Unraveling the enigma: A comprehensive review of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a rare neoplasm predominantly observed in young females. Pathologically, CTNNB1 mutations, ß-catenin nuclear accumulation, and subsequent Wnt-signaling pathway activation are the leading molecular features. Accurate preoperative diagnosis often relies on imaging techniques and endoscopic biopsies. Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment. Risk models, such as the Fudan Prognostic Index, show promise as predictive tools for assessing the prognosis of SPTP. Establishing three types of metachronous liver metastasis can be beneficial in tailoring individualized treatment and follow-up strategies. Despite advancements, challenges persist in understanding its etiology, establishing standardized treatments for unresectable or metastatic diseases, and developing a widely recognized grading system. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the enigma by consolidating current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathology, molecular characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prognostic factors.

Single-cell mapping reveals several immune subsets associated with liver metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Identifying a metastasis-correlated immune cell composition within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will help to develop promising and innovative therapeutic strategies. However, the dynamics of immune cell lineages in the TME of advanced PDAC remains elusive. METHODS: Twenty-six samples from 11 patients (including 11 primary tumor tissues, 10 blood, and 5 lymph nodes) with different stages were used to develop a multiscale immune profile. High-dimensional single-cell analysis with mass cytometry was performed to search for metastasis-correlated immune changes in the microenvironment. The findings were further validated by published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry. FINDINGS: High-dimensional single-cell profiling revealed that the three immune-relevant sites formed a distinct immune atlas. Interestingly, the PDAC microenvironment with the potential for metastatic spread to the liver was characterized by a decreased proportion of CD103+PD-1+CD39+ T cells with cytotoxic and exhausted functional status and an increased proportion of CD73+ macrophages. Analysis of scRNA-seq data of PDAC further confirmed the identified subsets and revealed strong potential interactions via various ligand-receptor pairs between the identified T subsets and the macrophages. Moreover, stratified patients with different immune compositions correlated with clinical outcomes of PDAC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study uncovered metastasis-correlated immune changes, suggesting that ecosystem-based patient classification in PDAC will facilitate the identification of candidates likely to benefit from immunotherapy. FUNDING: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Shanghai International Science and Technology Collaboration Program, the Shanghai Sailing Program, and the Key Laboratory of diagnosis and treatment of severe hepato-pancreatic diseases of Zhejiang Province.

Clinical significance of variant hepatic artery in pancreatic resection: A comprehensive review.

The anatomical structure of the pancreaticoduodenal region is complex and closely related to the surrounding vessels. A variant of the hepatic artery, which is not a rare finding during pancreatic surgery, is prone to intraoperative injury. Inadvertent injury to the hepatic artery may affect liver perfusion, resulting in necrosis, liver abscess, and even liver failure. The preoperative identification of hepatic artery variations, detailed planning of the surgical approach, careful intraoperative dissection, and proper management of the damaged artery are important for preventing hepatic hypoperfusion. Nevertheless, despite the potential risks, planned artery resection has become acceptable in carefully selected patients. Arterial reconstruction is sometimes essential to prevent postoperative ischemic complications and can be performed using various methods. The complexity of procedures such as pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection may be mitigated by the presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery or a common hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the anatomical basis of hepatic artery variation, its incidence, and its effect on the surgical and oncological outcomes after pancreatic resection. In addition, we provide recommendations for the prevention and management of hepatic artery injury and liver hypoperfusion. Overall, the hepatic artery variant may not worsen surgical and oncological outcomes if it is accurately identified pre-operatively and appropriately managed intraoperatively.

Fate of Surgical Patients with Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An International Study Using Multi-Institutional Registries.

