen 19 to 9 (CA19-9) in predicting survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct) and study selection was based on precise eligibility criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to achieve overall estimates of median survival and hazard ratios (HRs) of survival with cutoff defined lower and higher CA19-9 levels before and after surgery or chemotherapy (CT)/radiotherapy (RT) and the changes in CA19-9 levels after any treatment. A total of 41 studies (6519 patients; 42% females; age 63.3 years [95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.2, 64.4]) were included. A pooled HR of 1.79 with a narrow 95% CI (1.58, 2.01) showed that higher CA19-9 levels or less decrease in CA19-9 levels after treatment predicted shorter survival. Median survival in patients with lower and higher preoperative CA19-9 levels was 23.2 months [95% CI: 17.2, 29.2] and 14.0 months [95% CI: 10.9, 17.2], respectively, whereas median survival with lower and higher postoperative CA19-9 levels was 25.0 months [95% CI: 21.9, 28.0] and 13.0 months [95% CI: 10.9, 15.0] respectively. Median survival with lower and higher pre-CT/RT CA19-9 levels was 11.9 months [95% CI: 10.2, 13.6] and 7.7 months [95% CI: 6.2, 9.2], respectively, whereas median survival with lower and higher post-CT/RT CA19-9 levels was 15.1 months [95% CI: 13.2, 17.0] and 10.7 months [95% CI: 7.3, 14.0] respectively. A decrease in CA19-9 levels after treatment was also associated with longer survival. Thus, both pretreatment and posttreatment CA19-9 levels or their changes after treatment have good prognostic value in determining the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

Predicting Adverse Pathologic Features and Clinical Outcomes of Resectable Pancreas Cancer With Preoperative CA 19-9

Background

We evaluated preoperative CA 19-9 levels in patients with resected pancreatic cancer to analyze whether they were predictive of clinical outcomes and could help select patients for additional therapy. We hypothesized that elevated CA 19-9 would be associated with worse pathologic findings and oncologic outcomes.

Methods

This study assessed 509 patients with non-metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent resection at our institution from 1995-2011 and had preoperative CA 19-9 recorded. No patients received neoadjuvant therapy. CA 19-9 level was analyzed as a continuous and a dichotomized (> vs. ≤ 55 U/mL) variable using logistic and Cox models.

Results

Median follow-up was 7.8 years, and the median age was 66 years (33-90). 64% of patients had elevated preoperative CA 19-9 (median: 141 U/mL), that did not correlate with bilirubin level or tumor size. Most patients had ≥ T3 tumors (72%) and positive lymph nodes (62%). The rate of incomplete (R1 or R2) resection was 19%. Increasing preoperative CA 19-9 was associated with extra-pancreatic extension (p=0.0005), lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.0072), incomplete resection [HR (95% CI) 2.0 (1.2-3.5)], and lower OS [HR = 1.6 (1.3-2.0)]. Each doubling in preoperative CA 19-9 value was associated with an 8.3% increased risk of death [HR = 1.08 (1.02-1.15)] and a 10.0% increased risk of distant recurrence [HR = 1.10 (1.02-1.19)]. Patients classified as non-secretors had comparable outcomes to patients with normal CA 19-9.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative CA 19-9 level was associated with adverse pathologic features, incomplete resection, and inferior clinical outcomes. Neither tumor size nor bilirubin confound an elevated CA 19-9 level. Preoperative CA 19-9 level may help select patients for additional therapy.

Cancer outcomes are independent of preoperative CA 19-9 in anatomically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Current guidelines recommend neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with anatomically resectable tumors but elevated CA 19-9. However, this recommendation is based on data from anatomically resectable and borderline resectable PDAC patients. Therefore, we analyzed the association of preoperative CA 19-9 with oncologic outcomes in a cohort of anatomically resectable PDAC patients.

METHODS

A single-institution PDAC database from 2007 to 2015 included patients who underwent guideline-based staging and were anatomically resectable. Patients with bilirubin above 1.5 after decompression, nonsecretors of CA 19-9, and borderline resectable patients were excluded. Statistical analysis included frequency testing and regression modeling for recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-four PDAC patients were identified; 16 (11.1%) had elevated preoperative CA 19-9 ≥ 1000. A CA 19-9 level ≥1000 was not associated with demographic, clinical, or pathological factors. After adjustment for potential confounders, CA 19-9 levels (continuous, median, 500 U/mL, or 1000 U/mL cut-offs) were not associated with recurrence or overall survival (OS).

CONCLUSIONS

Although guidelines recommend CA 19-9 to determine the management of anatomically resectable PDAC patients, CA 19-9 was not associated with recurrence or OS in this cohort. Our findings do not suggest that CA 19-9 alone should determine the PDAC treatment strategy.

Prognostic value of preoperative glucose to lymphocyte ratio in patients with resected pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory factors and fasting blood glucose were verified to be associated with the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The goal of this study is to confirm the prognostic role of preoperative blood glucose to lymphocyte ratio for patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 259 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled and randomly divided into training cohort and validation cohort. The training cohort was used to generate an optimal cutoff value and the validation cohort was used to further validate the model.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients were incorporated in this study and randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 130, 1/2 of 259) and the validation cohort (129, 1/2 of 259). The optimal cutoff value of glucose to lymphocyte ratio was calculated to be 3.47 for overall survival. Cox regression analysis found that preoperative blood glucose to lymphocyte ratio was independent risk factor (p = 0.040) for overall survival. Prognostic values of glucose to lymphocyte ratio on overall survival were observed in younger male patients with pancreatic body and tail cancer, American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th N1 stage, without microvascular and peripancreatic fat invasion, and Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 higher than 200 U/ml. A prognostic prediction model of overall survival was designed and presented in nomogram.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative blood glucose to lymphocyte ratio is an independent biomarker to predict the overall survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients who underwent curative resection.

