Rare long-term survivors of pancreatic adenocarcinoma without curative resection

Characterizing Extreme Phenotypes for Pain Interference in Persons With Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project

OBJECTIVE

To define and characterize extreme phenotypes based on pain interference for persons with chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

SETTING

Eighteen Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) Centers.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1762 TBIMS participants 1 to 30 years post-injury reporting chronic pain at their most recent follow-up interview.

PRIMARY MEASURES

The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference scale, sociodemographic, injury, functional outcome, pain, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly male (73%), White (75%), middle-aged (mean 46 years), and who were injured in motor vehicle accidents (53%) or falls (20%). Extreme phenotypes were identified based on upper and lower 25th percentiles to create low-interference ( n = 441) and high-interference ( n = 431) extreme phenotypes. Bivariate comparisons found several sociodemographic, injury, function, pain, and treatment differences between extreme phenotype groups, including significant differences ( P < .001) on all measures of concurrent function with those in the low-interference extreme phenotype experiencing better function than those in the high-interference extreme phenotype. Lasso regression combined with logistic regression identified multivariable predictors of low- versus high-interference extreme phenotypes. Reductions in the odds of low- versus high-interference phenotypes were significantly associated with higher pain intensity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33), having neuropathic pain (OR = 0.40), migraine headache (OR = 0.41), leg/feet pain (OR = 0.34), or hip pain (OR = 0.46), and more pain catastrophizing (OR = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that for those who experience current chronic pain, there is high variability in the experience and impact of pain. Future research is needed to better understand how pain experience impacts individuals with chronic pain and TBI given that pain characteristics were the primary distinguishing factors between phenotypes. The use of extreme phenotypes for pain interference may be useful to better stratify samples to determine efficacy of pain treatment for individuals with TBI.

Correlations of demographical and clinicopathological features with patient outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study (2010-2018) from a Libyan Cohort

Objective

The aim of the study was to study the correlations of demographical and clinicopathological variables of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and evaluate the association of these variables with patients' survival outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 123 patients with PDAC were diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Institute, Misurata, Libya during the 2010-2108 period. Data for demographics, clinicopathological, biological variables, risk factors, presentation, treatment, and survival-related data were collected from the patients' medical records.

Results

The mean age of patient was 61.2 years (range: 19-90 years) and most of patients (80.5%) were aged >50 years. For gender distribution, PDAC was more frequent in males (59.3%). Abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom (84.6%) and 78% (96 patients) among them had head tumors. Most patients (80.5%) presented with unresectable tumor at diagnosis. Disease-free survival was better in patients with early stage (P < 0.0001), low-grade tumor (P = 0.001), resectable tumor (P < 0.0001), and with carcinoembryonic antigen levels <5 ng/ml (P = 0.004). Multivariate Cox's regression analysis showed that tumor stage is an independent poor survival factor (P = 0.002). Age at diagnosis, gender, family history, and position of tumor did not show any significant associations with patient outcome.

Conclusion

Libyan patients with PDAC had different demographics, clinicopathological, and biological variables. Typically, they presented with unresectable tumor, advanced stages, and had very short survival times. These results urge us to conduct in-depth biomolecular research studies to identify effective early diagnostics and therapeutics biomarkers in order to fight this disease before it escalates.

Primary Tumor Resection for Metastatic Colorectal, Gastric and Pancreatic Cancer Patients: In Search of Scientific Evidence to Inform Clinical Practice

The management of the primary tumor in metastatic colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer patients may be challenging. Indeed, primary tumor progression could be associated with severe symptoms, compromising the quality of life and the feasibility of effective systemic therapy, and might result in life-threatening complications. While retrospective series have suggested that surgery on the primary tumor may confer a survival advantage even in asymptomatic patients, randomized trials seem not to definitively support this hypothesis. We discuss the evidence for and against primary tumor resection for patients with metastatic gastrointestinal (colorectal, gastric and pancreatic) cancers treated with systemic therapies and put in context the pros and cons of the onco-surgical approach in the time of precision oncology. We also evaluate current ongoing trials on this topic, anticipating how these will influence both research and everyday practice.

