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This study aimed to generate a map of local recurrences after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation (total neoadjuvant therapy [TNT]) followed by surgical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Such recurrence patterns will serve to inform radiation treatment planning volumes that should be given in the neoadjuvant setting. Locoregional recurrences after TNT followed by surgery treated between 2009 and 2022 were radiologically identified. Recurrences were individually segmented using MIM software and complied in a single base scan. All contour compilations were used to create a threshold contour encompassing 80% of recurrences among all patients, head only, and body/tail only. The distance between organs at risk and the threshold contour were measured to design an optimal clinical target volume contour for patients treated with TNT. Recurrence patterns were also compared with existing adjuvant guidelines to assess coverage. A database of 474 patients managed with TNT for PDAC was queried. While locoregional recurrences were rare in this cohort, we identified 80 patients with either isolated locoregional or simultaneous local and distant recurrences. Patients with diagnostic imaging at the time of recurrence were identified. The majority of recurrences were partially in the field of published contouring guidelines or volumetric expansions off of vessels, and volumetric coverage was low for all. Common areas of recurrence include the aorticodiaphragmatic junction, retropancreatic duodenal nodal basin, and the region to the right of the superior mesenteric artery. A novel set of proposed neoadjuvant contours was designed to cover the central-most 80% of recurrences. This is the largest collection of local/regional PDAC recurrences from a cohort of patients treated exclusively with TNT. Patterns of local/regional recurrence using TNT in PDAC vary significantly from those patients with PDAC treated with a surgery-first approach. Novel contouring guidelines presented in this study can help to ensure optimal coverage of high risk regions and avoid reliance on the current adjuvant guidelines to guide treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac artery compression can complicate the performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy due to the need for ligation of the gastroduodenal artery. Median arcuate ligament release restores normal arterial flow to the liver, spleen, and stomach and may avoid complications related to poor perfusion of the foregut. All patients who underwent median arcuate ligament release for celiac artery compression at the time of pancreatectomy between 2009 and 2023 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography was used to categorize celiac artery compression by the extent of compression (types A [<50%], B [50%–80%], and C [>80%]). Of 695 patients who underwent pancreatectomy, 22 (3%) had celiac artery compression, and a majority (17) were identified on preoperative imaging. Median celiac artery compression was 52% (interquartile range = 18); 8 (36%) patients had type A and 14 (64%) had type B compression with a median celiac artery compression of 39% (interquartile range = 18) and 59% (interquartile range = 14), respectively (P <.001). Postoperative imaging was available for 20 (90%) patients, and a reduction in the median celiac artery compression occurred in all patients: type A, 14%, and type B, 31%. Complications included 1 (5%) death after hospital discharge, 1 (5%) pancreatic fistula, 1 (5%) delayed gastric emptying, and 4 (18%) readmissions. No patient had evidence of a biliary leak or liver dysfunction. Preoperative computed tomography allows accurate identification of celiac artery compression. Ligation of the gastroduodenal artery during pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy in the setting of celiac artery compression requires median arcuate ligament release to restore normal arterial flow to the foregut and avoid preventable complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a high-volume experience with biliary drainage before neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for patients with operable pancreatic cancer (PC) and characterize the association between biliary adverse events (BAEs) and patient outcome. Background: Patients with PC presenting with biliary obstruction require durable decompression before NAT. Methods: Patients with operable PC and tumor-associated biliary obstruction were examined and grouped by the presence or absence of a BAE during NAT. The incidence, timing, and management of BAEs are described, and outcomes, including the completion of all treatment and overall survival (OS), were compared. Results: Of 426 patients who received pretreatment biliary decompression, 92 (22%) experienced at least 1 BAE during NAT, and 56 (13%) required repeat intervention on their biliary stent. The median duration of NAT was 161 days for all patients and was not different in the group that experienced BAEs. The median time from initial stent placement to BAE was 64 days. An interruption in the delivery of NAT (median 7 days) occurred in 25 (6%) of 426 patients. Among 426 patients, 290 (68%) completed all NAT, including surgery: 60 (65%) of 92 patients with BAE and 230 (69%) of 334 