Transcriptomic Profile of Lymphovascular Invasion, a Known Risk Factor of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an aggressive pathologic feature and considered a risk factor for distant metastasis. We hypothesized that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) with LVI are associated with shorter survival, as well as aggressive cancer biology and lymphangiogenesis in transcriptomic analysis. Utilizing the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)-PDAC cohort, we found that positive LVI was significantly associated with positive perineural invasion (PNI) (p = 0.023), and higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T (p = 0.017) and N (p < 0.001) categories. Furthermore, positive LVI was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.014) and was an independent risk factor of poor OS. Although there was no association between LVI status and lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), or metastasis-related genes, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed a strong association with cell-proliferation-related gene sets such as mitotic spindles (Normalized enrichment score (NES) = 1.76, p = 0.016) and G2/M checkpoints (NES = 1.75, p = 0.036), as well as with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling (NES = 1.61, p = 0.043), which is a known mechanism of metastasis in PDACs. In conclusion, positive LVI was an independent risk factor of poor OS in PDACs. We found that PDACs with LVI were possibly associated with accelerated cell proliferation and enhanced TGF-beta signaling independent of lymphangiogenesis. Transcriptomic profiling elucidates more precise tumor biology of LVI-positive PDACs.

Completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Upfront Surgical Resection for Pancreatic Cancer Is Uncommon Yet Associated With Improved Survival

BACKGROUND

Multiple trials have demonstrated a survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to identify the rate for completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, factors associated with completion, and its impact on survival after surgical resection.

METHODS

The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Medicare-linked data was used to identify patients who underwent upfront resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2013. Billing codes were used to quantify receipt and completion of chemotherapy. Factors associated with completion of chemotherapy were identified using multivariable regression. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards modeling were used to examine survival.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 2440 patients. Of these patients, 65% received no adjuvant chemotherapy, 28% received incomplete therapy, and 7% completed chemotherapy. The factors associated with chemotherapy completion were nodal metastases and treatment at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center (p ≤ 0.05). Comorbidities decreased the odds of completion (p ≤ 0.05). The median overall survival (OS) was 14 months for the patients who received no adjuvant chemotherapy, 17 months for those who received incomplete adjuvant chemotherapy, and 22 months for those who completed adjuvant chemotherapy (p ≤ 0.05). More recent diagnosis, comorbidities, T stage, nodal metastases, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an increased hazard ratio for death (p ≤ 0.05). Evaluation of 15 or more nodes and completion of chemotherapy decreased the hazard ratio for death (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Only 7% of the Medicare patients who underwent upfront resection for pancreatic cancer completed adjuvant chemotherapy, yet completion of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS. Completion of adjuvant chemotherapy should be the goal after upfront resection, but neoadjuvant chemotherapy may ensure that patients receive systemic chemotherapy.

Sustained Elevation of Postoperative Serum Level of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 is High-Risk Stigmata for Primary Hepatic Recurrence in Patients with Curatively Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Survival after surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is poor and heterogeneous, even for curative (R0) resection. Serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels are important prognostic markers for resected PA. However, sustained elevation of CA19-9 in association with the patterns of recurrence has been rarely investigated.

METHODS

Patients who underwent R0 resection (n = 539) were grouped according to postoperative serum CA19-9 levels (Group E: sustained elevation; Group N: no elevation). Clinicopathological factors, patterns of recurrence, and survival were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Group E (n = 159) had significantly shorter median overall survival (17.1 vs. 35.4 months, p < 0.0001) than Group N (n = 380). Postoperative CA19-9 elevation was a significant independent predictor of poor survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.98, p < 0.0001). The rate of hepatic recurrence in Group E was 2.6-fold higher than in Group N (45% vs. 17%, p < 0.0001). Postoperative CA19-9 elevation was a strongest independent predictor of primary hepatic recurrence (p < 0.0001) by a multiple regression model. Loco-regional, peritoneal, and other distant recurrence did not differ between the groups. The extent of preoperative CA19-9 elevation was correlated sustained elevation of CA19-9 after surgery (p < 0.0001) and primary hepatic recurrence (p = 0.0019).

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained CA19-9 elevation was strong predictor of primary hepatic recurrence and short survival in cases of R0 resection for PA.

CD44 Predicts Early Recurrence in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive types of digestive cancer. Recurrence within one year after surgery is inevitable in most PDAC patients. Recently, cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) has been shown to be associated with tumor initiation, metastasis and prognosis. This study aimed to explore the correlation of CD44 expression with clinicopathological factors and the role of CD44 in predicting early recurrence (ER) in PDAC patients after radical surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PDAC patients who underwent radical resection between January 1999 and March 2015 were enrolled in this study. Tumor recurrence within 6 months after surgery was defined as ER. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with anti-CD44 antibodies. The association between clinicopathological parameters and CD44 expression was analyzed. Predictors for ER were also assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 155 patients were included in this study. Univariate analysis revealed CA19-9 levels (p=0.014), CD44 histoscores (H-scores; p=0.002), differentiation (p=0.010), nodal status (p=0.005), stage (p=0.003), vascular invasion (p=0.007), lymphatic invasion (p<0.001) and perineural invasion (p=0.042) as risk factors for ER. In multivariate analysis, high CA19-9 levels and CD44 H-scores and poor differentiation independently predicted ER.