Surgical treatment of hepatic oligometastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: An analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver-only metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma have traditionally been offered palliative chemotherapy alone. Recent studies have explored the role of surgical resection among patients with limited metastatic disease. National practice patterns and the impact of surgery among these patients remains unknown.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for all patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2015. The primary outcome was overall survival from the time of diagnosis. Patients with liver-only metastatic disease were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the association of patient, hospital, and regional factors with receipt of surgical resection. A propensity score-matched cohort (1:1) was generated by matching patient- and tumor-related factors (age, sex, race, comorbidity burden, primary tumor site, primary tumor size) among patients with liver-only stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received chemotherapy alone compared to those who received chemotherapy and underwent pancreatectomy and liver metastatectomy.

RESULTS

Among 312,426 patients who met the study criteria, one half (n = 140,043, 50.4%) had stage IV disease; metastatic sites included bone (n = 5493, 3.1%), brain (n = 620, 0.4%), lung (n = 16,580, 9.5%), and liver (n = 62,444, 35.7%). Patients with stage IV disease were more likely to be younger (odds ratio: 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.2; P = .03) and have poorly (odds ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.5; P < .001) or undifferentiated (odds ratio: 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 2.3-4.1; P < .001) tumors. Among stage IV patients with liver-only disease (n = 47,785, 14.9%), 891 patients (1.9%) underwent pancreatic resection. Patients who underwent resection were more likely to be younger (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.8; P = .03) and treated at an academic/research center (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.5; P = .006). Median overall survival among patients who underwent resection was 10.74 months versus 3.4 months among patients who did not undergo resection. After controlling for patient and disease-related factors, patients who underwent surgical resection had a lower risk of death versus patients who did not undergo surgery (hazard ratio: 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.4-0.6; P < .001). After propensity score matching, patients who received multimodality treatment for liver-only metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (surgery, chemotherapy) had a longer median overall survival (15.6 months vs 8.1 months) compared to those who received chemotherapy alone (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that pancreatic resection in patients with liver metastases, in combination with chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation, may be associated with improved survival in well-selected patients. However, attempts at an aggressive surgical approach for patients with liver-only stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients should only be performed only under a well-designed prospective clinical trial.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and vascular resections in the era of neoadjuvant therapy

While pancreatic cancer is still characterized by early systemic spread and poor outcomes, the treatment of this disease has changed significantly in recent years due to major advancements in systemic therapy and advanced surgical techniques. Broader use of effective neoadjuvant approaches combined with aggressive surgical operations within a multidisciplinary setting has improved outcomes. Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is characterized by tumor vascular invasion, and is a setting where the combination of potent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and aggressive surgical methods, including vascular resections and reconstructions, shows its full potential. Hopefully, this will lead to improved local control and curative treatment in a number of patients with this aggressive malignancy.

EXPERIENCE OF GASTROPANCREATODUODENAL RESECTION WITH CIRCULAR RESECTION OF MAJOR VENOUS VESSELS

Purpose of work. Improve patient outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Material and methods of research. We present our own clinical observation of surgical treatment of malignant neoplasms of the head of the pancreas with invasion of the main venous vessels. In 2019, on the basis of 1 surgical Department of the GUZ Regional clinical oncological dispensary, 2 patients underwent gastropancreatoduodenal resections with circular portal vein resection and end-to-end angioplasty.

The results of the study and their discussion. Tumor invasion into the main venous vessels is not a contraindication to performing radical surgery and is achievable when performing gastropancreatoduodenal resection, due to resections of the main venous vessels together with the tumor invading its wall.

Conclusions. Resection of the portal vein together with the pancreatic head tumor invading its wall contributes to the achievement of radical surgery when performing gastropancreatoduodenal resection.

