Transcriptomic-Based Microenvironment Classification Reveals Precision Medicine Strategies for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The complex tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has hindered the development of reliable predictive biomarkers for targeted therapy and immunomodulatory strategies. A comprehensive characterization of the TME is necessary to advance precision therapeutics in PDAC. METHODS: A transcriptomic profiling platform for TME classification based on functional gene signatures was applied to 14 publicly available PDAC datasets (n = 1657) and validated in a clinically annotated independent cohort of patients with PDAC (n = 79). Four distinct subtypes were identified using unsupervised clustering and assessed to evaluate predictive and prognostic utility. RESULTS: TME classification using transcriptomic profiling identified 4 biologically distinct subtypes based on their TME immune composition: immune enriched (IE); immune enriched, fibrotic (IE/F); fibrotic (F); and immune depleted (D). The IE and IE/F subtypes demonstrated a more favorable prognosis and potential for response to immunotherapy compared with the F and D subtypes. Most lung metastases and liver metastases were subtypes IE and D, respectively, indicating the role of clonal phenotype and immune milieu in developing personalized therapeutic strategies. In addition, distinct TMEs with potential therapeutic implications were identified in treatment-naive primary tumors compared with tumors that underwent neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This novel approach defines a distinct subgroup of PADC patients that may benefit from immunotherapeutic strategies based on their TME subtype and provides a framework to select patients for prospective clinical trials investigating precision immunotherapy in PDAC. Further, the predictive utility and real-world clinical applicability espoused by this transcriptomic-based TME classification approach will accelerate the advancement of precision medicine in PDAC.

The Role of Demographic and Clinical Factors in Germline Mutation Testing for Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines recommending genetic counseling in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) vary. To further delineate current recommendations, this study examined genetic counseling referral patterns and rates of mutations in surgical patients with PHPT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-institution review was performed of adult patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for presumed sporadic PHPT. Genetic testing indications of hypercalcemia onset ≤ 40 years, multigland disease (MGD), family history (FHx) of PHPT, or other clinical indications suspicious for a PHPT-related endocrinopathy were examined by demographics and mutation detection rates. RESULTS: Genetic counseling was performed in 237 (37.9%) of 625 patients. Counseling was discussed but not performed in 121 (19.4%) patients. No evidence was noted of genetic referral discussion in the remaining 267 (42.7%). Of these groups, patients who received genetic counseling were youngest, p < 0.001 [median age 55.3 (IQR 43.2, 66.7) years]. The majority of patients with indications of age ≤ 40 years (65.7%), FHx (78.0%), and other clinical indications (70.7%) underwent genetic counseling, while most with MGD (57.0%) did not. Eight mutations were detected in 227 patients (3.5%). Mutations included: MEN1 (n = 2), CDC-73 (n = 4), and CASR (n = 2). Detection was most common in patients with FHx (4/71, 5.6%), then age ≤ 40 years (3/66, 4.5%), and other clinical indications (3/80, 3.8%). No mutations were identified in 48 patients tested solely for MGD. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with onset of hypercalcemia age ≤ 40 years, positive FHx, or other clinical concerns underwent genetic counseling, while most with MGD did not. As no germline mutations were identified in patients with MGD alone, further investigation of MGD as a sole indication for genetic counseling may be warranted.

Going for Broke: The Impact of Cost of Living on Surgery Resident Stipend Value.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide a direct comparison of first-year general surgery resident stipends across states and major cities, using the Cost-of-Living Index (COLI) to determine stipend value. BACKGROUND: Financial challenges are among residents' top sources of stress, and this may be exacerbated in areas with high costs of living. A 2021 survey found that the mean first-year medical resident stipend increased by 0.6%, or $358, from 2020 to 2021, and only 33% of institutions used cost-of-living to determine annual resident stipend adjustments. METHODS: An American Medical Association database was used to identify accredited general surgery residency programs. The 2021-2022 stipend data for first-year general surgery positions were obtained, then data were grouped by state and major city and averaged. Major cities were defined as cities with >4 programs.A direct comparison of stipends was performed using the COLI. RESULTS: Stipend data were available for 337 of 346 general surgery programs. The national average first-year residency stipend was $60,064±$4233. The average COLI-adjusted stipend was $57,090±$5742, with a value loss of -$3493, or 5%.For major cities, the average stipend was $63,383±$4524, and the average COLI-adjusted stipend was $46,929±$8383, with an average value loss of -$16,454, or 26%. CONCLUSIONS: The financial burdens that residents face cannot be overlooked, and the cost of living has a meaningful impact on resident stipend value. The current Graduate Medical Education compensation structure limits federal and institutional capacity to adjust for the cost of living and creates an insulated market in which residents are under-compensated.

