Postoperative distress and influencing factors in patients with pancreatobiliary cancer.

This study aimed to investigate distress levels, using the distress thermometer (DT), and the factors associated with distress in postoperative patients with pancreatobiliary cancer. This study retrospectively investigated 155 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatobiliary cancer between December 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. The DT and problem list were used to measure distress. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Of the 155 patients, 16.8% (n = 26) and 83.2% (n = 129) were in the mild-distress and moderate-to-severe distress groups, respectively. The average DT score was 6.21; that for the mild-distress and moderate-to-severe distress groups was 2.46 and 6.97, respectively. More patients in the moderate-to-severe distress group reported having problems of "sadness" (χ2 = 4.538, P < 0.05), "indigestion" (χ2 = 10.128, P < 0.001), "eating" (χ2 = 6.147, P < 0.013), and "getting around" (χ2 = 4.275, P < 0.039) than in the mild-distress group. In addition, occupation status (odds ratio [OR] = 0.342, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.133-0.879, P = 0.026) and indigestion (OR = 5.897, 95% CI = 1.647-21.111, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for the presence of severe distress. Patients with pancreatobiliary cancer demonstrated elevated levels of psychological distress. Healthcare providers should therefore be vigilant when evaluating patients for distress and providing appropriate referrals, particularly those who are unemployed or have indigestion.

P-move: a randomized control trial of exercise in patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary tract cancer (aPBC) receiving beyond first-line chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Patients with advanced pancreatic and biliary tract cancer (aPBC) frequently suffer from high symptom burden. Exercise can reduce treatment side effects and improve patient-related outcomes (PROMs). However, evidence from prospective studies regarding feasibility and efficacy in advanced settings are sparse. The primary aim of this prospective, randomized-controlled study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of exercise (ET) in patients with aPBC. METHODS: Patients with aPBC beyond first-line therapy were randomized according to the minimization procedure with stratification by gender, age, and loss of body weight in the past six months. The intervention group (IG) completed 3 training units/week for 8 weeks (1x supervised strength sessions, 2x individualized home-based sessions). Control group (CG) received recommendations on physical activity during cancer. RESULTS: 41 patients (stage IV pancreatic or biliary tract cancer) were included no adverse events related to exercise occurred during the trial. Physical function increased significantly in IG in 5 out of 7 physical domains. Comparison of IG and CG at 8 weeks (t2) showed significant differences in favour of IG in leg press (p=0.001), bench press (p=0.011), sit-to-stand (p=0.001) and crunch (0.006). Constipation revealed a significant difference in favour of IG at t2 (p=0.033). Quality of life stabilized/increased in IG during the study period compared to a decrease in CG. Throughout/Over the 8 weeks, fatigue notably reduced in the IG (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Exercise is safe and feasible in patients with aPBC undergoing further line therapy. Significant improvements in physical functioning and increased quality of life were achieved. German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00021179; Registration date 15.05.2020.

Feasibility of comprehensive genomic profiling using endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition with a 22-gauge Franseen needle.

Aim: Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) test for solid tumors is now increasingly utilized in clinical practice, especially in pancreatobiliary cancer, and specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) are often submitted for tissue-based CGP test. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of EUS-TA using a 22-gauge Franseen needle for the CGP test. Methods: Consecutive patients with solid tumors who underwent EUS-TA using a 22-gauge Franseen needle, and whose tissue samples were pre-checked for suitability for CGP test, were included in this single-center, retrospective analysis. The success rates of appropriate sample collection for CGP evaluated by pathologists (1st quality control) and CGP test (2nd quality control) were evaluated. In addition, The EUS-TA slides were evaluated for the tissue area and tumor area content, using the image software. Results: A total of 50 cases, with 78% of pancreatic cancer, were included in the analysis. A median of 3 passes of EUS-TA were performed with an adverse event rate of 4%. The success rates for 1st and 2nd quality control for CGP tests were 86% and 76%, respectively. The image analyses suggested EUS-TA specimen did not always fulfill CGP test criteria, with 18% of tissue area ≥16 mm2 and 38% of tumor area content ≥20%, even in cases with successful CGP tests. The suction method yielded a significantly larger amount of DNA but without a significant difference in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the feasibility of EUS-TA using a 22-gauge Franseen needle for CGP test.