Several treatment guidelines for sporadic, nonmetastatic nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (NF-pNETs) have recommended resection, however, tumors ≤ 2 cm do not necessarily need surgery. This study aims to establish a surgical treatment plan for NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm. From 2000 to 2017, 483 patients who underwent resection for NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm in 18 institutions from Korea and China were enrolled and their medical records were reviewed. The median age was 56 (range 16-80) years. The 10-year overall survival rate (10Y-OS) and recurrence-free survival rate (10Y-RFS) were 89.8 and 93.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, tumor size (>1.5 cm; HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.80-10.18, p = 0.001) and nodal metastasis (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.29-8.50, p = 0.013) were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS. Perineural invasion (HR 4.36, 95% CI 1.48-12.87, p = 0.008) and high Ki-67 index (≥3%; HR 9.06, 95% CI 3.01-27.30, p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor RFS. NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm showed unfavorable prognosis after resection when the tumor was larger than 1.5 cm, Ki-67 index ≥ 3%, or nodal metastasis was present. NF-pNET patients with tumors ≤ 1.5 cm can be observed if the preoperative Ki-67 index is under 3%, and if nodal metastasis is not suspected in preoperative radiologic studies. These findings support the clinical use to make decisions about small NF-pNETs.

The molecular biology of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: translational challenges and clinical perspectives.

Pancreatic cancer is an increasingly common cause of cancer mortality with a tight correspondence between disease mortality and incidence. Furthermore, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with a very dismal prognosis. Due to the high heterogeneity, metabolic reprogramming, and dense stromal environment associated with pancreatic cancer, patients benefit little from current conventional therapy. Recent insight into the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer has supported its molecular classification, thus expanding clinical therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize how the biological features of pancreatic cancer and its metabolic reprogramming as well as the tumor microenvironment regulate its development and progression. We further discuss potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prediction, and surveillance based on novel liquid biopsies. We also outline recent advances in defining pancreatic cancer subtypes and subtype-specific therapeutic responses and current preclinical therapeutic models. Finally, we discuss prospects and challenges in the clinical development of pancreatic cancer therapeutics.

Controlling Nutritional Status score is superior to Prognostic Nutritional Index score in predicting survival and complications in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a Chinese propensity score matching study.

Preoperative nutritional status plays an important role in predicting postoperative outcomes. Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) are good tools to assess patients' nutritional status. They have been used in predicting outcomes in various malignancies, but few studies have focused on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Totally, 306 PDAC patients were enrolled. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was introduced to eliminate the baseline inequivalence. Patients with different PNI (or CONUT) scores showed inequivalence baseline characteristics, and patients with compromised nutritional status were related with a more advanced tumour stage. After PSM, the baseline characteristics were well balanced. Both low PNI (≤45) and high CONUT (≥3) were independent risk factors for poor overall survival (P < 0·05), and the result remained the same after PSM. Survival analysis demonstrated both patients with low PNI and high CONUT score were associated with poorer survival, and the result remained the same after PSM. The results of AUC indicated that CONUT might have a higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting complications and survival. Preoperative low PNI (≤45) and high CONUT (≥3) scores might be reliable predictors of prognosis and surgical complications in PDAC patients. Compared with PNI, CONUT might be more effective.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms based genetic risk score in the prediction of pancreatic cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Disease-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based genetic risk score (GRS) has been proven to provide independent inherited risk other than family history in multiple cancer types. AIM: To evaluate the potential of GRS in the prediction of pancreatic cancer risk. METHODS: In this case-control study (254 cases and 1200 controls), we aimed to evaluate the association between GRS and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk in the Chinese population. The GRS was calculated based on the genotype information of 18 PDAC-related SNPs for each study subject (personal genotyping information of the SNPs) and was weighted by external odd ratios (ORs). RESULTS: GRS was significantly different in cases and controls (1.96 ± 3.84 in PDACs vs 1.09 ± 0.94 in controls, P < 0.0001). Logistic regression revealed GRS to be associated with PDAC risk [OR = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-1.34, P < 0.0001]. GRS remained significantly associated with PDAC (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.06-1.74, P = 0.015) after adjusting for age and sex. Further analysis revealed an association of increased risk for PDAC with higher GRS. Compared with low GRS (< 1.0), subjects with high GRS (2.0) were 99% more likely to have PDAC (OR: 1.99, 95%CI: 1.30-3.04, P = 0.002). Participants with intermediate GRS (1.0-1.9) were 39% more likely to have PDAC (OR: 1.39, 95%CI: 1.03-1.84, P = 0.031). A positive trend was observed (P trend = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: GRS based on PDAC-associated SNPs could provide independent information on PDAC risk and may be used to predict a high risk PDAC population.