Biliary Adverse Events During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer.

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.

An Exosome-based Transcriptomic Signature for Noninvasive, Early Detection of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) incidence is rising worldwide, and most patients present with an unresectable disease at initial diagnosis. Measurement of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity for early detection; hence, there is an unmet need to develop alternate molecular diagnostic biomarkers for PDAC. Emerging evidence suggests that tumor-derived exosomal cargo, particularly micro RNAs (miRNAs), offer an attractive platform for the development of cancer-specific biomarkers. Herein, genomewide profiling in blood specimens was performed to develop an exosome-based transcriptomic signature for noninvasive and early detection of PDAC. METHODS: Small RNA sequencing was undertaken in a cohort of 44 patients with an early-stage PDAC and 57 nondisease controls. Using machine-learning algorithms, a panel of cell-free (cf) and exosomal (exo) miRNAs were prioritized that discriminated patients with PDAC from control subjects. Subsequently, the performance of the biomarkers was trained and validated in independent cohorts (n = 191) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. RESULTS: The sequencing analysis initially identified a panel of 30 overexpressed miRNAs in PDAC. Subsequently using qRT-PCR assays, the panel was reduced to 13 markers (5 cf- and 8 exo-miRNAs), which successfully identified patients with all stages of PDAC (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.98 training cohort; AUC = 0.93 validation cohort); but more importantly, was equally robust for the identification of early-stage PDAC (stages I and II; AUC = 0.93). Furthermore, this transcriptomic signature successfully identified CA19-9 negative cases (<37 U/mL; AUC = 0.96), when analyzed in combination with CA19-9 levels, significantly improved the overall diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.99 vs AUC = 0.86 for CA19-9 alone). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an exosome-based liquid biopsy signature for the noninvasive and robust detection of patients with PDAC was developed.

CA19-9 Response to First-Line Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and Second-Line Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel for Patients with Operable Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Response to second-line (2L) neoadjuvant therapy for operable pancreatic cancer (PC) is understudied. This study examined carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) response to first-line (1L) and 2L chemotherapy. METHODS: The study identified patients with operable PC and elevated CA19-9 (≥ 35 U/mL with total bilirubin < 2 mg/dL) who received 1L FOLFIRINOX (FFX). The patients were restaged after 2 months and based on response, received additional FFX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) as part of total neoadjuvant therapy. Response was defined as a decrease in tumor size on computed tomography (CT) imaging or a decline in CA19-9 of 50% or more and preserved performance status. RESULTS: For operable PC with an elevated CA19-9, 108 patients received 1L FFX. After 2 months of chemotherapy, the decision was made to continue FFX (FFX ≥ FFX) for 76 (70%) of the 108 patients and switch to GnP (FFX ≥ GnP)) for 32 (30%) of the patients. Of the 32 FFX ≥ GnP patients, 27 had no evidence of radiographic or biochemical (CA19-9) response to 1L FFX. Of these 27 patients, 26 (96%) demonstrated a response to 2L GnP. After 4 months of chemotherapy, 62 (82%) of the 76 FFX ≥ FFX patients had a CA19-9 response compared with 31 (97%) of the 32 FFX ≥ GnP patients (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of biochemical response to 2 months of 1L FFX may identify a subgroup of patients with a very high rate of response to 2L GnP, emphasizing the importance of assessing treatment response at 2-month intervals.