Long-lasting response to third-line chemotherapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer

At diagnosis, approximately 50% of cases of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas are metastasized and 5-year survival is only 2.9%. We reported a case of a 63-year-old woman with pancreatic adenocarcinoma with multiple hepatic and intra-abdominal metastases that progressed on 2 lines of chemotherapy. She has been under treatment with third-line chemotherapy for 19 months with stable disease and excellent performance status. She has an overall survival of 29 months. There are just a few cases of metastatic disease with long survival described in the literature. The functional status and the good tolerance to treatment may be determinants of prognosis.

Long-Term Survivors in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective and Matched Pair Analysis

BACKGROUND

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a median overall survival (OS) of between 8 and 11 months. However, a significant number of patients experience a longer survival, more than 18 months. The aim of this study was to describe the "long-term survivor" population and to evaluate clinical and pathological factors that might affect survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with mPDAC diagnosed in the Centre Leon Bérard (Lyon, France) between January 2010 and June 2015 and who survived more than 18 months were identified. They were compared with a control cohort matched on age, sex, performance status, stage at diagnosis, primary tumor localization, treatment, and liver metastasis. Their clinical features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients were included, 47 in each cohort. Both cohorts had identical characteristics as follows: women (51%), performance status ≤1 (95.7%), median age at diagnosis (60 years), and metastasis at diagnosis (83%). Median OS was 26.87 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 23-31.08) in the long-term survivor group (LS group) and 9.79 months (95% CI 5.75-11.86) in the control group (C group). Potential factors of long-term survival were explored with a logistic model (LS group vs. C group). Three factors were identified as significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis: lymphopenia (odds ratio [OR] _{ref: yes} = 0.26), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; OR _{ref >5} = 0.31), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR _{ref: yes} = 0.40). NLR was the only remaining factor in our backward selection procedure.

CONCLUSION

A significant subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) in 2018. We identified low NLR as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer. A subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) with a modern chemotherapy regimen, such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. We identified low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC. Prognostic factors such as NLR might allow accurate selection of patients with mPDAC in order to consider individual therapeutic approaches. NLR should be used as a stratification factor in clinical trials.

Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer: Global Trends, Etiology and Risk Factors

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, its toll is higher in more developed countries. Reasons for vast differences in mortality rates of pancreatic cancer are not completely clear yet, but it may be due to lack of appropriate diagnosis, treatment and cataloging of cancer cases. Because patients seldom exhibit symptoms until an advanced stage of the disease, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignant neoplasms that caused 432,242 new deaths in 2018 (GLOBOCAN 2018 estimates). Globally, 458,918 new cases of pancreatic cancer have been reported in 2018, and 355,317 new cases are estimated to occur until 2040. Despite advancements in the detection and management of pancreatic cancer, the 5-year survival rate still stands at 9% only. To date, the causes of pancreatic carcinoma are still insufficiently known, although certain risk factors have been identified, such as tobacco smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dietary factors, alcohol abuse, age, ethnicity, family history and genetic factors, Helicobacter pylori infection, non-O blood group and chronic pancreatitis. In general population, screening of large groups is not considered useful to detect the disease at its early stage, although newer techniques and the screening of tightly targeted groups (especially of those with family history), are being evaluated. Primary prevention is considered of utmost importance. Up-to-date statistics on pancreatic cancer occurrence and outcome along with a better understanding of the etiology and identifying the causative risk factors are essential for the primary prevention of this disease.

Long-term tumor-free survival in a metastatic pancreatic carcinoma patient with FOLFIRINOX/Mitomycin, high-dose, fever inducing Viscum album extracts and subsequent R0 resection: A case report

RATIONALE

Metastatic pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis. Many patients seek integrative care as an add-on to their conventional cancer treatment. Viscum album extracts (VAE)-widely used as an adjunct to cancer treatment-have cytotoxic, apoptogenic, and immune stimulatory properties. A statistically significant survival benefit has been demonstrated for VAE in advanced pancreatic cancer.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 28-year old patient presented with painless jaundice and was subsequently diagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma with liver metastases.

INTERVENTIONS

He was treated with FOLFIRINOX/Mitomycin, hyperthermia and fever-inducing VAE.