LyP-1-fMWNTs enhanced targeted delivery of MBD1siRNA to pancreatic cancer cells.

Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been extensively gained popularity in pancreatic cancer gene therapy. LyP-1, a peptide, has been proved to specifically bind pancreatic cancer cells. The potential therapeutic effect of LyP-1-conjugated functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in treating pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, LyP-1-conjugated functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes were successfully synthesized, characterized and showed satisfactory size distribution and zeta potential. Compared with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes, cellular uptake of LyP-1-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes was shown to be increased. Compound of LyP-1-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and MBD1siRNA showed superior gene transfection efficiency. Moreover, LyP-1-fMWNTs/MBD1siRNA complex could significantly decrease the viability and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Further xenograft assays revealed that the tumour burden in the nude mice injected with LyP-1-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/MBD1siRNA was significantly relieved. The study demonstrated that LyP-1-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/MBD1siRNA could be a promising candidate for tumour active targeting therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Partial pancreatic tail preserving subtotal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer: Improving glycemic control and quality of life without compromising oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is usually considered a therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer in which Whipple surgery and distal pancreatectomy are undesirable, but brittle diabetes and poor quality of life (QoL) remain major concerns. A subset of patients who underwent TP even died due to severe hypoglycemia. For pancreatic cancer involving the pancreatic head and proximal body but without invasion to the pancreatic tail, we performed partial pancreatic tail preserving subtotal pancreatectomy (PPTP-SP) in selected patients, in order to improve postoperative glycemic control and QoL without compromising oncological outcomes. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of PPTP-SP for patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 56 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent PPTP-SP (n = 18) or TP (n = 38) at our institution from May 2014 to January 2019. Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups, with an emphasis on oncological outcomes, postoperative glycemic control, and QoL. QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC PAN26). All patients were followed until May 2019 or until death. RESULTS: A total of 56 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. Perioperative outcomes, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were comparable between the two groups. No patients in the PPTP-SP group developed cancer recurrence in the pancreatic tail stump or splenic hilum, or a clinical pancreatic fistula. Patients who underwent PPTP-SP had significantly better glycemic control, based on their higher rate of insulin-independence (P = 0.014), lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (P = 0.046), lower daily insulin dosage (P < 0.001), and less frequent hypoglycemic episodes (P < 0.001). Global health was similar in the two groups, but patients who underwent PPTP-SP had better functional status (P = 0.036), milder symptoms (P = 0.013), less severe diet restriction (P = 0.011), and higher confidence regarding future life (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: For pancreatic cancer involving the pancreatic head and proximal body, PPTP-SP achieves perioperative and oncological outcomes comparable to TP in selected patients while significantly improving long-term glycemic control and QoL.

Pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein resection favors the survival time of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis.

Portal vein (PV) involvement is common in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To the best of our knowledge, pancreatectomy combined with PV resection (PVR) is the only radical therapy for patients with PV involvement. However, there remains a debate on whether patients with PV involvement could benefit from PVR or not. The present study aimed to compare the survival outcomes between patients receiving pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with PVR and those receiving PD alone. A total of 377 patients with PDAC were enrolled, 138 patients with PV involvement were placed in the PVR group, while the other 239 patients were in the non-PVR group. To reduce selection bias and estimate the causal effect, 123 pairs of propensity score matched (PSM) patients were selected and compared for the survival outcomes. Before PSM, the survival of patients in the PVR group was worse compared with those in the non-PVR group (mean survival, 25.1 vs. 29.3 months; P=0.038). After balancing the baseline characteristics using the PSM method, the significant survival difference between the two groups was insignificant (mean survival, 25.9 vs. 31.2 months; P=0.364). Tumor stage, body mass index, serum albumin, R1 resection, lymph node metastasis, carbohydrate antigen (CA)125 and CA19-9 were significant independent prognostic factors. The incidence of serious postoperative complications was similar between the two groups. PVR is safe and effective for patients with PDAC. Patients with PV involvement could achieve the similar survival outcome as patients without PV involvement, through radical resection combined with PVR, without increasing the risk of serious complications.