Single-cell transcriptome profiling of primary tumors and paired organoids of pancreatobiliary cancer.

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and cancer organoid model have shown promise in investigating tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and facilitating chemotherapeutic drug testing to inform treatment selection. It is still unknown whether the scRNA-seq results based on organoid can faithfully reflect the heterogeneity of primary pancreatobiliary cancer. To reveal the similarities and differences between primary tumors and their matched organoids at transcriptome level, we conducted scRNA-seq for paired primary tumors and organoids from one cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and two pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. We identified inter-patient and intra-tumor heterogeneity and found that the organoids retained copy number variation (CNV) patterns of primary tumors. There was no significant difference in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties between the primary tumors and the organoids, whereas organoid from one PDAC case had increased mesenchymal-score and decreased epithelial-score compared with the primary tumors. All organoids showed a transition tendency from the classical subtype to the basal-like subtype in the transcriptional level. Organoids and primary tumors differed in metabolic and unfolded protein response (UPR) signatures. In addition, we revealed the heterogeneity of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and T cells, and explored the developmental trajectory of T cells. Our findings facilitate further understanding of organoid model and confirm its application prospects in pancreatobiliary cancer.

Effect of preoperative nutritional support in malnourished patients with pancreatobiliary cancer: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: In malnourished patients, postoperative morbidity, hospitalization period, and medical expenses are reportedly to be high. We evaluated the clinical impact of a preoperative nutritional support program (PNSP) among malnourished cancer patients. METHODS: For this quasi-experimental study, we enrolled 90 patients who underwent major pancreatobiliary cancer surgery. Malnutrition was defined as at least one of the following: (1) Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) grade B or C; (2) > 10% weight loss within 6 months; (3) body mass index <18.5 kg/m2; and (4) serum albumin level < 3.0 g/dL. Forty-five malnourished patients allocated to the PNSP group received in-hospital PNSP for a median of 6 (4-35) days. In the PNSP group, the nutrition support team calculated the patients' daily nutritional requirements based on their nutritional status and previous day's intake. The supplementation targets were as follows: total calorie intake, 30-35 kcal/kg/day; protein intake, 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day; and lipid intake, 1-1.5 g/kg/day. Patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for malnutrition were allocated to the well-nourished group and underwent surgery without receiving the PNSP (n = 45). We compared the perioperative nutritional indices (as measured using PG-SGA), postoperative outcome, and quality of life (QOL) according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0. RESULTS: In the PNSP group, the proportion of patients with serum prealbumin <16 mg/dL decreased significantly after PNSP (29.5% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.013). Moreover, patients with PG-SGA grade A had a statistically significant increase (2.2% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). The overall and major complication rates were higher in the PNSP group than in the well-nourished group without significance (51.1%, 33.3%; 42.2%, 26.7%, respectively). However, the overall and major complication rates were similar between the subgroup with PG-SGA improvement after PNSP and the well-nourished group (40.9% vs. 42.2%, p = 0.958; 27.3% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.525, respectively). QOL indicators in the PNSP group were comparable with those in the well-nourished group after PNSP. CONCLUSION: PNSP may improve perioperative nutritional status and clinical outcomes among malnourished patients with pancreatobiliary cancer.