Patterns of Unnecessary Insurer Prior Authorization Denials in a Complex Surgical Oncology Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Insurance prior authorization (PA) is a determination of need, required by a health insurer for an ordered test/procedure. If the test/procedure is denied, a peer-to-peer (P2P) discussion between ordering provider and payer is used to appeal the decision. The objective of this study was to measure the number and patterns of unnecessary PA denials. METHODS: This was a retrospective review at a quaternary cancer center from October 2021 to March 2022. Included were all patients with outpatient imaging orders for surgical planning or surveillance of gastrointestinal, endocrine, or skin cancer. Primary outcome was unnecessary initial denial (UID) defined as an order that required preauthorization, was initially denied by the insurer, and subsequently overturned by P2P. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifty seven orders were placed and 419 required PA (44%). Of tests requiring authorization, 55/419 (13.1%) were denied. Variability in the likelihood of initial denial was seen across insurers, ranging from 0% to 57%. Following P2P, 32/55 were overturned (58.2% UID). The insurers most likely to have a UID were Aetna (100%), Anthem (77.8%), and Cigna (50.0%). UID was most common for gastrointestinal (58.9%) and endocrine (58.3%) cancers. Average P2P was 33.5 min (interquartile range 28-40). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of imaging studies initially denied were overturned after P2P. If all UIDs were eliminated, this would represent 108 less P2P discussions with an estimated time-savings of 60.3 h annually within a high-volume surgical oncology practice. Combined personnel costs to the health systems and stress on patients with cancer due to image-associated PAs and P2P appear hard to justify.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: Quality over quantity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ideal duration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with curative intent is unclear. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of both duration of NACT and Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) normalization to NACT. METHODS: We examined patients with resectable and borderline resectable PDAC treated with NACT and chemoradiation. Patients were compared by NACT duration (2 vs. 4 months) and by CA19-9 normalization after NACT. RESULTS: Among 171 patients, 83 (49%) received 2 months of NACT, and 88 (51%) received 4 months. After NACT completion, 115 (67%) patients had persistently elevated CA19-9, and 56 (33%) had normalized. Of the 125 patients who had successful surgery, 73 (58%) had normalized CA19-9 postoperatively. Duration of NACT was not associated with overall survival (OS) while CA19-9 normalization after NACT (regardless of duration) was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-0.89, p = 0.02). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS among patients without CA19-9 normalization after NACT (HR 0.42, CI 0.20-0.86, p = 0.02) but not among those that normalized, independent of duration. CONCLUSIONS: CA19-9 normalization after NACT is a clinically significant endpoint of treatment; patients without CA19-9 normalization may benefit from additional therapy.

Updates and new directions in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: dose, sensitization, and novel technology.

Panc reatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating malignancy. There have been few advances that have substantially improved overall survival in the past several years. On its current trajectory, the deaths from PDAC are expected to cross that from all gastrointestinal cancers combined by 2030. Radiation therapy is a technically very complex modality that bridges multiple different treatment strategies. It represents a hybrid among advanced diagnostic imaging, local (often ablative) intervention, and heterogeneous biological mechanisms contributing to normal and oncologic cell kill. In this article, we bring an overview of the several promising strategies that are currently being investigated to improve outcomes using radiation therapy for patients with PDAC.

Identification of Serum miRNA Signature and Establishment of a Nomogram for Risk Stratification in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to perform mRNA-miRNA regulatory network analyses to identify a miRNA panel for molecular subtype identification and stratification of high-risk patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). BACKGROUND: Recent transcriptional profiling effort in PDAC has led to the identification of molecular subtypes that associate with poor survival; however, their clinical significance for risk stratification in patients with PDAC has been challenging. METHODS: By performing a systematic analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium cohorts, we discovered a panel of miRNAs that associated with squamous and other poor molecular subtypes in PDAC. Subsequently, we used logistic regression analysis to develop models for risk stratification and Cox proportional hazard analysis to determine survival prediction probability of this signature in multiple cohorts of 433 patients with PDAC, including a tissue cohort (n = 199) and a preoperative serum cohort (n = 51). RESULTS: We identified a panel of 9 miRNAs that were significantly upregulated (miR-205-5p and -934) or downregulated (miR-192-5p, 194-5p, 194-3p, 215-5p, 375-3p, 552-3p, and 1251-5p) in PDAC molecular subtypes with poor survival [squamous, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.90; basal, AUC = 0.89; and quasimesenchymal, AUC = 0.83]. The validation of this miRNA panel in a tissue clinical cohort was a significant predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.48, P < 0.0001), and this predictive accuracy improved further in a risk nomogram which included key clinicopathological factors. Finally, we were able to successfully translate this miRNA predictive signature into a liquid biopsy-based assay in preoperative serum specimens from PDAC patients (hazard ratio: 2.85, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: We report a novel miRNA risk-stratification signature that can be used as a noninvasive assay for the identification of high-risk patients and potential disease monitoring in patients with PDAC.