Modified FOLFIRINOX for resected pancreatic cancer: Opportunities and challenges.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been developed based on the experiences made with palliative chemotherapy, and advocated to improve long-term survival of patients with this disease. However, the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen remains controversial. Recently, Conroy et al demonstrated the impressive benefits of modified FOLFIRINOX over gemcitabine alone in the multicenter Partenariat de Recherche en Oncologie Digestive 24 (PRODIGE-24) trial. The remarkable results mark a new milestone in treating resectable pancreatic cancer and have now changed the standard of care for this patient population. In this commentary, we discuss an issue of difference of tumor grade between the PRODIGE-24 trial and previous phase III trials. We also discuss potential biomarkers predicting therapeutic response to modified FOLFIRINOX. Finally, we summarize several ongoing clinical trials of replacing part of the FOLFIRINOX regimen with Xeloda/S-1/nanoliposomal irinotecan for pancreatic cancer.

LRG-1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis via modulation of the EGFR/p38 signaling.

BACKGROUND: The abnormal expression of leucine-rich-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG-1) is reported to be associated with multiple malignancies, but its role in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains to be determined. METHODS: The expression of LRG-1 was assessed in PDAC tissues by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. LRG-1-silenced or overexpressed cell lines were constructed using shRNA or LRG-1-overexpressing plasmids. EdU incorporation assay, Transwell invasion and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation, invasion and migration of PDAC cells. In addition, protein expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was detected using Western blot. Finally, Co-immunoprecipitation assay was conducted in search of the potential interaction between LRG-1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). RESULTS: The expression of LRG-1 in PDAC tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissue, and high LRG-1 expression predicted poor survival and a late tumor stage. In addition, LRG-1 markedly promoted the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro and facilitated tumor growth in vivo. More importantly, we revealed that these bioactivities of LRG-1 might result from its selective interaction with EGFR, which might further activate the p38/MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: LRG-1 may prove to be a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis of PDAC patients. Inhibition of LRG-1 or its downstream pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC.

High cytoplasm HABP1 expression as a predictor of poor survival and late tumor stage in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1) overexpression has been confirmed in different malignancies and found to be strongly associated with tumor development and progression. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of HABP1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. METHOD: HABP1 expression was evaluated in 89 PDAC specimens. RESULTS: The expression of HABP1 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. High nucleus HABP1 expression and high cytoplasm HABP1 expression were both detected in PDAC tissues. Overall survival analysis by optical density showed that the mean survival was similar between patients with low and high optical density values of HABP1 expression (P = 0.312). The similar result was also found between patients with low-moderate or high nucleus HABP1 expression (P = 0.275). However, the mean survival was significantly poorer in patients with cytoplasm HABP1 overexpression (P < 0.001). High cytoplasm HABP1 expression was strongly correlated with late tumor stages, arterial involvement, lymph node metastasis and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. CONCLUSION: High cytoplasm HABP1 expression may prove to be a predictor of poor survival and late tumor stage in PDAC patients. HABP1 could serve as a promising biomarker to identify subsets of PDAC patients with high malignant clinical behavior.