patients without BAE (P=0.51). Among 290 patients who completed NAT and surgery, the median OS was 39 months, 26 months for the 60 patients with BAE, and 43 months for the 230 patients without BAE (P=0.02). Conclusions: During extended multimodal NAT for PC, 22% of patients experienced a BAE. Although BAEs were not associated with a significant interruption of treatment, patients who experienced a BAE had worse OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogenous group of neoplasms without well-validated biomarkers. Cancer-related inflammation is a known driver of tumor growth and progression. Recent studies have implicated a high circulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a surrogate marker for the inflammatory tumor microenvironment and a poor prognosticator in multiple solid tumors, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The impact of circulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in soft tissue sarcomas has yet to be elucidated. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing curative resection for primary or recurrent extremity soft tissue sarcomas at academic centers within the US Sarcoma Collaborative. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was calculated retrospectively in treatment-naïve patients using blood counts at or near diagnosis. A high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥4.5) was associated with worse survival on univariable analysis in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (hazard ratio 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–2.8; P <.001). On multivariable analysis, increasing age (hazard ratio 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.04; P <.001), American Joint Committee on Cancer T3 (hazard ratio 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–3.09; P =.011), American Joint Committee on Cancer T4 (hazard ratio 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–3.92; P =.001), high tumor grade (hazard ratio 4.56; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–9.45; P <.001), and radiotherapy (hazard ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.82; P =.002) were independently predictive of overall survival, but a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was not predictive of survival (hazard ratio 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.82; P =.22). Tumor inflammation as measured by high pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was not independently associated with overall survival in patients undergoing resection for extremity soft tissue sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 70% of patients with localized pancreatic cancer treated with upfront surgery develop disease recurrence. Herein we describe the radiographic patterns and timing of disease recurrence after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer. Radiographic patterns of first disease recurrence were examined in patients with localized pancreatic cancer who completed neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. Disease recurrence was classified as local (pancreas, resection bed, or peripancreatic vasculature); regional (peritoneum or abdominal wall); or distant (liver, lung, bone). Progression-free survival was calculated from the date of diagnosis to the date of recurrence. Of 306 consecutive patients who completed neoadjuvant therapy and surgery, 149 (49%) had resectable pancreatic cancer and 157 (51%) had borderline resectable disease. Neoadjuvant therapy consisted of chemoradiation (32%), chemotherapy (14%), or both therapies (54%). Overall, primary therapy (including preoperative and postoperative therapy) consisted of chemoradiation alone in 29 (9%), chemotherapy alone in 14 (5%), and both therapies in 263 (86%) patients. At a median follow-up of 27 months, 186 (61%) of the 306 patients had recurrent pancreatic cancer. Sites of first recurrence were local-only in 29 (9%), regional-only in 19 (6%), distant-only in 87 (28%), and multisite in 51 (17%). The overall median progression-free survival for all patients was 24 months. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation reduced the odds of local-only recurrence (odds ratio: 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.77; P =.02). After neoadjuvant therapy and surgery, 9% of patients were found to have local-only recurrence. Treatment sequencing that incorporates neoadjuvant chemoradiation may improve local disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is a prognostic marker for patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), but its value as a treatment biomarker is unclear. Summary Background Data: Although CA19-9 is an established prognostic marker for patients with PC, it is unclear how CA19-9 monitoring should be used to guide multimodality treatment and what level of change in CA19-9 constitutes a meaningful treatment response. Methods: CA19-9 measurements at diagnosis (pretx), after completion of all planned neoadjuvant therapy (preop), and after surgery (postop) were analyzed in patients with localized PC who had an elevated CA19-9 (35 U/dL) at diagnosis. Patients were classified by: 1) quartiles of pretx CA19-9 (Q1-4); 2) proportional changes in CA19-9 (DCA19-9) after the completion of neoadjuvant therapy; 3) normalization (CA19-9 <35 U/dL) of preop CA19-9; and 4) normalization