The Clinical Utility of Preoperative Thyroglobulin for Surgical Decision Making in Thyroid Disease.

BACKGROUND: Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels are used to monitor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) recurrence and have been correlated with posttreatment disease burden. The clinical significance of Tg in the preoperative setting to predict the risk of DTC is unclear. Our aim is to examine the clinical utility of preoperative Tg levels in those undergoing thyroidectomies for DTC or benign disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a prospectively collected database, we identified 385 patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 01/14 to 12/19 and had preoperative Tg levels available. Preoperative Tg levels were compared by preoperative indication for surgery, Bethesda category of biopsied nodules, presence of DTC on surgical pathology, and number of metastatic lymph nodes. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean preoperative Tg level when comparing indication for surgery (P = 0.2) or Bethesda classification (P = 0.4). Mean preoperative Tg levels were lower in patients with DTC (238 ± 77) compared to without DTC (532 ± 97) on final pathology (P = 0.02). Among 188 DTC patients who had lymph nodes removed, there was no significant correlation between the preoperative Tg level and number of positive lymph nodes on final pathology (P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative serum Tg levels were lower in patients with DTC compared to those with benign disease on final pathology and did not correlate with extent of lymph node metastasis in patients with DTC. We found that serum Tg levels obtained in the preoperative setting do not predict DTC or lymph node metastasis and, therefore, do not inform the extent of surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer.

Wide Variability in Catecholamine Levels From Adrenal Venous Sampling in Primary Aldosteronism.

INTRODUCTION: While adrenal venous sampling (AVS) differentiates between the unilateral and bilateral disease in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), it is unknown if AVS can determine laterality of pheochromocytoma in patients with bilateral adrenal masses. This study analyzes adrenal vein (AV) epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in nonpheochromocytoma patients to determine the "normal" range. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent AVS for PA between 2009 and 2019 at a single institution; pheochromocytoma was excluded. Aldosterone, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels were obtained from the inferior vena cava (IVC), left adrenal vein (LAV), and right adrenal vein (RAV). Successful AV cannulation was defined by an AV/IVC cortisol ratio of ≥3:1 or an AV epinephrine level ≥364 pg/mL. Plasma measurements (pg/mL) are median values with interquartile ranges; normal ranges for epinephrine and norepinephrine are 10-200 pg/mL and 80-520 pg/mL, respectively. RESULTS: AVS was performed in 172 patients in 405 AVs (173 LAV and 232 RAV). Median epinephrine levels were IVC = 19 (14 and 34), LAV = 3811 (1870 and 6915), and RAV = 2897 (1500 and 5288). Median norepinephrine levels were IVC = 325 (186 and 479), LAV = 1450 (896 and 2050), and RAV = 786 (436 and 1582). There was a difference between LAV and RAV epinephrine levels (P = 0.024) and between LAV and RAV norepinephrine (P = 0.002) levels. CONCLUSIONS: This extensive experience with AVS demonstrated a wide range of "normal" AV catecholamine levels in patients without pheochromocytoma, which suggests that the utility of AVS to determine disease laterality in patients with pheochromocytoma and bilateral adrenal nodules is likely to be limited.

Lessons learned from investigator-initiated clinical trials for localized pancreatic cancer.

Investigator-initiated trials (IITs) are clinical trials in which the clinician is both the sponsor and the investigator. IITs have also been developed to test strategies designed to optimize existing therapies or treatment approaches that may not be supported by industry sponsors or may be too novel to gain the consensus to be supported by cooperative groups. The role of the investigator is comprehensive and includes protocol development, securing funding for the administration of the trial, recruitment and monitoring of subjects, and assurance for the protection of human subjects. We will briefly review the importance of surgeons in developing IITs and provide insights into logistical barriers from conception to completion of the trial.