CONCLUSION

High CA19-9 levels, CD44 H-scores and poor differentiation are independent predictors for ER in PDAC patients undergoing radical resection. Therefore, the determination of CD44 expression might help in identifying patients at a high risk of ER for more aggressive treatment after radical surgery.

Dilemmas and limitations interpreting carbohydrate antigen 19-9 elevation after curative pancreatic surgery: A case report

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CA19-9 is a valuable and widely used biomarker used in pancreatic cancer.

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Benign conditions may cause elevation of CA19-9, even in the setting of previous malignancy.

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Persistently high CA19-9 level post-decompression raises suspicion of malignancy.

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CA19-9 levels should be interpreted in combination with other investigations.

Introduction: Serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is routinely used in the management of pancreatic cancer for diagnosis, prognostication and surveillance purposes despite its low specificity.

Case presentation: This case report demonstrates the challenges of interpreting elevated serum CA19.9 levels in a patient with pancreatic cancer. We performed a Whipple’s procedure in an otherwise fit 78-year-old man for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. One year after surgery, he presented with a non-malignant anastomotic stricture that was associated with an elevated serum CA19-9. Subsequently, he presented with biliary sepsis secondary to an infected liver cyst. CA19-9 in the cyst fluid and serum were elevated. On both of these occasions, serum CA19-9 normalised without any clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence.

Discussion: Despite sound clinical acumen and investigations, it may be hard to differentiate cancer recurrence from benign aetiologies. Benign conditions may cause elevation of CA19-9, even in the setting of previous malignancy. Persistently high CA19-9 level post-decompression raises suspicion of malignancy.

Conclusion: This case serves as a reminder for clinicians that non-specific increases in CA19-9 after curative surgery is not uncommon. We recommend careful interpretation of CA19-9 levels in combination with clinical history, physical examination and radiological investigations.

Simple Vascular Architecture Classification in Predicting Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade and Prognosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Vascularity is a critical feature in the evaluation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET). When done by EUS, contrast agents are recommended. However, vascular architecture (VA) can also be evaluated by routine Doppler flow in EUS without contrast agents. Our aim was to provide a simple VA classification in EUS for PNET grade and prognosis.

METHODS

All pathologically proven PNET cases with EUS between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The Doppler imaging was retrieved for VA classification. Predictive model construction was performed by machine learning algorithms.

RESULTS

A total of 112 PNET cases were evaluated, among which 93 cases were subjected to VA classification. The VA was classified into type A (peritumoral with or without intratumoral vessels [A1 or A2]); type B (only intratumoral vessels); and type C (flow was absent). The VA classification was significantly correlated with tumor grades: 74% type A1 was G1, 73% type B was G2, and 58% type C was G3. Multivariate analysis indicated that elevated serum CA19-9 and type C classification were the independent predictors of G3 tumor. Five machine learning models were constructed, among which random forest was the best one with an AUC of 0.9972. Low-risk patients classified by this model exhibited better prognosis than high-risk patients (p = 0.0087).

CONCLUSIONS

In the novel simple VA classification, peritumoral, intratumoral, and absent vessels are prone to be G1, G2, and G3, respectively. Combined with serum CA19-9 and lesion size, the VA classification could predict tumor grade and prognosis in PNET.

Prognostic Impact of Presurgical CA19-9 Level in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND: Presurgical carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level predicts overall survival (OS) in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PaC). The aim of this pooled analysis was to evaluate if presurgical CA19-9 level can also predict local control (LC) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). METHODS: Seven hundred patients with PaC from eight institutions who underwent surgical resection ± adjuvant treatment between 2000 and 2014 were analyzed. Patients were divided based on four presurgical CA19-9 level cutoffs (5, 37, 100, 353 U/ml). Weibull regression model to identify independent predictors of OS on 404 patients with complete information was fitted. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 17 months (range: 2-225 months). Univariate analysis showed a better prognosis in pT1-2, pN0, diameter <30 mm, or grade 1 tumors and in patients undergoing R0 resection, distal pancreatectomy, or adjuvant chemotherapy and with lower CA19-9 levels. Five-year OS, LC, and DMFS were as follows: CA19-9 <5.0: 5.7%, 47.2%, 17.0%; CA19-9 5.1-37.0: 37.9%, 63.3%, 46.0%; CA19-9 37.1-100.0: 27.1%, 59.4%, 39.0%; CA19-9 100.1-353.0: 17.4%, 43.4%, 26.7%; CA19-9 >353.1: 10.9%, 50.2%, and 23.4%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, CA19-9 >100 and <353 level (P=.002), CA19-9 ≥353.1 (P<.001) level, G3 tumor (P=.002), and tumor diameter >30 mm (P<.001) correlated with worse OS. Patients treated with postoperative chemoradiation doses >50.0 Gy showed improved OS (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Presurgical CA19-9 predicts both OS and pattern of failure. Therefore, CA19-9 should be included in predictive models in order to customize treatments based on prognostic factors. Moreover, future studies should stratify patients according to presurgical CA19-9 level.

