Minimally-invasive pancreatic surgery in high volume centers in the Czech Republic - current status and possible implementations

INTRODUCTION

Minimally-invasive surgical methods have been becoming ever more common also in the segment of pancreatic surgery. The aim of this paper was to analyze the current state of minimally-invasive surgery in the Czech Republic and the justification and potential of implementing such procedures.

METHODS

Analysis of high volume centers using healthcare providers´ and payers´ data.

RESULTS

Thirteen pancreatic surgical centers meet the proposed criteria for being called a high volume center - a center of highly specialized care in pancreatic surgery based on the annual number of at least 17 major resections of the pancreas. According to data from healthcare payers, laparoscopy was used in 0.6%-65.7% of procedures in individual centers. However, these are not resection procedures. The centers themselves report a significantly smaller number of minimally-invasive pancreatic resection procedures. The actual numbers of minimally-invasive resection procedures in the current system are practically impossible to verify. The potential for implementing minimally-invasive pancreatic surgery in the Czech Republic can be estimated based on the identification of candidate patients.

CONCLUSION

Due to the fragmentation of this operative segment, its costs and small numbers of patients suitable for minimally-invasive pancreatic surgery even among high volume centers, the implementation rate of these methods is very slow. The need to centralize this segment of care appears to be very urgent from all points of view.

Causes of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Other Than Chronic Pancreatitis

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), an important cause of maldigestion and malnutrition, results from primary pancreatic disease or is secondary to impaired exocrine pancreatic function. Although chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of EPI, several additional causes exist. These include pancreatic tumors, pancreatic resection procedures, and cystic fibrosis. Other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and advanced patient age, have also been shown to be associated with EPI, but the exact etiology of EPI has not been clearly elucidated in these cases. The causes of EPI can be divided into loss of pancreatic parenchyma, inhibition or inactivation of pancreatic secretion, and postcibal pancreatic asynchrony. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is indicated for the conditions described above presenting with clinically clear steatorrhea, weight loss, or symptoms related to maldigestion and malabsorption. This review summarizes the current literature concerning those etiologies of EPI less common than chronic pancreatitis, the pathophysiology of the mechanisms of EPI associated with each diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

Current view of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in primarily resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is now the 11th most common cancer and in 2018 there were 458,918 new cases worldwide. In the Czech Republic, a total of 2,173 patients were diagnosed in 2015, ranking the second in incidence worldwide. In contrast to other malignancies, recent research has not brought any major breakthrough in the treatment of PDAC and hence the prognosis remains very serious. Radical resection is the only curative approach, but after the initiation of the standard pathological evaluation of the resected tissue, according to the Leeds protocol, 80% of the resections are R1 (resections with microscopically positive margins). The results of studies in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC prefer neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. This approach leads to a higher number of radical R0 resections and better survival. For neoadjuvant treatment in patients with primarily resectable PDAC, most results come from retrospective analysis or phase II trials. However, recently, data from three randomized clinical trials with neoadjuvant therapy for resectable PDAC were presented. These results support the use of chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery. In the trials published to date, there are differences in chemotherapeutic regimens, cytostatic doses, and the definition of resectability. Thus, up-front resection with adjuvant chemotherapy is still the standard of care and a well-designed randomized trial using neoadjuvant therapy is now necessary.

Correlation of survival length after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma depending on tumor characteristics detected by means of computed tomography and resection margins status

Pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive tumor with a grim prognosis. Accurate staging is essential for indicating surgery in patients with borderline resectable tumors. This paper examines the correlation between pre-operation characteristics of tumors found on CT, infiltration of individual resection margins as confirmed by a pathologist, and the survival of patients with resectable pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma. This prospective cohort study involved patients operated on for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, which was clearly resectable based on the staging CT and intraoperative observation between 2011-2014. Only patients without postoperative complications who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. Seventy-nine patients were assessed, of which 16 (20.3%) had R0 resection and 63 (79.7%) had R1 resection. Patients with R1 results had up to 2.7 times higher risk of death than patients with R0 resection. We found a trend towards shorter survival associated with a closer relationship of the tumor to the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein (SMV/PV) wall in the pre-operation CT examination. Patients with a tumor interface between the vein wall of up to 180 ° circumference had up to 1.97 times higher risk of death than patients without (p=0.131). The results of our work confirmed that in our center, even surgically treated, clearly resectable pancreatic head tumors still have a high occurrence of positive surgical margins (R1 resection) and that tumors with R1 resection had statistically significantly reduced survival compared to R0 resection. A trend for shorter overall survival was found after tumor resection depending on the increasing interface between the tumor and the SMV/PV wall, but this result was not statistically significant.

Radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer

INTRODUCTION

Clinical study evaluating the impact of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Patients with histologically proved pancreatic cancer were included. Two groups were defined. In the RFA group (n=24) intraoperative RFA of the pancreatic tumour was performed. In the control group (n=24) only the bypass procedure was indicated (gastroenteric and hepaticojejunal anastomosis). No patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Three-month morbidity and mortality, overall survival, quality of life, pain relief and radiological response were studied.

RESULTS

Overall three-month morbidity and mortality were 41.7% and 8.3%, respectively. RFA related morbidity and mortality reached 16.6% and 8.3%, respectively. The overall median survival time was 9.9 and 8.3 months in the RFA group and in the control group, respectively. The survival difference was not of statistical significance (p=0.758). QoL improvement after RFA was not proved. There was no statistically significant analgesic effect of RFA. Postoperative CT scan assessed as per RECIST criteria displayed progressive disease, stable disease, partial response and complete response in 41.6%, 45.8%, 8.3% and 0% cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative RFA of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer is a feasible palliative method. A survival benefit of this method remains doubtful, even though some positive results have been achieved in patients with localized, well-differentiated tumours. Although RFA was not associated with any impairment of the quality of life, no convincing evidence of a positive impact thereof on QoL was shown, either, during the three-month postoperative period. Pain relief was not achieved during the first 3 months after RFA.

Tumor grade as significant prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer: validation of a novel TNMG staging system

Aim of the study was to asses the tumor grade prognostic value in the Czech pancreatic cancer patients and to evaluate the accuracy of TNMG prognostic model. Retrospective analysis of 431 pancreatic cancer patients undergoing pancreatic resection in seven Czech oncological centers between 2003 and 2013 was performed. The impact of tumor grade and the accuracy of TNMG prognostic model were evaluated. Lymph node status, tumor size, tumor stage and grade were proved as statistically significant survival predictors. The lower tumor differentiation (grade 3 and 4) was associated with poorer prognosis in all stages (stage I: HR 2.23 [1.14; 4.36, CI 95%] p=0.019, stage II: HR 3.09 [2.01; 4.77, CI 95%] p=0.001, stage III and IV: HR 3.52 [1.73; 7.18, CI 95%] p=0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis verified statistically significant impact of new TNMG stages on survival after resection for pancreatic cancer (p=0.001). In conclusion, we can state that the tumor grade was confirmed as statistically significant prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer. Its incorporation into the current TNM classification enables more accurate prognosis prediction within particular clinical stages. That is why an inclusion of the grade to the standard TNM classification should be discussed.

Analysis of Blood Plasma MicroRNAs to Enable Identification of Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Who Will Benefit from Surgical Resection

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common malignancy of pancreas, characterized by extremely poor prognosis largely due to problem with early diagnosis and lack of progress in personalization of therapy. Of all available treatment strategies, radical surgical resection of the tumour in its early stage remains the only possibility how to reach long-term survival. However, even a technically perfect surgical resection may still not provide a survival benefit for all PDAC patients. Appropriate selection of patients for surgical resection is one the important medical needs in management of PDAC patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To this study we enrolled 24 PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection and preoperatively collected their blood plasma specimends. Patients were divided into to two prognostic groups according to their overall survival - 12 patients with poor prognosis (median overall survival 10 months) and 12 patients with good prognosis (median overall survival 25 months). Small RNA sequencing technology was applied to screen for microRNAs (miRNA) with differential levels between both PDAC patients group. cDNA libraries were prepared using QIAseq miRNA Library Kit (Qiaqen) and sequencing by NextSeq500 instrument (Illumina).