Utility of Epinephrine Levels in Determining Adrenal Vein Cannulation During Adrenal Venous Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with primary aldosteronism, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is performed to determine the presence of unilateral or bilateral adrenal disease. During AVS, verification of catheter positioning within the left adrenal vein (AV) and the right AV by comparison of AV and inferior vena cava (IVC) cortisol levels can be variable. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of AV epinephrine levels in assessing successful AV cannulation. METHODS: This was a single institution, retrospective review of patients who underwent AVS with cosyntropin stimulation for primary aldosteronism between 2009 and 2018. Successful cannulation of the AV was defined by an AV/IVC cortisol ratio selectivity index (SI) ≥3:1. Epinephrine thresholds to predict catheter placement in the AV were determined using logistic regression. The calculated epinephrine thresholds were compared with previously published thresholds. RESULTS: AVS was performed on 101 consecutive patients and, based on the SI, successful cannulation of the left AV and right AV occurred in 98 (97%) and 91(90%) patients, respectively. The calculated optimal epinephrine threshold to predict AV cannulation was 364 pg/mL (sensitivity, 92.1%; specificity, 94.6%) and the calculated optimal AV/IVC epinephrine ratio threshold was 27.4, (sensitivity, 92.1%; specificity, 91.3%). Among the 14 patients with failed AV cannulation, 3 patients would have been considered to have successful AVS using AV epinephrine levels >364 pg/mL and AV/IVC epinephrine ratio >27.4 thresholds. CONCLUSION: Obtaining 2 right AV samples routinely as well as AV and IVC epinephrine levels during AVS could prevent unnecessary repeat AVS in patients with failed AV cannulation based on cortisol-based SI <3:1.

Variation in parathyroid adenoma size in patients with sporadic, primary hyperparathyroidism: small gland size does not preclude single gland disease.

PURPOSE: Small, abnormal parathyroid glands are usually associated with multigland hyperplasia in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between parathyroid adenoma size and biochemical cure rates in patients undergoing single gland parathyroidectomy. METHODS: The study included patients with sporadic pHPT who underwent initial parathyroidectomy and met intraoperative PTH criteria for cure after resection of a single adenoma (SGD). Patients were divided into quartiles (Q1 = smallest) based on gland weight and maximum dimension; cure rates were compared across groups. RESULTS: A single parathyroid adenoma was removed in 517 patients, with a median gland weight of 500 mg (range 50-11890). Median maximum gland dimension was 15 mm (range 5-55). With median follow-up of 28 months (range 6-81), the biochemical cure rate was 97.1%. There was no difference in cure rate by gland weight (Q1 94.6%, Q2 96.9%, Q3 98.4%, Q4 98.5%, p = 0.217) or maximum gland dimension (Q1 95.6%, Q2 97.6%, Q3 97.1%, Q4 98.2%, p = 0.641). When Q1 patients (by gland weight) were divided by quartile, there was no difference in cure rates (93.1% [50-140 mg]; 95.2% [150-190 mg]; 97.1% [200-230 mg]; 93.3% [240-280 mg]; p = 0.665). CONCLUSION: For patients with pHPT who underwent single gland parathyroidectomy, there was no difference in cure rates by gland weight or maximum dimension. These data suggest that the removal of parathyroid adenomas as small as 50 mg with an appropriate decline in ioPTH likely represent single gland disease and additional exploration may not be necessary.

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Operable Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Overall survival (OS) for operable pancreatic cancer (PC) is optimized when 4-6 months of nonsurgical therapy is combined with pancreatectomy. Because surgery renders the delivery of postoperative therapy uncertain, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is gaining popularity. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with operable PC and compared TNT with shorter course neoadjuvant therapy (SNT). Primary outcomes of interest included completion of neoadjuvant therapy (NT) and resection of the primary tumor, receipt of 5 months of nonsurgical therapy, and median OS. RESULTS: We reviewed 541 consecutive patients from 2009 to 2019 including 226 (42%) with resectable PC and 315 (58%) with borderline resectable (BLR) PC. The median age was 66 years (IQR [59, 72]), and 260 (48%) patients were female. TNT was administered to 89 (16%) patients and SNT was administered to 452 (84%). Both groups were equally likely to complete intended NT and surgery (p = 0.90). Patients who received TNT and surgical resection were more likely to have a complete pathologic response (8% vs 4%, p < 0.01) and were more likely to receive at least 5 months of nonsurgical therapy (67% vs 45%, p < 0.01). The median OS was 26 months [IQR (15, 57)]; not reached among patients treated with TNT, and 25 months [IQR (15, 56)] among patients treated with SNT (p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: TNT ensures the delivery of intended systemic therapy prior to a complicated operation without decreasing the chance of successful surgery; a window of operability was not lost. Patients who can tolerate SNT will likely benefit from TNT.

Ten-year experience in optimizing neoadjuvant therapy for localized pancreatic cancer-Medical college of Wisconsin perspective.