of postop CA19-9. Results: Among 131 patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 30 months; 68 months for the 33 patients in Q1 of pretx CA19-9 (<80 U/dL) compared with 25 months for the 98 patients in Q2-4 (P 0.03). For the 98 patients in Q2-4, preop CA19-9 declined (from pretx) in 86 (88%), but there was no association between the magnitude of DCA19-9 and OS (P 0.77). Median OS of the 98 patients who did (n ¼ 29) or did not (n ¼ 69) normalize their preop CA19-9 were 46 and 23 months, respectively (P ¼ 0.02). Of the 69 patients with an elevated preop CA19-9, 32 (46%) normalized their postop CA19-9. Failure to normalize preop or postop CA19-9 was associated with a 2.77-fold and 4.03-fold increased risk of death, respectively (P < 0.003) as compared with patients with normal preop CA19-9. Conclusions: Following neoadjuvant therapy, normalization of CA19-9, rather than the magnitude of change, is the strongest prognostic marker for long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to successfully deliver multimodality therapy to patients with operable pancreatic cancer. Data on the natural history of such efforts are necessary for physicians to guide shared decision-making with patients and families. We report the survival of consecutive patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. Data regarding demographics, neoadjuvant therapy, surgery, pathology, and survival duration were abstracted on consecutive patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2017 and not treated on available clinical trials. Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer was defined based on ≥1 of the following: local tumor anatomy, pretreatment serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 >2,000 U/mL, and the presence of radiographic lesions indeterminate for metastases. Neoadjuvant therapy was delivered to 185 patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who were not enrolled in competing clinical trials; 13 (7%) patients received chemoradiation, 12 (7%) received chemotherapy, and 160 (86%) received both. Of the 185 patients, 115 (62%) completed all intended neoadjuvant therapy and surgery; 81 (70%) of 115 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy; and vascular reconstruction was performed in 51 (44%). A margin negative resection was achieved in 111 (97%) of 115 patients, and 83 (72%) were node negative. Median overall survival for all 185 patients was 20 months; 31 months for the 115 patients who completed all neoadjuvant therapy and surgery as compared to 13 months for the 70 patients who were not resected (P <. 0001). After neoadjuvant therapy, surgical resection was performed in 62% of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Those who normalized preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and had node negative pathology achieved the longest survival. To further improve median survival for all patients, we are incorporating adaptive approaches to neoadjuvant therapy sequencing based on objective assessments of response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background When pancreatic neoplasms occlude or encase the superior mesenteric-portal-splenic vein confluence with abutment of the posterior lateral wall of the superior mesenteric artery, a mesocaval shunt with or without a distal splenorenal shunt allows for safe dissection of the porta hepatis and separation of the pancreatic tumor from the superior mesenteric artery. Herein we report long-term results of the largest known series of portosystemic shunts performed at the time of pancreatectomy. Methods All patients who underwent pancreatic resection with a mesocaval shunt or distal splenorenal shunt were identified from our prospective database. Demographics, perioperative treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. Results A total of 34 patients underwent mesocaval shunt or distal splenorenal shunt, including 25 at the time of pancreatoduodenectomy, 6 during total pancreatectomy, and 3 after prior pancreatectomy. There were 15 mesocaval shunts, 16 distal splenorenal shunts, 2 combined mesocaval/distal splenorenal shunts, and 1 distal splenoadrenal vein shunt. The mesocaval group included 11 temporary and 6 permanent (3 delayed) shunts. Median operative time was 9 hours (range 6.5–13), median estimated blood loss was 950 mL (range 200–5,000), and median duration of hospital stay was 11 days (range 7–35). Four patients experienced complications that required intervention (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III), but there were no 90-day mortalities. For patients with adenocarcinoma, median overall survival was 31 months at a median follow-up of 19 months. All but 1 shunt (distal splenorenal) were patent at last follow-up. Conclusion Mesenteric venous shunting facilitates a safe and complete tumor resection in patients who require a complex pancreatectomy, many of whom would otherwise be deemed inoperable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: One facet of precision medicine is the use of tumor molecular profiling to guide chemotherapeutic selection. We conducted the first prospective clinical trial of molecular profiling to guide neoadjuvant therapy in patients with operable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We hypothesized that more effective systemic therapy would prevent disease progression during neoadjuvant therapy and, therefore, allow more patients to undergo surgery. Methods: In patients with resectable and borderline resectable (BLR) PDAC, molecular profiling consisted of immunocytochemical staining of pretreatment endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration tumor biopsies using 6 biomarkers. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy was selected based on the molecular profiling results. The primary endpoint was the completion of all intended neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. Results: The trial enrolled 130 patients; 61 (47%) resectable and 69 (53%) BLR. Molecular profiling was reported within a median of 5 business days (IQR: 3). Of the 130 patient samples, 95 (73%) had adequate cellularity for molecular profiling and 92 (71%) patients received molecular profile-directed therapy. Of the 92 patients who had predictive profiling, 74 (80%) received fluoropyrimidine-based therapy and 18 (20%) received gemcitabine-based therapies. Of the 130 patients, 107 (82%) completed all intended neoadjuvant therapy and surgery; 56 (92%) of the 61 with resectable PDAC and 51 (74%) of 69 with BLR PDAC. Conclusions: We report the first prospective clinical trial that utilized molecular profiling to select neoadjuvant therapy in patients with operable PDAC. Such high resectability rates have not been observed in prior neo- adjuvant trials, suggesting that molecular profiling may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the preferred treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in select patients. Many patients listed for OLT have a history of prior upper abdominal surgery (UAS). Repeat abdominal surgery increases operative complexity and may cause a greater incidence of complication. This study sought to compare outcomes after liver transplantation for patients with and without prior UAS. Methods Adult HCC patients undergoing OLT were identified using the database from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (1987–2015). Patients were separated by presence of prior UAS into 2 propensity-matched cohorts. Overall survival (OS) and graft survival (GS) were analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. Recipient and donor demographic and clinical characteristics were also studied using Cox regression models. Results A total of 15,043 patients were identified, of whom 6,205 had prior UAS (41.2%). After 1:1 propensity score matching, cohorts (UAS versus no UAS) contained 4,669 patients. UAS patients experienced shorter GS (122 months vs 129 months; P  < .001) and shorter OS (130 months vs 141 months; P  < .001). Median duration of stay for both cohorts was 8 days. Multivariate Cox regression models revealed that prior UAS was associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) for GS (HR 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.22; P  < .001) and OS (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.06–1.23; P  < .001). Conclusion Prior UAS is an independent negative predictor of GS and OS after OLT for HCC. OLT performed in patients with UAS remains a well-tolerated and effective treatment for select HCC patients but may alter expected outcomes and influence follow-up protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer have historically been considered inoperable. The purpose of this report was to determine resectability rates for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer based on our recently described definitions of type A and type B locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods An institutional prospective pancreas cancer database was queried for consecutive patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated between January 2009 and June 2017. All pretreatment imaging was re-reviewed and patients were categorized as locally advanced pancreatic cancer type A or type B. Demographics, induction therapy, resection type, and outcomes were reviewed. Results We identified 108 consecutive patients; 12 were excluded from analysis due to the absence of available pretreatment imaging or they had not yet completed all intended neoadjuvant therapy. Of the remaining 96 patients (45 type A, 51 type B), disease progression occurred in 19 (20%) during induction therapy and 30 (31%) were deemed inoperable at final preoperative restaging. Therefore, 47 (49%) of 96 patients were taken to surgery and 40 (42%) underwent successful resection (28 [62%] of 45 type A and 12 [24%] of 51 type B); an RO resection was achieved in 32 (80%). Metastatic disease was found intraoperatively (6 at laparoscopy, 1 at laparotomy) in 7 (15%) of 47 patients. There were no mortalities; 6 (15%) patients experienced major postoperative complications. Resected patients had a median overall survival of 38.9 months. Conclusion Locally advanced pancreatic cancer can be dichotomized into type A and B with distinctly different probabilities of completing all therapy to include surgery; thereby allowing goals of therapy to be established at the time of diagnosis. Multimodality therapy that includes surgery can be accomplished in selected patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer and is associated with a median overall survival that approximates earlier stages of disease. (Surgery 2017;160:XXX-XXX.