RESULTS

When miRNA expression profiles of the PDAC patients from good and poor prognostic groups were compared, 61 miRNAs were identified to have significantly different plasma levels between the two groups (p < 0.05). A total of 21 miRNAs showed increased expression and 40 miRNAs showed decreased expression in a group of patients with poor prognosis compared to patients with good prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated differences in miRNA expression profiles in preoperative plasma specimens of PDAC patients with short and long overall survival. Our observations indicate that after independent validations plasma miRNAs might become useful biomarkers for identification of PDAC patients having clinical benefit from surgical resection of the tumour. This work was supported by Czech Ministry of Health, grant No. 16-31314A. All rights reserved. The authors declare they have no potential confl icts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. Submitted: 8. 3. 2019 Accepted: 9. 3. 2019.

Pre-operative Plasma miR-21-5p Is a Sensitive Biomarker and Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Surgical Resection

Blood plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as a clinically useful tool for non-invasive detection and prognosis estimation in various cancer types including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of the present study was to provide an independent validation of circulating miRNAs identified in previous studies as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in PDAC. Based on the literature search, 6 miRNAs were chosen as candidates for independent validation; miR-21-5p, miR-375, miR-155, miR-17-5p, miR-126-5p and miR-1290. Validation of these miRNAs was performed in a cohort of 25 patients with PDAC undergoing surgical resection and 24 healthy donors. Plasma levels of miRNAs were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. We confirmed significantly higher levels of all tested miRNA in blood plasma of PDAC patients in comparison to healthy controls with miR-21-5p showing the highest analytical performance (p<0.001; AUC>0.99). Increased levels of miR-21-5p (p=0.045) and miR-375 (p=0.013) were significantly associated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that miR-21-5p is a significant unfavorable prognostic factor independent on other clinical variables including adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.95; 95% CI 1.06-8.18; p=0.038). Our preliminary data indicate promising diagnostic and prognostic utility of plasma miR-21-5p in PDAC patients.

Hedgehog pathway overexpression in pancreatic cancer is abrogated by new-generation taxoid SB-T-1216

The Hedgehog pathway is one of the major driver pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This study investigated prognostic importance of Hedgehog signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer patients who underwent a radical resection. Tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were obtained from 45 patients with histologically verified pancreatic cancer. The effect of experimental taxane chemotherapy on the expression of Hedgehog pathway was evaluated in vivo using a mouse xenograft model prepared using pancreatic cancer cell line Paca-44. Mice were treated by experimental Stony Brook Taxane SB-T-1216. The transcript profile of 34 Hedgehog pathway genes in patients and xenografts was assessed using quantitative PCR. The Hedgehog pathway was strongly overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and upregulation of SHH, IHH, HHAT and PTCH1 was associated with a trend toward decreased patient survival. No association of Hedgehog pathway expression with KRAS mutation status was found in tumors. Sonic hedgehog ligand was overexpressed, but all other downstream genes were downregulated by SB-T-1216 treatment in vivo. Suppression of HH pathway expression in vivo by taxane-based chemotherapy suggests a new mechanism of action for treatment of this aggressive tumor.

Dysregulation of KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer is not associated with KRAS mutations and outcome

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a poor prognosis, and no targeted therapy is currently available. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of V-Ki-ras2 Κirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), downstream signaling pathway genes and the association with clinical characteristics in PDAC patients undergoing radical surgery. Tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were examined in 45 patients with histologically verified PDAC. KRAS and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene mutation analysis was performed using the KRAS/BRAF/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α array. The transcript profile of 52 KRAS downstream signaling pathway genes was assessed using quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. KRAS mutation was detected in 80% of cases. The genes of four signaling pathways downstream of KRAS, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1/V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1, RAL guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Ras and Rab interactor 1/ABL proto-oncogene-1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, exhibited differential expression in PDAC compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues. However, no significant differences in expression were evident between patients with KRAS-mutated and wild-type tumors. The expression of KRAS downstream signaling pathways genes did not correlate with angioinvasion, perineural invasion, grade or presence of lymph node metastasis. Additionally, the presence of KRAS mutations was not associated with overall survival. Among the KRAS downstream effective signaling pathways molecules investigated, only v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 expression was predictive of prognosis. Overall, KRAS mutation is present in the majority of cases of PDAC, but is not associated with changes in the expression of KRAS downstream signaling pathways and the clinical outcome. This may partly explain the failure of KRAS-targeted therapies in PDAC.

[Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in the Diagnostics of Malignancy of the Gastrointestinal Tract]

In confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), a type of optical microscope that uses a laser beam as its light source and processes the acquired image by processor unit is used. Although the principle behind the device has been known since 1957, its use in clinical practice has only recently been enabled by technical developments, and it is therefore a relatively new modality in differential diagnosis. CLE enables real-time microscopic imaging of the tissue under investigation and in fact non-invasive in vivo biopsy. First experiences with CLE have primarily been obtained in the field of endoscopy, in particular in the pathology of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, and colon. Further to its use in endoscopy, CLE was recently developed for perioperative use, with the most experience gained in neurological, breast, and prostate surgery. Numerous prospective randomized trials have confirmed the benefits of CLE in tumor screening, differential diagnosis of tumors or inflammatory diseases, earlier diagnostics of diseases, and reducing the number of required endoscopic examinations. In addition, CLE is associated with minimal side effects. A known possible side effect is allergy to the fluorescein used to stain tissues during the examination. Extending of endoscopic examination or surgery is minimal in the hands of trained personnel. Current limiting factors of CLE include insufficient clinical experience, the price of the CLE device and probes, and the subjectivity inherent in the evaluation of microscopic images by the endoscopist or surgeon. This article summarizes published studies of CLE in the diagnostics of oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.Key words: confocal microscopy - gastrointestinal tract - neoplasms The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 9. 2. 2017Accepted: 26. 2. 2017.

[Current status regarding surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer in the Czech Republic]

INTRODUCTION

The aim is to map the current situation in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer in the Czech Republic. This information has been obtained from surgical treatment providers using a simple questionnaire and by identifying the so called high volume centres. The information has been collected in the interest of organizing and planning research projects in the field of pancreatic cancer treatment.

METHOD

We addressed centres known to provide surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer. A simple questionnaire formulated one question about the total number of pancreatic resections, also separately for the diagnoses PDAC - C25, in the last two years (2014 and 2015). Other questions focused on the use of diagnostic methods, neoadjuvant therapy, preoperative assessment of risks, the possibility of rapid intraoperative histopathology examination, Leeds protocol, monitoring of morbidity and mortality including long-term results, and the method of postoperative follow-up and treatment. ÚZIS (Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic) was addressed with a request to analyze the frequency of reported total numbers for DPE, LPE, TPE and to do the same with respect to diagnosis C 25 for the last two years, available for the entire Czech Republic (2013, 2014).

RESULTS

Altogether 19 institutions were identified by the preceding audit, which reported more than 10 pancreatic resections annually; these institutions were addressed with the questionnaire. Sixteen institutions responded to the questions, 13 of them completely.

CONCLUSION

The majority of potentially radical surgeries for PDAC in the Czech Republic are carried out at 6 institutions. All of the institutions that participated in the survey collect data about morbidity and mortality and monitor their results.

KEY WORDS

pancreas cancer outcomes surgery.

MiR-21, miR-34a, miR-198 and miR-217 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with late presentation, metastatic potential and very poor prognosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Altered expression of microRNAs has been reported in wide range of malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of selected microRNAs in normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues and evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential.

FINDINGS

Using quantitative real-time PCR, expression levels of 4 microRNAs were examined in 74 tumor tissues, 18 tissues of chronic pancreatitis and 9 adjacent normal tissues and correlated with clinicopathological features of patients. Expression levels of miR-21, miR-34a and miR-198 were significantly higher, whereas levels of miR-217 were significantly lower in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas compared to healthy tissues and tissues of chronic pancreatitis. Moreover, increased expression of miR-21 and miR-198 was significantly associated with shorter disease free survival and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that altered expression of examined microRNAs is related to neoplastic transformation and progression of the disease and these microRNAs could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

VIRTUAL SLIDES

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1373952531543898.