Tumor-Infiltrating Platelets Predict Postsurgical Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Platelets are believed to promote tumor growth and metastasis in several tumor types. The prognostic role of blood platelets in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains controversial, and the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating platelets (TIPs) remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 303 patients who underwent curative pancreatectomy for PDAC were enrolled from two independent centers in China and divided into three cohorts. Paired preoperative blood samples and surgical specimens from all patients were analyzed. The correlations between patient outcomes and preoperative blood platelet counts and the presence of TIPs, respectively, were analyzed. TIPs were identified by immunohistochemical staining of CD42b. Prognostic accuracy was estimated by concordance index (C-index) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: TIPs, but not preoperative blood platelet counts, were associated with overall survival (OS; all P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS; all P < 0.001) in the training, testing, and validation sets. Positive CD42b expression predicted poor postsurgical survival. Incorporation of TIPs improved the predictive accuracy of the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system for OS in each of the three cohorts (C-index: 0.7164, 0.7569, and 0.7050, respectively; AIC: 472, 386, and 1019, respectively). The new predictor system was validated by incorporating TIPs with the 7th edition AJCC TNM staging system (C-index: 0.7052, 0.7623, and 0.7157; AIC: 476, 386, and 1015). CONCLUSION: TIPs were an independent prognostic factor that could be incorporated into the AJCC TNM staging system to refine risk stratification and predict surgical outcomes of patients with PDAC.

Prediction of malignancy and adverse outcome of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

Since solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) was officially classified by the World Health Organization in 1996, SPTP has recently received special attention in the literature. Studies have shown that SPTP is a heterogeneous tumor, with a small percentage of patients harboring aggressive behaviors. However, criteria for malignancy grade in SPTP have not been well established. The prognosis of SPTP is generally good, with cases having a chance for long-term survival even with recurrence and/or metastasis after surgical resection. The current American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control tumor, node, metastasis staging system is not specific to SPTP. The lack of a predictive staging classification that accurately describes the heterogeneity of this disease hinders meaningful research into optimal individualized therapy. Here we summarize and discuss the associated factors proposed for appraisal of the malignant potential and adverse outcome of SPTP.

Portal vein resection and reconstruction with artificial blood vessels is safe and feasible for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients with portal vein involvement: Chinese center experience.

Evidence shows that portal vein resection (PVR) increase the resectability but does little benefit to overall survival in all pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. But for patients with portal vein involvement, PVR is the only radical choice. But whether the PDAC patients with portal vein involvement would benefit from radical pancreaticoduodenectomy with PVR or not is controversial. All 204 PDAC patients with portal vein involvement were enrolled in this study [PVR group, n=106; surgical bypass (SB) group, n=52; chemotherapy group, n=46]. Overall survival and prognostic factors were analyzed among three groups. Moreover, a literature review of 13 studies were also conducted. Among 3 groups, patients in PVR group achieved a significant longer survival (median survival: PVR group, 22.83 months; SB group, 7.26 months; chemotherapy group, 10.64 months). Therapy choice [hazard ratio (HR) =1.593, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.323 to 1.918, P<0.001], body mass index (HR=0.772, 95% CI 0.559 to 0.994, P=0.044) and carbohydrateantigen 19-9 (HR=1.325, 95% CI 1.064 to 1.651, P=0.012) were independent prognostic factors which significantly affected overall survival. Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with PVR and reconstruct with artificial blood vessels is a safe and an appropriate therapy choice for resectable PDAC patients with portal vein involvement.

Novel and supplementary management of pancreatic fluid collections: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage.

AIM: To compare efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided and surgical drainage in pancreatic fluid collection management. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from January 2012 to December 2016. Patients with pancreatic fluid collection were performed EUS-guided or surgical procedure. Main outcome measures including clinical efficiency, complication, duration of procedures, hospital stay and cost were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled into the study, including 14 in endoscopic group while 22 in the surgical group. Twelve (86%) patients were treated successfully by endoscopic approach while 21 (95%) patients benefited through surgical procedure. Endoscopic treatment had higher recurrence and complication rates than surgery, resulting in more re-interventions. Meanwhile, duration of procedure, hospital stay and cost were significantly lower in endoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Both approaches were effective and safe. EUS-guided approach should be the first-line treatment in mild and simple cases, while surgical approach should be considered as priority in severe and complex cases.