Elevated Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) Expression Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) was found to be expressed abnormally in a variety of tumors and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in human cancers. However, its clinical significance in pancreatic cancer (PC) is mostly unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TRPM8 in 110 pairs of PC tissues and the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The association of TRPM8 expression with the clinical characters of PC patients was analyzed using the chi-square test. Furthermore, the prognostic value of TRPM8 was determined with Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS We found that the expression level of TRPM8 was significantly elevated in PC tissues compared to the non-cancerous controls (P<0.001). In addition, a close relationship was observed between elevated TRPM8 expression with large tumor size (P=0.001), advanced TNM (P=0.013), and distant metastasis (P=0.034). Survival analysis suggested that patients with high TRPM8 expression has worse OS (P=0.001) and DFS (P<0.001) than those with low TRPM8 expression. Moreover, TRPM8 was confirmed as a valuable prognostic biomarker for OS (HR=1.913; 95% CI: 1.020-3.589; P=0.043) or DFS (HR=2.374; 95% CI: 1.269-4.443; P=0.007) of PC patients. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that TRPM8 expression is significantly up-regulated in PC and it might be a useful prognostic factor for patients with PC.

Histologic Tumor Grade and Preoperative Bilary Drainage are the Unique Independent Prognostic Factors of Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer; most patients die during the first 6 months after diagnosis. With a 5% 5-year survival rate, is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In this regard, several clinical, histopathologic and biological characteristics of the disease favoring long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy have been reported to be significant prognostic factors. Despite the availability of this information, there is no consensus about the different prognostic factors reported in the literature, probably due to variations in patient selection, methods, and sample size studied. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and pathologic features associated to prognosis of the disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical and pathologic data from 78 patients who underwent a potentially curative resection for PDAC at our institution between 2003 and 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Overall, high-grade PDAC cases showed larger tumor size (P=0.009) and a higher frequency of deaths in association with a nonsignificantly shortened patient overall survival (median of 12.5 vs. 21.7 mo; P=0.065) as compared with low-grade PDAC patients. High histologic grade (P=0.013), preoperative drainage on the main bile duct (P=0.014) and absence of adjuvant therapy (P=0.035) were associated with a significantly poorer outcome. Overall survival multivariate analysis showed histologic grade (P=0.019) and bile duct preoperative drainage (P=0.016) as the sole independent variables predicting an adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that histologic tumor grade and preoperative biliary drainage are the only significant independent prognostic factors in PDAC patients after pancreatectomy.

Preliminary study of tumor heterogeneity in imaging predicts two year survival in pancreatic cancer patients

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the United States with a five-year survival rate of 7.2% for all stages. Although surgical resection is the only curative treatment, currently we are unable to differentiate between resectable patients with occult metastatic disease from those with potentially curable disease. Identification of patients with poor prognosis via early classification would help in initial management including the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation, or in the choice of postoperative adjuvant therapy. PDAC ranges in appearance from homogeneously isoattenuating masses to heterogeneously hypovascular tumors on CT images; hence, we hypothesize that heterogeneity reflects underlying differences at the histologic or genetic level and will therefore correlate with patient outcome. We quantify heterogeneity of PDAC with texture analysis to predict 2-year survival. Using fuzzy minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance feature selection and a naive Bayes classifier, the proposed features achieve an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.90 and accuracy (Ac) of 82.86% with the leave-one-image-out technique and an AUC of 0.80 and Ac of 75.0% with three-fold cross-validation. We conclude that texture analysis can be used to quantify heterogeneity in CT images to accurately predict 2-year survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. From these data, we infer differences in the biological evolution of pancreatic cancer subtypes measurable in imaging and identify opportunities for optimized patient selection for therapy.

Serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a mini review for surgeons

The optimal management of oncological conditions is reflected by the careful interpretation of investigations for screening, diagnosis, staging, prognostication and surveillance. Serum tumour markers are examples of commonly requested tests in conjunction with other imaging and endoscopic tests that are used to help clinicians to stratify therapeutic decisions. Serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is a key biomarker for pancreatic cancers. Although this biomarker is considered clinically useful and informative, clinicians are often challenged by the accurate interpretation of elevated serum CA19-9 levels. Recognizing the pitfalls of normal and abnormal serum CA19-9 concentrations will facilitate its appropriate use. In this review, we appraised the biomarker, serum CA19-9, and highlighted the clinical utility and limitations of serum CA19-9 in the investigation and management of pancreatic cancers.

A case-matched comparison study of total pancreatectomy versus pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is considered a viable option in some selected patients with pancreatic ductaladenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between TP and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with PDAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 375 patients were selected from our center's database in China and classified into two groups: the PD group (n = 325) and the TP group (n = 50). A matched-pair analysis of the patients was conducted with a ratio of 1:1. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed for overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall morbidity was lower in the PD group than in the TP group (31.4% vs 52%, respectively, P = 0.004). However, no significant difference was observed in major morbidity between the two groups (24.9% vs 30%, P = 0.455). The rates of 5-year overall (P = 0.043) and disease-free (P = 0.037) survival were significantly higher in the PD group. Furthermore, the univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.684, 95%CI = 0.545-0.860, P = 0.001) and margin resection status (HR = 1.666, 95%CI = 1.196-2.321, P = 0.003) were significant prognostic factors. After the matched-pair analysis, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding postoperative complications and overall survival. However, the matched PD group had greater estimated blood loss (P = 0.037) and blood transfusion (56% vs 36%, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

From our study, the postoperative outcomes and survival time of TP are similar to those of matched PD. It seems reasonable to suggest that TP can be considered as safe, feasible, and efficacious as PD for patients with PDAC.

Subclinical focal Cholangitis mimicking liver metastasis in asymptomatic patients with history of pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Biliary tree intervention

Background

Cholangitis is an inflammatory process of the biliary tract with a wide range of clinical manifestations and it is not always considered in the differential diagnosis in asymptomatic patients. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report in the English literature of focal cholangitis manifesting exclusively as liver parenchymal changes mimicking liver metastasis in asymptomatic patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and history of manipulation of the biliary tree. The purpose of this article is to present six cases of subclinical focal cholangitis mimicking liver metastasis in asymptomatic patients with history of PDAC and biliary tree intervention.