Self-expandable biodegradable biliary stents in porcine model

BACKGROUND

Treatment or prevention of a benign biliary tree stricture is an unresolved problem. A novel self-expandable biodegradable polydioxanon biliary stent in a porcine model was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This new stent was used in 23 pigs. Feasibility and safety of surgical stenting, time of biodegradation, and histologic reaction in 2, 8, 13, and 20 wk of a follow-up were studied. All stents were inserted into a common bile duct through a duodenal papilla following small dilatation. After surgical evaluation of abdominal cavities, the pigs were sacrificed to remove common bile ducts with the stents. All bile ducts were assessed by macroscopic and histopathologic examination.

RESULTS

Self-expansion was correct in all cases. Neither bile duct obstruction nor postsurgical complications were observed. Macroscopic evaluation indicated lightening of the stent color in 2 wk, a partial disintegration in 8 wk, and a complete absorption in 13 and 20 wk. Histologic evaluation in general substantiated a mild-to-moderate inflammatory reaction in the lamina propria during the whole follow up and had no clinical consequences. No cholangitis, necrosis, abscess, or excessive fibroplasia was found in a hepatoduodenal ligament.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that polydioxanon biodegradable self-expanding stents seem to be useful for biliary system implantation, offer a good biocompatibility, and completely degrade within 13 wk.

[Standardization of pancreatic cancer specimen pathological examination]

INTRODUCTION

The frequency of R1 resections for pancreatic cancer in studies where a non-standardized protocol of pathological evaluation of the specimen is used varies from 17 to 30%. The aim of our study is to apply the standardized (so-called Leeds) protocol of resected pancreatic specimen pathological examination, and to evaluate the frequency of R1 resections for pancreatic cancer using this new protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-one patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer were included in the study. This group was divided into two subgroups: patients examined by the Leeds protocol (n=20) and those examined by a non-standardized pathological protocol (n=71). The R1 resection rate was evaluated separately in each group. The positivity rate of every individual resection margin was specified in the Leeds protocol group. The correlation of R1 resection rate and "tumour - resection margin distance" parameter was evaluated. The tumour infiltration of peripancreatic adipose tissue was assessed in the non-standardized group.

RESULTS

In the Leeds protocol subgroup, R1 and R0 resection rate was 60% (12/20) and 40% (8/20), respectively. Resection line positivity rates were as follows: dorsal 45% (9/20), ventral 35% (7/20), VMS 20% (4/20), cervical 20% (4/20), AMS 15% (3/20). The correlation between the tumour - resection line distance and R1 resection frequency was the following: direct infiltration 30% R1, tumour-resection margin border 0.5 mm 50% R1, 1mm 60%, 1.5 mm 75% R1, 2 mm 80% R1, >2 mm 80% R1. If the criterion of resection line positivity ( 1mm) was set, the R1 resection rate difference between the two groups was of statistical significance. In the subgroup where the non-standardized protocol was used (n=71), R1 resection was recorded in 25 (35.2%) patients. The main cancer-positive areas were peripancreatic adipose tissue in 26.8% (19/71) of cases, and VMS, AMS or retroperitoneal line in 8.5% (6/71), respectively. R0 resection was achieved in 46 (64.8%) patients. The statistically significant (p=0.046) difference in R0 and R1 resection rates was detected (Leeds protocol and non-standardized one: R0 40.0% vs. 64.8% and R1 60.0% vs. 35.2%, respectively) in the studied groups.

CONCLUSION

The rate of R1 resections for pancreatic cancer increased in all studies, including ours, where the standardized (Leeds) protocol of pancreatic specimen pathological examination was used. The higher R1 resection rate when using the Leeds protocol is approaching to the local recurrence rate of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the Leeds protocol can provide more realistic evaluation of local radicality of pancreatoduodenectomy and can also offer more accurate evaluation of the surgical and adjuvant therapy of pancreatic cancer.