Treatment of localized pancreatic cancer has also evolved to prioritize preoperative (neoadjuvant) multimodality therapy over a surgery-first approach. Given the complexities of pancreatic cancer staging and the challenge of delivering multiple treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery), an experienced and highly integrated multidisciplinary team is necessary to achieve the best outcomes. In this review, we will discuss our institutional experience with neoadjuvant therapy, guiding principles for treatment, and outline the landscape for future investigations.

Importance of Normalization of CA19-9 Levels Following Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Localized Pancreatic Cancer.

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 (ΔCA19-9) 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 ΔCA19-9 and OS (P = 0.77). Median OS of the 98 patients who did (n = 29) or did not (n = 69) normalize their preop CA19-9 were 46 and 23 months, respectively (P = 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.

Confirmation of Parathyroid Tissue: Are Surgeons Aware of New and Novel Techniques?

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo aspiration of parathyroid glands for the measurement of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) levels is a rapid point-of-care method to confirm parathyroid tissue during parathyroidectomy and an alternative to frozen section (FS). This study sought to determine the awareness and utilization of this technique among endocrine surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A de-identified 12-question survey regarding techniques for intraoperative identification/confirmation of parathyroid tissue and the use of IOPTH monitoring was distributed to all 608 members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. RESULTS: Among the 182 (30%) respondents, FS was the most common primary technique utilized by 115 (63%) respondents to confirm parathyroid tissue; only 12 (7%) utilized ex vivo aspiration, although 78 (42%) were familiar with the technique. Availability and familiarity were the principal reasons for use of the primary technique; the most common barrier was time. Serum IOPTH monitoring was routinely used by 124 (74%). Of respondents who utilized FS, serum IOPTH monitoring was routinely used by 75% (86/115), including 71% (45/63) who reported time as a barrier to FS. Of these 45, only 15 (33%) were familiar with ex vivo parathyroid aspiration. Only 48% of surgeons knew how PTH samples were charged. CONCLUSIONS: FS was the most common method of identification/confirmation of parathyroid tissue. Although most respondents routinely performed IOPTH monitoring, relatively few utilized ex vivo aspiration as a technique for parathyroid identification and less than 50% were familiar with this technique. Broader dissemination about novel techniques such as ex vivo aspiration and cost awareness are recommended.

Persistent/Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Does the Number of Abnormal Glands Play a Role?

BACKGROUND: Persistent/recurrent hyperparathyroidism occurs in 2%-5% of patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). In this study, the incidence and time to recurrence in patients with single-gland disease (SGD), double adenomas (DAs), or four-gland hyperplasia (FGH) at initial parathyroidectomy were compared. METHODS: This retrospective review included adult patients with sporadic PHPT who underwent initial parathyroidectomy with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) from 1/2000 to 12/2016 with ≥6 mo follow-up. An abnormal parathyroid was defined by a gland weight of ≥50 mg. A concurrent serum calcium >10.2 mg/dL and parathyroid hormone >40 pg/mL was defined as persistent PHPT if present <6 mo and recurrent PHPT if present ≥6 mo postoperatively after initial normocalcemia. RESULTS: Of 1486 patients, 1203 (81%) had SGD, 159 (11%) DA, and 124 (8%) FGH. Among the 3 groups, there was no difference in the percent decrease from the baseline or time of excision to final postexcision IOPTH levels between groups (79% versus 80% versus 80%, respectively; P = 0.954) or in the proportion of patients with a final IOPTH ≥40 (22% versus 18% versus 14%; P = 0.059). Overall, 22 (1.5%) had persistent PHPT and 26 (1.7%) had recurrent PHPT. Persistent PHPT was more frequent with DAs (6; 3.8%) than other groups (SGD: 16, 1.3%; FGH: 0; P = 0.02). At median follow-up of 33 mo (IQR, 18-60), there was no difference in recurrence rate (1.6% versus 2.5% versus 2.4%; P = 0.57) or median time (mo) to recurrence (SGD: 59 [IQR, 21-86], DAs: 36 [IQR, 29-58], FGH: 23 [IQR, 17-40]; P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent PHPT occurred in 1.7% of patients who underwent curative initial parathyroidectomy, with no difference in incidence or time to recurrence between groups based on the number of glands removed. Patients with DA more commonly had persistent PHPT, raising the possibility of unrecognized FGH.