Case presentation

There are six cases with new hepatic lesions detected on follow-up scans in asymptomatic patients with history of PDAC and manipulation of biliary tree. Overall seven lesions were detected, all of them were on the liver periphery, five were hypovascular and two were hypervascular. None of those patients had elevation of CA 19.9 compared with the previous exams. The three patients that had magnetic resonance imaging presented restriction on diffusion weighted imaging and high signal intensity on T2-weighted image. Two patients underwent liver biopsy, which showed only inflammatory changes. All patients were treated with antibiotics and underwent imaging follow-up, which demonstrated resolution of the lesions. None of the patients showed imaging or clinical signs of disease progression during this interval.

Conclusion

Radiologists and oncologists need to be aware of the possibility of focal cholangitis causing hepatic lesions mimicking neoplasia in patients with history of biliary tree intervention, even in the absence of clinical symptoms.

Systematic review of peri-operative prognostic biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be associated with a poor prognosis. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature regarding potential prognostic biomarkers to facilitate validation studies and clinical application.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed (2004-2014) according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were ranked using REMARK criteria and the following outcomes were examined: overall/disease free survival, nodal involvement, tumour characteristics, metastasis, recurrence and resectability.

RESULTS

256 biomarkers were identified in 158 studies. 171 biomarkers were assessed with respect to overall survival: urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, atypical protein kinase C and HSP27 ranked the highest. 33 biomarkers were assessed for disease free survival: CD24 and S100A4 were the highest ranking. 17 biomarkers were identified for lymph node involvement: Smad4/Dpc4 and FOXC1 ranked highest. 13 biomarkers were examined for tumour grade: mesothelin and EGFR were the highest ranking biomarkers. 10 biomarkers were identified for metastasis: p16 and sCD40L were the highest ranking. 4 biomarkers were assessed resectability: sCD40L, s100a2, Ca 19-9, CEA.

CONCLUSION

This review has identified and ranked specific biomarkers that should be a primary focus of ongoing validation and clinical translational work in PDAC.

G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in pancreatic cancer: clinicopathologic and prognostic significance

G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was found to regulate biological behaviors in some cancers, including pancreatic cancer (PC). However, its clinicopathologic and prognostic implications in cancer remain unclear. This study was designed to address the issues in PC. Expression of GRK2 was measured by Western blotting and tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining in 3 and 171 patients with PC, respectively. The H-score was used to evaluate the staining results. In addition, GRK2 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic variables and overall survival. Finally, the prognostic value of GRK2 was validated in a publically available PC dataset, GSE21501. It was suggested that GRK2 expression was highly up-regulated in 2 out of 3 tumor samples, in contrast to corresponding non-tumor ones. Furthermore, H-score of GRK2 staining was significantly higher in tumor than in non-tumor tissues. Tumoral expression of GRK2 was significantly associated with T stage. Univariate analysis showed that high GRK2 expression in tumor tissues was predictive for poor overall survival of PC. However, GRK2 expression was not identified as an independent prognostic marker in multivariate Cox regression test, although close to the statistical significance. In dataset GSE21501, GRK2 was also revealed to be prognostic. Our data establish that GRK2 is overexpressed in PC, and might serve as a potential indicator of unfavorable prognosis.

Risk Factors Associated with Loco-Regional Failure after Surgical Resection in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose

To evaluate the risk factors associated with loco-regional failure after surgical resection and to identify the subgroup that can obtain benefits from adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

Materials and Methods

We identified patients treated with surgical resection for resectable pancreatic cancer at Severance hospital between January 1993 and December 2014. Patients who received any neoadjuvant or adjuvant RT were excluded. A total of 175 patients were included. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 107 patients with either a gemcitabine-based regimen (65.4%) or 5-FU based one (34.9%).

Results

The median loco-regional failure-free survival (LRFFS) and overall survival (OS) were 23.9 and 33.6 months, respectively. A recurrence developed in 108 of 175 patients (61.7%). The predominant pattern of the first failure was distant (42.4%) and 47 patients (26.9%) developed local failure as the first site of recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified initial CA 19–9 ≥ 200 U/mL, N1 stage, perineural invasion (PNI), and resection margin as significant independent risk factors for LRFFS. Patients were divided into four groups according to the number of risk factors, including initial CA 19–9, N stage, and PNI. Patients exhibiting two risk factors had 3.2-fold higher loco-regional failure (P < 0.001) and patients with all risk factors showed a 6.5-fold increase (P < 0.001) compared with those with no risk factors. In the analysis for OS, patients with more than two risk factors also had 3.3- to 6-fold higher risk of death with statistical significance.

Conclusion

The results suggest that patients who exhibit more than two risk factors have a higher risk of locoregional failure and death. This subgroup could be benefited by the effective local adjuvant treatment.

Potentially Curable Pancreatic Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncologists and others on potentially curative therapy for patients with localized pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

ASCO convened a panel of medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative care, and advocacy experts and conducted a systematic review of literature from January 2002 to June 2015. Outcomes included overall survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials met the systematic review criteria.