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Operative resection remains the definitive curative therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Data published recently show a correlation between improved outcomes for complex oncologic operations and treatment at academic centers. For large retroperitoneal sarcomas, operative resection can be complex and require multidisciplinary care. We hypothesized that survival rates vary between type of treating center for patients undergoing resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Methods Patients with stage I to III nonmetastatic retroperitoneal sarcomas who underwent operative resection were identified from the National Cancer Database during the years 2004–2013. Treating centers were categorized as academic cancer centers or community cancer centers. Overall survival was analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 2,762 patients were identified. A majority of patients (59.4%, n = 1,642) underwent resection at an academic cancer centers. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years old. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was more common at academic cancer centers, while adjuvant radiotherapy was more common at community cancer centers. Improved overall survival was seen at academic cancer centers across all stages compared with community cancer centers ( P = .014) but, after multivariable Cox regression analysis, was not a significant independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval, 0.79–1.04, P = .171). Academic cancer centers exhibited a greater rate of R0 resection (55.9% vs 47.0%, P < .001) and a lesser odds of positive margins (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.99, P = .044) after multivariable logistic regression. Conclusion Resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma performed at academic cancer centers was an independent predictor of margin-negative resection but was not a statistically significant factor for survival. This observation suggests that site of care may contribute to some aspect of improved oncologic resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and slowly progressive disorder that usually arises in the lung, affects exclusively women in their childbearing years, and typically presents with progressive dyspnea on exertion and pneumothorax. Infrequently, extra-pulmonary LAM can occur in the retroperitoneum, uterine wall, mediastinum and intraperitoneal lymph nodes. Histologically, LAM is characterized by a proliferation of perivascular epithelioid cells (PEC) that express markers for both melanocytes and smooth muscle cells. We report a case of a peripancreatic retroperitoneal mass that was incidentally discovered on magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan of a 38-year-old female. The morphologic findings and the immunohistochemical staining were consistent with a lymphangioleiomyoma. The radiologic and pathologic correlation along with differential diagnosis of this rare entity is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Variations in hepatic arterial anatomy are frequently encountered in pancreas and liver surgery. These aberrancies add technical complexity to the procedure and can result in significant patient morbidity if these vascular nuances are not recognized. Presentation of case We report a case whereby a superior mesenteric artery first approach was used to locate and preserve an aberrant left hepatic artery arising from a replaced gastroduodenal artery emanating from the SMA during pancreaticoduodenectomy. The procedure was done for resection of a large duodenal adenoma. Discussion High-quality preoperative imaging and mastery in surgical expertise are requirements for identification and preservation of aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy during procedures involving vital intra-abdominal organs. Conclusion Our aim is to provide awareness of rare vascular anomalies encountered during pancreaticoduodenectomy and provide a unique method for successful management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Enthusiasm for neoadjuvant therapy is growing from the emerging consensus that pancreatic cancer is a systemic disease at the time of diagnosis. Those who remain in favor of upfront surgery often cite the lack of reported data to support alternative treatment sequencing. We therefore report the results of all patients treated outside of a clinical trial under the direction of a multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer working group. Methods We reviewed all patients with resectable pancreatic cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NeoTx) from 2009 to 2013; we excluded those patients treated on prospective clinical trials as they will be the subject of subsequent reports. Data regarding demographics, NeoTx, operative outcomes, pathology, and survival data were abstracted from a prospective database. Results NeoTx was initiated in 69 patients; median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 11) and median carbohydrate antigen 19-9 at diagnosis was 96.5 (IQR 210). NeoTx consisted of chemotherapy alone ( n = 10, 14%), chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiation, n = 53, 77%), or both ( n = 6, 9%). Median carbohydrate antigen 19-9 after NeoTx was 39 (IQR 104) corresponding to