Rivaroxaban versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Venous Thromboembolism in Gastrointestinal and Pancreatobiliary Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the standard treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with active cancer. However, use of factor Xa inhibitors, such as rivaroxaban, is increasing on the basis of limited clinical evidence. The present single-center study compared the incidence of bleeding and other treatment outcomes in gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary cancer (GI tract cancer) patients administered rivaroxaban or LMWH for the treatment of VTE. METHODS: Retrospective data from 281 GI tract cancer patients who were treated for VTE with rivaroxaban (n = 78) or LMWH (n = 203) between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016, were analyzed. Primary end-point was the incidence of major and clinically relevant bleeding. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of recurrent VTE and mortality. RESULTS: Clinically relevant bleeding occurred in 19 patients (24.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and 31 (15.3%) in the LMWH group (P = 0.074). No inter-group difference was observed for rate of VTE recurrence (3.8% with rivaroxaban vs. 3.9% with LMWH; P > 0.999) or incidence of major bleeding (5.1% with rivaroxaban vs. 8.9% with LMWH; P = 0.296). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis for age, cancer type, metastasis, history of chemotherapy or recent surgery, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status revealed a 1.904-fold higher risk of bleeding with rivaroxaban than LMWH (1.031-3.516; P = 0.040). No significant inter-group difference was found in terms of hazard ratio for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Compared to LMWH, rivaroxaban was associated with a higher incidence of clinically relevant bleeding in GI tract cancer patients presenting with VTE.

Rivaroxaban versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Venous Thromboembolism in Gastrointestinal and Pancreatobiliary Cancer

BACKGROUND: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the standard treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with active cancer. However, use of factor Xa inhibitors, such as rivaroxaban, is increasing on the basis of limited clinical evidence. The present single-center study compared the incidence of bleeding and other treatment outcomes in gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary cancer (GI tract cancer) patients administered rivaroxaban or LMWH for the treatment of VTE. METHODS: Retrospective data from 281 GI tract cancer patients who were treated for VTE with rivaroxaban (n = 78) or LMWH (n = 203) between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016, were analyzed. Primary end-point was the incidence of major and clinically relevant bleeding. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of recurrent VTE and mortality. RESULTS: Clinically relevant bleeding occurred in 19 patients (24.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and 31 (15.3%) in the LMWH group (P = 0.074). No inter-group difference was observed for rate of VTE recurrence (3.8% with rivaroxaban vs. 3.9% with LMWH; P > 0.999) or incidence of major bleeding (5.1% with rivaroxaban vs. 8.9% with LMWH; P = 0.296). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis for age, cancer type, metastasis, history of chemotherapy or recent surgery, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status revealed a 1.904-fold higher risk of bleeding with rivaroxaban than LMWH (1.031–3.516; P = 0.040). No significant inter-group difference was found in terms of hazard ratio for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Compared to LMWH, rivaroxaban was associated with a higher incidence of clinically relevant bleeding in GI tract cancer patients presenting with VTE.

[Outcomes of minimally invasive biliary decompression in obstructive jaundice]. / Analiz rezul'tatov miniinvazivnoi dekompressii zhelchevyvodiashchikh putei pri mekhanicheskoi zheltukhe.

AIM: To study postoperative complications and mortality after minimally invasive biliary decompression in patients with mechanical jaundice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective analysis included 2.072 patients with mechanical jaundice who underwent differential biliary decompression depending on the cause, level of obstruction, severity of jaundice and patient's condition. RESULTS: Relief of bilirubinemia and stabilization of the state were achieved in 1696 patients of the main group (98,6%) and in 328 (93.18%) patients of the control group. Mortality was similar in both groups: 8 (0.46%) and 2 (0.56%) patients. The best results were obtained in the main group for in-hospital and post-hospital complications after retrograde interventions (χ2=4.440821; df=0.891435; p<0.05) and post-hospital complications after antegrade interventions (χ2=35.52869; df= 1; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Differentiated approach to minimally invasive biliary decompression is followed by reduced postoperative morbidity.

Preliminary Findings on the Effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Patients with Pancreatobiliary Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effectiveness of meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP), which is known to be a helpful psychotherapeutic intervention in distressing conditions, for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 37 patients with pancreatobiliary cancer from three university general hospitals and assessed their psychological characteristics. Patients who reported clinically significant emotional distress were recommended to undergo MCP. Patients who consented to MCP were provided four sessions of the therapy. Patient psychological characteristics were assessed again 2 months after MCP. For statistical comparison, outcome variables included anxiety, depression, mental adjustment to cancer, and quality of life (QoL), as well as the degree of stress and physical symptoms. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed the MCP and the final assessment 2 months later. In the initial assessment, the patients receiving MCP showed higher levels of anxiety and depression than those not receiving MCP, and QoL was also lower in terms of role function, emotional function, social function, and global QoL. At the 2-month follow-up, the MCP group showed a significant improvement in anxiety (p=0.007), depression (p=0.010), and anxious preoccupation (p<0.001). In addition, QoL significantly improved in the MCP group, while there was no significant change in the non-MCP group. CONCLUSION: In this study, MCP showed potential therapeutic benefits against emotional distress in patients with pancreatobiliary cancer, improving their QoL.