Radical resection and enucleation in Chinese adolescents with pancreatic tumors: A 15-year case series.

Pancreatic tumors rarely occur in adolescents, and the appropriateness of radical resection for these patients remains controversial.Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients younger than 19 years who underwent radical resection or limited resection (enucleation) between 2000 and 2015. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, operative details, growth, and survival were analyzed.During the study period, 11 adolescents (mean age, 16.18 years; standard deviation, 1.99; interquartile range, 15.0-18.0) underwent radical resection (n = 7) or enucleation (n = 4) to treat solid pseudopapillary tumors (n = 5), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n = 5), or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 1). None of the 7 patients who underwent radical resection experienced recurrence or serious complications, while 3 of 4 patients who underwent enucleation experienced recurrence (P = 0.02). Recurrence-free survival was slightly longer in patients who underwent radical resection, and this procedure did not appear to affect adolescent growth and development.Radical resection might be safe and effective for adolescents with pancreatic tumors.

Impact of postoperative glycemic control and nutritional status on clinical outcomes after total pancreatectomy.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of glycemic control and nutritional status after total pancreatectomy (TP) on complications, tumor recurrence and overall survival. METHODS: Retrospective records of 52 patients with pancreatic tumors who underwent TP were collected from 2007 to 2015. A series of clinical parameters collected before and after surgery, and during the follow-up were evaluated. The associations of glycemic control and nutritional status with complications, tumor recurrence and long-term survival were determined. Risk factors for postoperative glycemic control and nutritional status were identified. RESULTS: High early postoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (OR = 4.074, 95%CI: 1.188-13.965, P = 0.025) and low early postoperative prealbumin levels (OR = 3.816, 95%CI: 1.110-13.122, P = 0.034) were significantly associated with complications after TP. Postoperative HbA1c levels over 7% (HR = 2.655, 95%CI: 1.299-5.425, P = 0.007) were identified as one of the independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. Patients with postoperative HbA1c levels over 7% had much poorer overall survival than those with HbA1c levels less than 7% (9.3 mo vs 27.6 mo, HR = 3.212, 95%CI: 1.147-8.999, P = 0.026). Patients with long-term diabetes mellitus (HR = 15.019, 95%CI: 1.278-176.211, P = 0.031) and alcohol history (B = 1.985, SE = 0.860, P = 0.025) tended to have poor glycemic control and lower body mass index levels after TP, respectively. CONCLUSION: At least 3 mo are required after TP to adapt to diabetes and recover nutritional status. Glycemic control appears to have more influence over nutritional status on long-term outcomes after TP. Improvement in glycemic control and nutritional status after TP is important to prevent early complications and tumor recurrence, and improve survival.

The relationship between SPARC expression in primary tumor and metastatic lymph node of resected pancreatic cancer patients and patients' survival.

BACKGROUND: Previous researches in pancreatic cancer demonstrated a negative correlation between secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) expression in primary tumor and survival, but not for SPARC expression in lymph node. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the SPARC expression in various types of tissues and its impact on patients' prognosis. METHODS: The expression of SPARC was examined by immunohistochemistry in resected pancreatic cancer specimens. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied to assess the mortality risk. RESULTS: A total of 222 tissue samples from 73 patients were collected to evaluate the SPARC expression, which included 73 paired primary tumor and adjacent normal tissues, 38 paired metastatic and normal lymph nodes. The proportion of positive SPARC expression in metastatic lymph node was high (32/38), whereas in normal lymph node it was negative (0/38). Positive SPARC expression in primary tumor cells was associated with a significantly decreased overall survival (P=0.007) and disease-free survival (P=0.003), whereas in other types of tissues it did not show a predictive role for prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses both confirmed this significance. CONCLUSION: SPARC can serve a dual function role as both predictor for prognosis and potentially biomarker for lymph node metastasis in resected pancreatic cancer patients.