a median decrease of 60%. Operative resection was completed in 60 (87%) of the 69 patients. At restaging after NeoTx, 5 (7%) of 69 patients were not considered candidates for surgery because of the development of metastatic disease ( n = 4) or an inadequate performance status ( n = 1). At the time of surgery, 4 (6%) of 64 patients had metastatic disease found at laparoscopy. Of the 60 patients who underwent surgical resection, a complete pathologic response was observed in 2 (3%) patients; 20 (33%) had positive lymph nodes, and the median number of positive lymph nodes was 2 (IQR 3). R0 resections were achieved in 58 (97%) of the 60 patients. Additional postoperative adjuvant therapy was administered to 37 (62%) of the 60 patients. Median survival of all 69 patients was 31.5 months; 44.9 months for the 60 patients who completed all NeoTx and resection compared with 8.1 months for the 9 patients who were not resected (log rank P < .001). Conclusion NeoTx for resectable pancreatic cancer was associated with a median overall survival of 32 months; something not reported for patients treated with surgery first if based on intent-to-treat analysis. Treatment sequencing may provide an oncologic benefit beyond that of the selection bias afforded surgery after a period of induction therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Treatment sequencing in older patients is difficult because of concomitant comorbidities and often decreasing performance status. The present study sought to examine the effect of neoadjuvant therapy and pancreatic surgery in older patients with resectable or borderline-resectable (BLR pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods Patients with resectable or BLR PC treated with neoadjuvant therapy were classified as older (≥75 years) or younger (<75 years). Results Neoadjuvant therapy was initiated in 246 patients; 210 (85%) younger than 75 years and 36 (15%) older. Older patients had a greater median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI): 6 vs 4 ( P < .01). Completion of all intended therapy (neoadjuvant therapy and surgery) occurred in 177 (72%) of the 246 patients; 153 (73%) of the 210 younger and 24 (67%) of the 36 older patients ( P = .43). Failure to complete all therapy was associated with BLR clinical stage (odds ratio [OR] 0.26, P = .001), increased posttreatment/preoperative serum levels of CA19–9 (OR 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.53), and CCI ≥6 (OR 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.86). Median overall survival for all study patients was 26.1 and 19.7 months ( P = .13) for younger and older patients, respectively. Of the 177 patients who completed all therapy, the difference in survival between younger and older patients was not statistically significant (36.5 months vs 27.2 months, P = .47). Conclusion Failure to complete neoadjuvant therapy and eventual pancreatic resection is associated with BLR stage, increased posttreatment/preoperative CA19–9, and CCI ≥6, but not older age. Older patients who completed neoadjuvant therapy and underwent resection experienced a survival benefit compared with those who did not complete all intended therapy. Balancing the toxicity of sequential therapies with their cumulative effect on tolerance and risk for pancreatic surgery will be the key to developing optimal treatment sequencing in older patients with PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor-induced arterial abutment/encasement has been traditionally a contraindication to surgery in patients with localized pancreatic cancer (PC). One recent meta-analysis reported greater mortality rates in this setting. We report herein a series of planned arterial resections in carefully selected patients who responded favorably to combined modality therapy for localized PC. Methods: We reviewed all patients with PC and arterial encasement treated between May 2011 and September 2013; all patients received an extensive course of neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. Results: Of 15 patients taken to surgery, 2 had peritoneal disease at laparoscopy, and therefore, laparotomy was not performed. Pancreatectomy (pancreaticoduodenectomy, 3; distal, 8; central pancreatectomy, 1; total, 1) was performed in the remaining 13, 10 of whom required arterial resection. The most common operation was an Appleby procedure. Of 10 patients who underwent combined pancreatectomy and arterial resection, their median age was 62 years (range, 33–75), median operative time was 7.5 hours, and median blood loss was 725 mL. Complications occurred in 3 of 15 patients with no perioperative mortality. Median duration of hospital stay was 9 days (range, 5–19). An R0 resection was achieved in 11 (85%) of 13 patients. At a median follow-up of 21 months, 8 of these 13 resected patients (62%) are alive without disease. Conclusion: Planned arterial resection at the time of pancreatectomy can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality; patient selection and induction therapy are likely critically important variables that seem to impact patient outcome. Those patients with stable or responding disease after induction therapy represent the subset of patients with potentially favorable tumor biology in whom extended resections may enhance survival duration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Congenital anomalies are a rare cause of pancreatitis in adults. Gastric duplications are the least common duplication of the gastrointestinal tract and are even more uncommon in the setting of a duplicate pancreas. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This manuscript contains a case report and review of the literature of an adult who presented with recurrent pancreatitis and was found to have a gastric duplication cyst that communicated with a duplicate pancreas. The study aim is to alert practitioners to the duplicate anomaly and recommend appropriate therapy. DISCUSSION: Combined gastric and pancreatic duplications usually occur in young females with nonspecific, recurrent abdominal pain. This combined duplication can result in pancreatitis when the gastric duplication is contiguous with the stomach. Heightened awareness of the condition, appropriate diagnostics with accurate interpretation and a minimalist approach to resection are warranted. CONCLUSION: Recurrent abdominal pain and pancreatitis in young adults devoid of risk factors should lead to consideration of congenital anomalies. Not all cysts near the pancreas and stomach are pseudocysts. ECRP and abdominal CT/MRI provide critical diagnostic information. This dual anomaly is best treated by simple excision of the gastric duplication and heterotopic pancreas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Vascular resection/reconstruction at the time of pancreatectomy is performed when limited vascular involvement is the only barrier to complete resection. Splenic vein (SV) ligation facilitates resection/reconstruction of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV)–portal vein (PV) confluence and widely exposes the superior mesenteric artery and celiac origin. If the inferior mesenteric vein does not provide for retrograde decompression, SV ligation may result in sinistral portal hypertension; creation of a distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) can prevent this complication. Additional complexity occurs in the setting of cavernous transformation of the PV. A mesocaval shunt (MCS) can be utilized to temporarily divert portal flow allowing for a safe portal dissection. Herein we report our initial experience utilizing DSRS and MCS at the time of pancreatectomy for cancer. Methods: We reviewed all patients who underwent pancreatic resection for cancer and had either a DSRS and/or MCS performed between January 1, 2009 and February 1, 2012. Results: Of 11 patients identified, 10 had adenocarcinoma, 9 underwent standard or extended pancreaticoduodenectomy, and 2 underwent total pancreatectomy. Median operative time was 9.5 hours, median blood loss was 1,000 mL and median duration of stay was 10 days. There were no mortalities. There was 1 Clavien grade III complication during the index admission and 3 others were readmitted. No patient required reoperation. Conclusion: We provide proof of concept that extended pancreatic resection in the setting of limited vascular involvement can be safely performed. This is the first report utilizing MCS and DSRS to facilitate resection of the SMV-PV confluence in the setting of cavernous transformation of the PV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This 47-year observational study suggests that sporadic Zollinger-Ellison (Z-E) syndrome, particularly duodenal wall gastrinomas (DWG), is associated with a history of alcohol abuse. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive Z-E patients were followed from 1962 through 2010. The drinking patterns of these patients were assessed and compared with 3,786 community controls. Results: Thirty-five patients had extrapancreatic gastrinomas (34 DWG and/or paraduodenal lymph nodes, 1 antral gastrinoma). Total gastrectomy was done in 24; 9 underwent less extensive operations to remove DWG, and 2 patients had no operations. There were no deaths from tumor progression. Four patients presented with pancreatic gastrinoma (PG) and liver metastasis, all died from tumor progression. Alcohol abuse (>50 g/d) was documented in 81% of patients with DWG and/or paraduodenal lymph nodes. The drinking patterns (drinks per day) of DWG patients were significantly different: DWG vs community control—abstainers, 3% vs 24%; 1–2 drinks, 16% vs 62%; 3–5 drinks, 29% vs 12%; and ≥6 drinks, 52% vs 2.5% (P < .01). Conclusion: Alcohol abuse is strongly associated with and may be a risk factor for sporadic Z-E with extrapancreatic DWG. Liver metastases and tumor deaths were not observed in this subgroup, supporting the concept that DWG and PG are different tumor entities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We correlate the cytologic and histologic features of a squamous-lined pancreatic cystic lesion with a complex papillary architecture and an associated KRAS mutation, which to our knowledge has not been previously described. A 69 year-old woman presented with intermittent left upper quadrant pain. CT imaging revealed a 1 cm solid lesion in the pancreatic tail with peripheral calcification. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy showed a proliferation of epithelial cells with fibrovascular cores. An immunohistochemical stain for p40 was positive in the lesional cells. A distal pancreatectomy revealed a unilocular, cystic, well-circumscribed, soft and friable mass measuring 1.0 × 1.0 × 0.8 cm. Histologically, the cyst was lined by nonkeratinizing stratified squamous epithelium with a complex papillary architecture, filling the cyst lumen. Molecular sequencing revealed a KRAS G12V missense mutation. While the lesion shared some histologic features with the previously described "squamoid cyst of the pancreatic ducts", the complex papillary architecture and presence of a KRAS mutation are unique to the entity we describe herein and we propose the name "intraductal papillary squamous neoplasm of the pancreas." Reporting the cytomorphologic features of this novel entity may help in identification of similar lesions and understanding of the clinicopathologic significance. • Cytologic-histologic correlation of a novel squamous-lined pancreatic cystic lesion with complex papillary architecture • Fine needle biopsy cytology is compared to histology following distal pancreatectomy. • An associated KRAS mutation is identified. • The cytomorphologic differential diagnosis of such lesions is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 8th edition AJCC T stage criteria for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are now size based. These criteria provide better prognostic stratification in patients without neoadjuvant therapy. Our aim was to determine if gross tumor size is prognostically significant using the 8th ed. staging criteria for neoadjuvant treated PDAC. The study included 289 patients who underwent resection for PDAC following neoadjuvant therapy. By AJCC 7th ed., there were 12 (4.2%) ypT0, 32 (11.1%) ypT1, 64 (22.1%) ypT2, and 181 (62.6%) ypT3 patients. By AJCC 8th ed., there were 12 (4.2%) ypT0, 74 (25.6%) ypT1 (6 ypT1a, 1 ypT1b, 67 ypT1c), 161 (55.7%) ypT2, and 42 (14.5%) ypT3 patients. 182 patients had negative lymph nodes and 107 had positive lymph nodes. 77 patients were ypN1 and 30 were ypN2 by 8th ed. criteria. 7th ed. T stage significantly correlated with OS (p = 0.048), while 8th ed. T stage did not correlate with OS (p = 0.13). In ypN0 patients, neither the 7th ed. or 8th ed. T stages significantly correlated with patient OS (p = 0.065 and 0.26, respectively). Higher 7th ed. T stage correlated with lymph node status (p ≤ 0.001) more strongly than 8th ed. T stage (p = 0.04). 7th ed. and 8th ed. N stage correlated with OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0002, respectively). By 8th ed. AJCC staging criteria, gross tumor size does not provide good prognostic stratification in neoadjuvant therapy PDAC. Mapped grossing techniques combining gross and microscopic examination to determine tumor size may provide more accurate staging of neoadjuvant treated tumors. • Size-based staging for PDAC increases importance of accurate tumor size measurement. • AJCC 7th ed. T stage significantly correlates with overall survival (OS). • AJCC 8th ed. T stage based on gross tumor size does not correlate with OS. • LN status correlated significantly with prognosis by 7th and 8th edition criteria. • Mapped grossing techniques may provide more accurate staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Upper abdominal irradiation for pancreatic cancer is administered in close proximity to the radiation-sensitive kidneys. There is difficulty in defining dose-volume parameters to predict late renal toxicity after partial kidney irradiation. Less than 10% of the general population is estimated to have asymmetrical kidney function; however, there are no studies that examine this in patients with pancreatic cancer. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymmetrical kidney function in patients with pancreatic cancer. A secondary aim was to determine if asymmetrical kidney function was associated with abnormal laboratory values or kidney size on computed tomography scans. Finally, we aimed to develop recommendations for when a functional renal scan in patients with pancreatic cancer should be ordered. Methods and materials We performed a retrospective review of patients with resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer who received abdominal radiation therapy and had preradiation functional renal scans between 2009 and 2015. Asymmetrical kidney function was defined as a difference between the 2 kidneys that was ≥60%/40% on a functional renal scan. Serum studies (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine [Cr], and glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) and abdominal computed tomography scans were routinely obtained before simulation. Results Of the 204 patients examined, 23 (11.2%) had asymmetrical kidney function that was identified on preradiation functional renal scans. Elevated Cr or BUN, a GFR <60, or a medical history that suggested abnormal renal function were not significantly associated with asymmetrical kidney function. Only 6 of 23 patients (26%) with asymmetrical kidney function had a notable difference in kidney size. Conclusions In our series, approximately 11% of patients with pancreatic cancer have asymmetrical kidney function that was not identified by kidney size, serum BUN, Cr, GFR, or a significant medical history. These data suggest that in cases in which renal radiation doses exceed a V18 of 20% to 30% or there is concern about baseline renal function, a functional renal scan should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]