RECOMMENDATIONS

A multiphase computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis or magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for all patients to assess the anatomic relationships of the primary tumor and for the presence of intra-abdominal metastases. Baseline performance status, comorbidity profile, and goals of care should be evaluated and established. Primary surgical resection is recommended for all patients who have no metastases, appropriate performance and comorbidity profiles, and no radiographic interface between primary tumor and mesenteric vasculature. Preoperative therapy is recommended for patients who meet specific characteristics. All patients with resected pancreatic cancer who did not receive preoperative therapy should be offered 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy in the absence of contraindications. Adjuvant chemoradiation may be offered to patients who did not receive preoperative therapy with microscopically positive margins (R1) after resection and/or who had node-positive disease after completion of 4 to 6 months of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients should have a full assessment of symptoms, psychological status, and social supports and should receive palliative care early. Patients who have completed treatment and have no evidence of disease should be monitored. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/guidelines/PCPC and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki.

Total pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: review of the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy is infrequently performed for pancreatic cancer. Perceived operative mortality and questionable survival benefit deter many surgeons. Clinical outcomes, described in single-center series, remain largely unknown.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing total pancreatectomy (1998-2011). Univariate survival analyses were performed for 21 variables: demographic (8), tumor characteristics (5), surgery outcomes (6), and adjuvant therapy (2). The Log-rank test of differences in Kaplan-Meier survival curves was used for categorical variables. Variables with p < 0.05 were included in a multivariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze continuous variables and multivariate models.

RESULTS

2582 patients with staging and survival data made up the study population. 30-day mortality was 5.5%. Median overall survival was 15 months, with 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of 60%, 22%, and 13%, respectively. Age, facility type, tumor size and grade, lymph node positivity, margin positivity, and adjuvant therapy significantly impacted survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Although total pancreatectomy is a reasonable option for selected patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, survival of the entire group is limited. Operative mortality is improved from prior reports. Greater survival benefits were seen in younger patients with smaller, node negative tumors resected with negative margins in academic research centers.

Clinical and pathological features of five-year survivors after pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clinical factors determining short-term survival after pancreatectomy have been well studied, but factors predicting long-term survival with curative resection are poorly understood in pancreatic carcinoma. Our objective was to identify clinical and pathological features of five-year disease-free survivors after surgical resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The clinical and pathological data from 147 patients who underwent a potentially curative resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at our institution between 1988 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 147 patients, 18 survived for more than five years after surgery without disease recurrence. A univariate analyses demonstrated that: two or fewer lymph node metastases (P=0.014), a preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level of 40 U/mL or less (P=0.0018), an absence of intrapancreatic nerve invasion (P=0.028), and undergoing an R0 resection (P=0.011) were significantly associated with five-year survival. A logistic regression model identified the following independent cancer-related predictors of five-year survivors: having two or fewer lymph node metastases (odds ratio (OR): 6.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 112.98; P=0.0385), a preoperative serum CA19-9 level of 40 U/mL or less (OR: 5.02; 95% CI: 1.68 to 16.48; P=0.0036), and undergoing an R0 resection (OR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.12 to 14.28; P=0.0316).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that number of lymph node metastases being two or less, a preoperative serum CA19-9 level of 40 U/mL or less, and undergoing an R0 resection may be independent predictive factors to identify actual five-year survivors after pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Specific-detection of clinical samples, systematic functional investigations, and transcriptome analysis reveals that splice variant MUC4/Y contributes to the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer by triggering malignancy-related positive feedback loops signaling

Background

MUC4 plays important roles in the malignant progression of human pancreatic cancer. But the huge length of MUC4 gene fragment restricts its functional and mechanism research. As one of its splice variants, MUC4/Y with coding sequence is most similar to that of the full-length MUC4 (FL-MUC4), together with alternative splicing of the MUC4 transcript has been observed in pancreatic carcinomas but not in normal pancreas. So we speculated that MUC4/Y might be involved in malignant progression similarly to FL-MUC4, and as a research model of MUC4 in pancreatic cancer. The conjecture was confirmed in the present study.

Methods

MUC4/Y expression was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using gene-specific probe in the clinic samples. The effects of MUC4/Y were observed by serial in vitro and in vivo experiments based on stable over-expressed cell model. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by sequence-based transcriptome analysis and verified by qRT-PCR, Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

The detection of clinical samples indicates that MUC4/Y is significantly positive-correlated with tumor invasion and distant metastases. Based on stable forced-expressed pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cell model, functional studies show that MUC4/Y enhances malignant activity in vitro and in vivo, including proliferation under low-nutritional-pressure, resistance to apoptosis, motility, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and distant metastasis. Mechanism studies indicate the novel finding that MUC4/Y triggers malignancy-related positive feedback loops for concomitantly up-regulating the expression of survival factors to resist adverse microenvironment and increasing the expression of an array of cytokines and adhesion molecules to affect the tumor milieu.

Conclusions

In light of the enormity of the potential regulatory circuitry in cancer afforded by MUC4 and/or MUC4/Y, repressing MUC4 transcription, inhibiting post-transcriptional regulation, including alternative splicing, or blocking various pathways simultaneously may be helpful for controlling malignant progression. MUC4/Y- expression model is proven to a valuable tool for the further dissection of MUC4-mediated functions and mechanisms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-014-0309-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preoperative FDG-PET predicts early recurrence and a poor prognosis after resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) as a prognostic predictor of resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 128 patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma who preoperatively underwent FDG-PET examinations were studied. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated for each primary lesion. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to estimate the optimal cutoff value of the SUVmax. In order to determine which outcomes of interest were appropriately demonstrated, ROC curve analyses were conducted for six outcomes: 6-, 12-, and 24-month disease-free survival (DFS), and 6-, 12-, and 24-month overall survival (OS). A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The ROC curves revealed that the SUVmax predicted the 6-month DFS most optimally (area under the curve 0.757), with a cutoff value of 6.0. Of the 69 patients with an SUVmax ≥ 6.0, 34 (49 %) developed recurrence within 6 months. In contrast, only 3 of 59 (5 %) patients with an SUVmax < 6.0 exhibited early recurrence (p < 0.001). The median OS time was 37 months in patients with an SUVmax < 6.0 and 18 months in patients with an SUVmax ≥ 6.0 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.31; p = 0.001) and an SUVmax ≥ 6.0 (HR 2.05; p = 0.002) to be significantly correlated with a poor survival.