Preliminary Findings on the Effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Patients with Pancreatobiliary Cancer

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effectiveness of meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP), which is known to be a helpful psychotherapeutic intervention in distressing conditions, for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 37 patients with pancreatobiliary cancer from three university general hospitals and assessed their psychological characteristics. Patients who reported clinically significant emotional distress were recommended to undergo MCP. Patients who consented to MCP were provided four sessions of the therapy. Patient psychological characteristics were assessed again 2 months after MCP. For statistical comparison, outcome variables included anxiety, depression, mental adjustment to cancer, and quality of life (QoL), as well as the degree of stress and physical symptoms. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed the MCP and the final assessment 2 months later. In the initial assessment, the patients receiving MCP showed higher levels of anxiety and depression than those not receiving MCP, and QoL was also lower in terms of role function, emotional function, social function, and global QoL. At the 2-month follow-up, the MCP group showed a significant improvement in anxiety (p=0.007), depression (p=0.010), and anxious preoccupation (p < 0.001). In addition, QoL significantly improved in the MCP group, while there was no significant change in the non-MCP group. CONCLUSION: In this study, MCP showed potential therapeutic benefits against emotional distress in patients with pancreatobiliary cancer, improving their QoL.

Randomized controlled exploratory study comparing the usefulness of two types of metallic stents with different axial forces for the management of duodenal obstruction caused by pancreatobiliary cancer.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have examined effectiveness of duodenal stent placement (DSP) for duodenal obstruction (DO) caused specifically by pancreatobiliary cancer. We compared two types of stents with different axial forces (AF) for DO with pancreatobiliary cancer. METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned to two stent groups with different AF (high AF stent, WallFlex™: W-group or low AF stent, Niti-S™: N-group). The primary endpoint was improvement in the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) score. This study was registered at UMIN000009061. RESULTS: The GOOSS scores significantly improved in both W-group (0.9 before vs. 2.7 after; P = 0.002) and N-group (1.0 before vs. 2.5 after; P = 0.001). The change in the GOOSS score after DSP did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.482). The median time to recurrent DO (RDO) was significantly shorter in W-group than in N-group (89 days vs. 421 days; P = 0.025). The incidence of RDO was significantly higher in W-group than in N-group (64% vs. 24%; P = 0.027). Stent kinking occurred only in W-group. CONCLUSIONS: The GOOSS scores significantly improved after DSP, but effectiveness did not differ significantly between groups. The use of stents with high AF was related to short-term stent patency, but did not influence survival time.

Colonic and anal metastases from pancreato-biliary malignancies.

Pancreato-biliary malignancies often present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment although less than 20% of tumours are suitable for resection at presentation. Common sites for metastases are liver, lungs, lymph nodes and peritoneal cavity. Metastatic disease carries poor prognosis, with median survival of less than 3 mo. We report two cases where metastases from pancreato-biliary cancers were identified in the colon and anal canal. In both cases specific immunohistochemical staining was utilised in the diagnosis. In the first case, the presenting complaint was obstructive jaundice due to an ampullary tumour for which a pancreato-duodenectomy was carried out. However, the patient re-presented 4 wk later with an atypical anal fissure which was found to be metastatic deposit from the primary ampullary adenocarcinoma. In the second case, the patient presented with obstructive jaundice due to a biliary stricture. Subsequent imaging revealed sigmoid thickening, which was confirmed to be a metastatic deposit. Distal colonic and anorectal metastases from pancreato-biliary cancers are rare and can masquerade as primary colorectal tumours. The key to the diagnosis is the specific immunohistochemical profile of the intestinal lesion biopsies.