OUTCOMES

Subsequently, the liver metastases regressed. Surgical intervention involved successful R0-resection of the primary tumor, as well as an atypical liver resection. A relapse was again treated with FOLFIRINOX/Mitomycin and hyperthermia. As of publication of this report, 49 months after initial diagnosis, the patient exhibits good condition, and is unrestricted in quality of life (till publication).

LESSONS

This case demonstrates the favorable outcome of a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer following treatment with chemotherapy, integrative medicine, and surgical excision. As other positive outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients are related to inflammatory events, we presume the immunologic effects of VAE to have contributed to the favorable outcome here. Based on this case, and the other positive results of VAE use in pancreatic cancer, further investigations seem highly worthwhile.

Endoscopic gastroenterostomy: techniques and review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can result from benign and malignant causes. Until recently, surgical gastrojejunostomy was the treatment of choice for patient with benign and malignant GOO with a good functional status. Endoscopic placement of luminal self-expandable metal stents is currently widely accepted as the first line of treatment for malignant GOO because of its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature. The main shortcoming of luminal stents is the high incidence of recurrent GOO most commonly because of tumor ingrowth/overgrowth. More recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as an alternative to both luminal stent placement and surgical gastrojejunostomy. Advantages of EUS-GE include its minimally invasive nature, efficacy and low incidence of recurrent GOO in cancer patient. We will describe five different techniques to perform this novel and rapidly evolving procedure using a biflanged, lumen-apposing metal stent and compare benefits and risks of each approach. These approaches include antegrade EUS-GE or 'traditional/downstream' and 'rendezvous' methods, retrograde EUS-GE or 'enterogastrostomy,'17 (EPASS), and antegrade EUS-GE 'direct' method.

RECENT FINDINGS

A preprocedural computed tomography scan allows the proximity of the duodenum or jejunum to the stomach to be determined and to assess for the presence of significant ascites, which is a contraindication to EUS-GE. Technical success rates even in the early studies approximate 90%, regardless of the technique used. Clinical success rates have been exceptionally high as well, with only a minority of patients experiencing persistent symptoms despite technical success. One procedure-related death has been reported so far with an overall low morbidity. Pain, bleeding, pneumoperitoneum and peritonitis have been reported in one patient each. However, duration of follow-up in these studies has been short.

SUMMARY

We describe five different techniques to performing EUS-GE. Early studies show excellent efficacy. Stent misdeployment/displacement is the most frequent relevant adverse event. Prospective and preferably randomized trials with comparison to endoluminal enteral stents and surgical gastroenterostomy are needed.

Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer

Cancer of the pancreas remains one of the deadliest cancer types. Based on the GLOBOCAN 2012 estimates, pancreatic cancer causes more than 331000 deaths per year, ranking as the seventh leading cause of cancer death in both sexes together. Globally, about 338000 people had pancreatic cancer in 2012, making it the 11th most common cancer. The highest incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer are found in developed countries. Trends for pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality varied considerably in the world. A known cause of pancreatic cancer is tobacco smoking. This risk factor is likely to explain some of the international variations and gender differences. The overall five-year survival rate is about 6% (ranges from 2% to 9%), but this vary very small between developed and developing countries. To date, the causes of pancreatic cancer are still insufficiently known, although certain risk factors have been identified, such as smoking, obesity, genetics, diabetes, diet, inactivity. There are no current screening recommendations for pancreatic cancer, so primary prevention is of utmost importance. A better understanding of the etiology and identifying the risk factors is essential for the primary prevention of this disease.

A new technique for minimally invasive irreversible electroporation of tumors in the head and body of the pancreas

Background

Palliative irreversible electroporation of pancreatic adenocarcinomas is rapidly gaining in interest since a large proportion of these patients cannot be radically resected.

Methods

This is a description of a minimally invasive approach to irreversible electroporation of pancreatic tumors using computer-assisted navigation, laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound to correctly guide electrodes into the tissue.

Results

The procedure is presented.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive irreversible electroporation of pancreatic tumors through computer-assisted navigation of needles during laparoscopy is a feasible and accurate approach.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-016-5173-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.