CONCLUSIONS

An SUVmax ≥ 6.0 was a significant predictor of early postoperative recurrence and subsequent poor survival following resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Adjuvant chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer: what does the evidence tell us?

The role of adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for pancreas cancer remains unclear. A handful of randomized trials conducted decades of ago ignited a debate that continues today about whether CRT improves survival after surgery. The many flaws in these trials are well described in the literature, which include the use of antiquated radiation delivery techniques and suboptimal doses. Recent prospective randomized data is lacking, and we eagerly await the results the ongoing Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0848 trial that is evaluating the utility of high quality adjuvant CRT in resected pancreas cancer patients. Until the results of RTOG 0848 are available we should look to other studies from the modern era to guide adjuvant treatment recommendations. Here we review the current state of the art for adjuvant pancreas CRT with respect to patient selection, radiation techniques, radiation dose, and integration with novel systemic agents.

Optimal duration and timing of adjuvant chemotherapy after definitive surgery for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: ongoing lessons from the ESPAC-3 study

PURPOSE

Adjuvant chemotherapy improves patient survival rates after resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but the optimal duration and time to initiate chemotherapy is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated within the international, phase III, European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer-3 (version 2) study were included if they had been randomly assigned to chemotherapy. Overall survival analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis, retaining patients in their randomized groups, and adjusting the overall treatment effect by known prognostic variables as well as the start time of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

There were 985 patients, of whom 486 (49%) received gemcitabine and 499 (51%) received fluorouracil; 675 patients (68%) completed all six cycles of chemotherapy (full course) and 293 patients (30%) completed one to five cycles. Lymph node involvement, resection margins status, tumor differentiation, and completion of therapy were all shown by multivariable Cox regression to be independent survival factors. Overall survival favored patients who completed the full six courses of treatment versus those who did not (hazard ratio [HR], 0.516; 95% CI, 0.443 to 0.601; P < .001). Time to starting chemotherapy did not influence overall survival rates for the full study population (HR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.956 to 1.015). Chemotherapy start time was an important survival factor only for the subgroup of patients who did not complete therapy, in favor of later treatment (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Completion of all six cycles of planned adjuvant chemotherapy rather than early initiation was an independent prognostic factor after resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. There seems to be no difference in outcome if chemotherapy is delayed up to 12 weeks, thus allowing adequate time for postoperative recovery.

CA 19-9: handle with care

Since its inception in the mid-1980s of the 20th century testing for carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) has raised expectation for an earlier diagnosis and accurate monitoring of several malignant diseases. After almost 30 years, the available evidences have confirmed the appropriateness and usefulness of determining CA 19-9 levels as a prognostic indicator and as a reliable tool for monitoring pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancer, but concerns have been raised about its applications in screening, which is actually not recommended, and in the diagnosis of malignancies, due to several interferences that limit the specificity and to the insufficient sensitivity of this marker. In this paper we aimed to review the basic concepts of CA 19-9 testing and its current applications, with a major focus on the most recent evidences dealing with assay interference, methods comparison and monitoring of malignant diseases. The prognostic value and monitoring recommendations for pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancers are described in depth.

Oligonucleotide microarray identifies genes differentially expressed during tumorigenesis of DMBA-induced pancreatic cancer in rats

The extremely dismal prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is attributed, at least in part, to lack of early diagnosis. Therefore, identifying differentially expressed genes in multiple steps of tumorigenesis of PC is of great interest. In the present study, a 7,12-dimethylbenzanthraene (DMBA)-induced PC model was established in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The gene expression profile was screened using an oligonucleotide microarray, followed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining validation. A total of 661 differentially expressed genes were identified in stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis. According to GO classification, these genes were involved in multiple molecular pathways. Using two-way hierarchical clustering analysis, normal pancreas, acute and chronic pancreatitis, PanIN, early and advanced pancreatic cancer were completely discriminated. Furthermore, 11 upregulated and 142 downregulated genes (probes) were found by Mann-Kendall trend Monotone test, indicating homologous genes of rat and human. The qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis of CXCR7 and UBe2c, two of the identified genes, confirmed the microarray results. In human PC cell lines, knockdown of CXCR7 resulted in decreased migration and invasion. Collectively, our data identified several promising markers and therapeutic targets of PC based on a comprehensive screening and systemic validation.

Pancreatic cancer and predictors of survival: comparing the CA 19-9/bilirubin ratio with the McGill Brisbane Symptom Score

INTRODUCTION

Few tools predict survival from pancreatic cancer (PAC). The McGill Brisbane Symptom Score (MBSS) based on symptoms at presentation (weight loss, pain, jaundice and smoking) was recently validated. The present study compares the ability of four strategies to predict 9-month survival: MBSS, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) alone, CA19-9-to-bilirubin ratio and a combination of MBSS and the CA19-9-to-bilirubin ratio.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective review of 133 patients diagnosed with PAC between 2005 and 2011 was performed. Survival was determined from the Quebec civil registry. Blood CA 19-9 and bilirubin values were collected (n = 52) at the time of diagnosis. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine a cutoff for optimal test characteristics of CA 19-9 and CA19-9-to-total bilirubin ratio in predicting survival at 9 months. Predictive characteristics were then calculated for the four strategies.