The association between the expression of solute carrier transporters and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of fourteen anticancer drug-relevant solute carrier transporters (SLCs) in pancreatic cancer in the context of clinical-pathological characteristics and the KRAS mutation status of tumors.

METHODS

Tumors and non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were obtained from 32 histologically verified patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The transcript profile of SLCs was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. KRAS mutations in exon 2 were assessed by high-resolution melting analysis and confirmed by sequencing.

RESULTS

SLC22A3 and SLC22A18 were upregulated and SLC22A1, SLC22A2, SLC22A11, SLC28A1, SLC28A3 and SLC29A1 were downregulated when compared with non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues. Moreover, significantly lower levels of SLC22A1, SLC22A11 and SLC29A1 were found in tumors with angioinvasion. There was also a significantly higher transcript level of SLC28A1 in tumors with regional lymph nodes affected by metastasis. The study found that a high expression of SLC28A1 was significantly associated with poor overall survival in unselected patients. In contrast, a high expression of SLC22A3 or SLC29A3 was significantly associated with longer overall survival in patients treated with nucleoside analogs. Protein expression of SLC22A1, SLC22A3 and SLC29A3 in tumor tissues of patients with pancreatic carcinoma was observed by immunoblotting for the first time. Finally, SLC levels were not found to be associated with KRAS mutation status in exon 2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a number of associations of transcript levels of SLCs with prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.

Prognostic significance of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)

11051

Background: Resistance against anticancer drugs significantly limits the clinical use and efficacy. One of the most important mechanisms of the multidrug resistance is low accumulation of the drug in cancer cells caused by an increased efflux (mediated mainly by ABCs) or by a decreased uptake (mediated by some members of SLCs). The aim of the present study was to investigate prognostic importance of 13 anticancer drug-relevant SLCs and all 49 human ABCs in PDAC patients in association with clinical and pathological characteristics and the tumor KRAS mutation status. Methods: Tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were obtained from 50 patients with histologically verified PDAC. The transcript profile of ABCs and SLCs was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. KRAS mutations in exon 2 were assessed by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing. Associations of transcript levels with clinical parameters were assessed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test and Cox regression were used for analysis of overall survival (OS). Results: Most transporters investigated were deregulated in PDAC and 14 ABCs or SLCs were associated with clinical characteristics. Up-regulation of 7 drug resistance-associated ABC efflux transporters and down-regulation of 5 drug uptake-relevant SLC transporters was observed in tumors vs. non-neoplastic tissues. Moreover, expression levels of SLC28A1 and SLC22A1 were associated with OS of all patients (P=0.001). High transcript levels of SLC29A3 and SLC22A3 significantly predicted longer OS in chemotherapy-treated patients (P=0.004 and P=0.038, respectively). No association of ABC and SLC expression with KRAS mutation status was observed. Conclusions: Up-regulation of numerous drug resistance-associated ABCs and down-regulation of SLCs implicated in drug uptake may explain the generally very poor response of PDAC to cytotoxic agents. This study also identified some ABCs and SLCs as potential prognostic and predictive factors in PDAC. Supported by the Czech Science Foundation grant P301/12/1734 and CZ.1.05/2.1.00/03.0076 European Regional Development Fund.

Surgical treatment of Clostridium colitides

INTRODUCTION

Infection with Clostridium difficile (CDI) is the most frequent cause of nosocomial diarrhoeas. Most cases are successfully treated by antibiotic therapy, but nearly 10% may progress to the fulminative form of this condition. The objective of the work is retrospective evaluation of the results of surgical treatment in patients with the fulminative form of Clostridium colitis with revealing of risk factors leading to serious post-operative morbidity and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY

Retrospective evaluation of the results of surgical treatment in patients with the fulminative form of Clostridium colitis between 2008 and 4/2012.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 4/2012 Clostridium toxins were positively detected in 1,088 patients in total, 21 of whom underwent operations due to the fulminative form of Clostridium colitis. The operations included 4 total colectomies with terminal ileostomy, 15 subtotal colectomies with terminal ileostomy, 1 caecostomy and 1 axial ileostomy. The 30-day mortality was 23.8%, and morbidity reached 66.6%. High leukocytosis is a statistically significant predictor of post-operative mortality and morbidity (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Early indication for a colectomy operation with terminal ileostomy in patients with the fulminative form of Clostridium colitis leads to lower morbidity and mortality.

[Radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor]

BACKGROUNDS

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) include a broad range of neoplasms spanning from relatively benign to malignant. Radical resection has been advocated as the only curative method. Debulking (R2) resection can be indicated for locally unresectable PNETs. Debulking surgery improves the quality of life and prolongs overall survival. The disadvantages of this approach include bleeding, pancreatic fistula and tumor spread. No alternative method that would eliminate these complications has been published yet. Considering the encouraging results of the studies describing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, a question arises, whether it might be possible to use RFA as a R2 resection alternative in PNETs.

CASE

A 73-year-old gentleman had been admitted due to abdominal pain and hyperglycaemic syndrome. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a tumor of pancreatic head invading portal vein (PV) and superior mesenteric vein (VMS). A surgery was indicated on the basis of EUS-guided FNAB that verified a PNET of uncertain biological behaviour. The surgery confirmed a locally advanced tumor of pancreatic head invading the PV and SMV. Due to the polymorbidity, radical pancreatoduodenectomy with SMV resection was not indicated. Because of the presence of symptoms, RFA of the PNET using ValleyLab generator with cooltip cluster electrode, was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. Final immunohistochemical examination verified a well-differentiated grade 1 PNET. The patient was regularly monitored during a three-year follow-up. The quality of life was evaluated using standardized EORT QLQ-30 questionnaire. Pain was assessed by a ten-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Ablated area was evaluated annually by contrast-enhanced CT. Postoperatively, abdominal pain ceased (pain decrease from 2 to 0 on VAS). Insulin dose was reduced from 46 IU (international units) to 20 IU of Humulin-R per day. CT verified tumor regression according to RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors). During the three-year follow-up, no local progression or tumor dissemination was observed.

CONCLUSION

We present the first case report of a patient with locally advanced symptomatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor successfully treated by intraoperative radiofrequency ablation. More clinical studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of this cytoreductive method in the PNET indication.

Ampullary tumours (ampullomas) in the elderly--an interdisciplinary problem

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Ampullary cancer is one of the periampullary tumours with better prognosis, but relapses occur early in some patients. This study was carried out to assess whether pancreatoduodenectomy (PDE, Whipple operation) could be a safe therapeutic procedure for elderly patients with periampullary tumours.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2007, 19 patients (12 male, 7 female) aged over 65 yr (range 66 and 83 yr) with diagnosis of ampulloma were operated.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients, 6 underwent local surgical ampullectomy with reinsertion of ductus choledochus and Wirsungi's duct for benign or early cancer lesion and 13 underwent PDE (Whipple operation). Of these 13, only one was in T1 stage, one was in T4 stage, two patients were T3 and the rest in T2 stage. Lesion of lymphatic system had 40 per cent of patients in T2 stage and all in T3 and T4 stages. One patient died of pulmonary embolism several days after operation. Post-operative complications occurred in 3 cases: 1 patient with partial dehiscence of gastroenteroanastomosis - treated by conservative approach, 2 patients with dehiscence of pancreatojejunoanastomosis.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and therapy of ampullary tumours is multimodal. With careful patient selection, PDE can be performed in elderly people (>65 yr) safely. The post-operative morbidity in this group is essentially influenced by their multi-morbidity.