RESULTS

Of the four strategies, the one with the greatest negative predictive value was the MBSS: negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.2% (76.9-97.3%) and the positive likelihood ratio (LR) was the greatest. The ability of CA 19-9 levels alone, at baseline, to predict survival was low. For the CA19-9-to-bilirubin ratio, the test characteristics improved but remained non-significant. The best performing strategy according to likelihood ratios was the combined MBSS and CA19-9 to the bilirubin ratio.

CONCLUSION

CA19-9 levels and the CA19-9-to-bilirubin ratio are poor predictors of survival for PAC, whereas the MBSS is a far better predictor, confirming its clinical value. By adding the CA19-9-to-bilirubin ratio to the MBSS the predictive characteristics improved.

Elevated preoperative serum CA19-9 levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis after resection

Serum levels of the tumor marker CA19-9 have been reported to be elevated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its clinicopathologic significance is still unknown. A cohort of 304 patients undergoing surgical resection for HCC and having preoperative CA19-9 data was enrolled in this study. Serum CA19-9 levels were correlated with clinicopathologic factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of patient survival. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut off value of CA19-9 was determined to be 27 U/mL. One hundred and six patients had preoperative CA19-9 values >27 U/mL. High serum CA19-9 levels did not correlate with patient age, sex, viral status, α-fetoprotein level, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor stage, multiplicity, and vascular invasion. Patients with elevated preoperative CA19-9 levels had lower 10-year survival than those without CA19-9 elevation. Multivariate analysis revealed that CA19-9 level, tumor grade, and tumor size are independent prognostic factors for long-term survival. In conclusion, a preoperative CA19-9 value >27 U/mL is associated with poor prognosis after resection for HCC.

Trends in laboratory test volumes for Medicare Part B reimbursements, 2000-2010

CONTEXT

Changes in reimbursements for clinical laboratory testing may help us assess the effect of various variables, such as testing recommendations, market forces, changes in testing technology, and changes in clinical or laboratory practices, and provide information that can influence health care and public health policy decisions. To date, however, there has been no report, to our knowledge, of longitudinal trends in national laboratory test use.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Medicare Part B-reimbursed volumes of selected laboratory tests per 10,000 enrollees from 2000 through 2010.

DESIGN

Laboratory test reimbursement volumes per 10,000 enrollees in Medicare Part B were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Baltimore, Maryland). The ratio of the most recent (2010) reimbursed test volume per 10,000 Medicare enrollees, divided by the oldest data (usually 2000) during this decade, called the volume ratio, was used to measure trends in test reimbursement. Laboratory tests with a reimbursement claim frequency of at least 10 per 10,000 Medicare enrollees in 2010 were selected, provided there was more than a 50% change in test reimbursement volume during the 2000-2010 decade. We combined the reimbursed test volumes for the few tests that were listed under more than one code in the Current Procedural Terminology (American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois). A 2-sided Poisson regression, adjusted for potential overdispersion, was used to determine P values for the trend; trends were considered significant at P < .05.

RESULTS

Tests with the greatest decrease in reimbursement volumes were electrolytes, digoxin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lithium, with volume ratios ranging from 0.27 to 0.64 (P < .001). Tests with the greatest increase in reimbursement volumes were meprobamate, opiates, methadone, phencyclidine, amphetamines, cocaine, and vitamin D, with volume ratios ranging from 83 to 1510 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although reimbursement volumes increased for most of the selected tests, other tests exhibited statistically significant downward trends in annual reimbursement volumes. The observed changes in reimbursement volumes may be explained by disease prevalence and severity, patterns of drug use, clinical or laboratory practices, and testing recommendations and guidelines, among others. These data may be useful to policy makers, health systems researchers, laboratory directors, and industry scientists to understand, address, and anticipate trends in laboratory testing in the Medicare population.

Serum apolipoprotein C-II is prognostic for survival after pancreatic resection for adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy remains a major undertaking. A preoperative blood test, which could confidently predict the benefits of surgery would improve the selection of pancreatic cancer patients for surgery. This study aimed to identify protein biomarkers prognostic for long-term survival and to validate them with clinico-pathological information.

METHODS

Serum from 40 preoperative patients was used to train for predictive biomarkers using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI), and the results were verified on 21 independent samples. Two predictive proteins were identified by tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting and sequencing, and validated on serum from another 57 patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influence of these proteins on growth and invasion of two cancer cell lines was tested in-vitro.

RESULTS

The SELDI panel of m/z 3700, 8222 and 11 522 peaks predicted <12 months' survival (ROC AUC: 0.79, 0.64-0.90; P<0.039). When CA19-9 was added, the ROC AUC increased to 0.95 (0.84-0.99; P<0.0001). The six subjects in the verification group who died within 12 months were correctly classified. The m/z 8222 and 11 522 proteins were identified as Serum ApoC-II and SAA-1, respectively. In the validation samples, ELISA results confirmed that ApoC-II was predictive of survival (Kaplan-Meier P<0.009), but not SAA-I. ApoC-II, CA19-9 and major-vessel involvement independently predicted survival. ApoC-II and SAA-1 increased cell growth and invasion of both cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Serum ApoC-II, CA19-9 and major-vessel invasion independently predict survival and improves selection of patients for pancreaticoduodenectomy.