[Outcomes of pancreatic resections in the elderly and geriatric patients]

As a result of the population aging, we are confronted with the problematics of geriatric patients more and more frequently. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare outcomes of pancreatic resections in patients of three different age groups. During 2000-2007, 150 pancreatic resections were performed in our clinic, including 34 (22.7%) patients aged 65 and over at the time of the procedure and 5 (3.3%) patients over 75 y.o.a. The procedures were heterogenous, including indications for oncologic diagnoses, as well as for chronic pancreatitis. Our assessment demonstrated no significant differences in the 30-day postoperative mortality between the group of subjects over 65 y.o.a, geriatric group (i.e. over 75 y.o.a) and the group of subjects below 54 y.o.a. (8.8% vs. 0% vs. 5.2%). Furthermore, the postoperative morbidity showed no statistically significant differences between the all three groups (30.2% vs. 29.4% vs. 20%). The commonest postoperative complications included secondary healing of the surgical wound (7.8%) and pancreatic fistules (6.9%) in the group of subjects below 65 y.o.a., and insufficiency of the pancreatic-jejunal anastomosis (5.8%) and hepatic- jejunal anastomosis (5.88%) in the group aged 65 and over. Pancreatic-jejunal anastomosis insufficiency, complicated by consecutive bleeding, contributed to postoperative mortality most significantly. Significant increase in postoperative complication rates connected to proximal pancreatoduodenectomies and total pancreatoduodenectomies, was recorded in patients over 65, compared to those in the young patient group (p = 0.014). No statistically significant relation was found between a particular comorbidity and onset of postoperative complications or deaths in patients over 65 or geriatric patients. Based on the results, the authors do not consider the patient's age a contraindication for pancreatic resection procedures. Radical resections can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates in geriatric patients.

[Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of pancreatic tumors]

The authors refer about their first experience with radiofrequency ablation of locally advanced pancreatic tumors. They put forward the prospective study of five patients (four with ductal adenocarcinoma of the head and one with malignant neuroendocrine tumor of pancreatic body), who either because of local advanced disease or performance status, were not able to undergo radical curative surgery. All patients underwent peroperative radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic tumors. In the case of pancreatic head localization, posterior retrocolic gastro-enterostomy and hepatico-jejunostomy to Y Roux jejunal loop were performed. There was no perioperative mortality. In one case duodenal leak apeared in the fourth postoperative day. This was healed conservatively by drainage. At one patient the subfascial absces developed. This was solved by drainage reoperation at the fourteenth postoperative day. After consolidation, all patients were released to home care.

CONCLUSION

According to our early experience, radiofrequency ablation of inoperable pancreatic tumors is relatively save cytoreductive procedure.

The role of CT and endoscopic ultrasound in pre-operative staging of pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in pre-operative staging of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Comparative retrospective study of 86 patients with pancreatic cancer. CT was done in 55 patients, 41 patients were examined by EUS. Each patient underwent surgery and had proven pancreatic cancer by histology. CT and EUS results were correlated to per-operative and histological findings. The main attention was paid to the description of peri-pancreatic lymphadenopathy, para-aortic lymphadenopathy, peri-coeliac lymphadenopathy and tumor relationship to superior mesenteric vein, superior mesenteric artery, portal vein, inferior caval vein and common hepatic artery. A description rate was defined as number of pre-operative findings where the structures and relationships mentioned above were described.

RESULTS

The description rates of peri-pancreatic lymph nodes were 11 (20%) at CT and 36 (88.0%) at EUS. Para-aortic lymphadenopathy was described in 9 (16.0%) cases at CT and none at EUS. Peri-coeliac lymphadenopathy was mentioned only one time (2.0%) at CT contrary to 12 (29.0%) at EUS. Relationship of the tumor to the mesenteric vessels was well depicted in nine (16.0%) at CT versus nine (22.0%) at EUS. Portal vein relationship was well described in two (4.0%) at CT and seven (17%) cases at EUS. This description rate in vena cava inferior was one (2%) at CT and three (7.0%) at EUS, in hepatic artery it was one (2%) at CT and six (15%) at EUS. In the group of CT, resectability or non-resectability were well predicted in 33 (60%) patients and wrong predicted in 22 (40%) patients. In the group of EUS, resectability or non-resectability were well predicted in 34 (83%) patients and wrong predicted in 7 (17%) patients.

CONCLUSION

According to our study, EUS is more accurate in prediction of local PC resectability than CT.