Pathological Complete Response in Patients With Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma After Preoperative Chemotherapy.

Importance: Preoperative chemo(radio)therapy is increasingly used in patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma, leading to pathological complete response (pCR) in a small subset of patients. However, multicenter studies with in-depth data about pCR are lacking. Objective: To investigate the incidence, outcome, and risk factors of pCR after preoperative chemo(radio)therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This observational, international, multicenter cohort study assessed all consecutive patients with pathology-proven localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent resection after 2 or more cycles of chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) in 19 centers from 8 countries (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018). Data collection was performed from February 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, and analyses from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. Median follow-up was 19 months. Exposures: Preoperative chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) followed by resection. Main Outcomes and Measures: The incidence of pCR (defined as absence of vital tumor cells in the sampled pancreas specimen after resection), its association with OS from surgery, and factors associated with pCR. Factors associated with overall survival (OS) and pCR were investigated with Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, respectively. Results: Overall, 1758 patients (mean [SD] age, 64 [9] years; 879 [50.0%] male) were studied. The rate of pCR was 4.8% (n = 85), and pCR was associated with OS (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.83). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 95%, 82%, and 63% in patients with pCR vs 80%, 46%, and 30% in patients without pCR, respectively (P < .001). Factors associated with pCR included preoperative multiagent chemotherapy other than (m)FOLFIRINOX ([modified] leucovorin calcium [folinic acid], fluorouracil, irinotecan hydrochloride, and oxaliplatin) (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.87), preoperative conventional radiotherapy (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.00-4.10), preoperative stereotactic body radiotherapy (OR, 8.91; 95% CI, 4.17-19.05), radiologic response (OR, 13.00; 95% CI, 7.02-24.08), and normal(ized) serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 after preoperative therapy (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.79-7.89). Conclusions and Relevance: This international, retrospective cohort study found that pCR occurred in 4.8% of patients with resected localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma after preoperative chemo(radio)therapy. Although pCR does not reflect cure, it is associated with improved OS, with a doubled 5-year OS of 63% compared with 30% in patients without pCR. Factors associated with pCR related to preoperative chemo(radio)therapy regimens and anatomical and biological disease response features may have implications for treatment strategies that require validation in prospective studies because they may not universally apply to all patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Patterns, timing and predictors of recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma: An international multicentre retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) often develop cancer recurrence. Establishing timing, patterns and risk factors for recurrence may help inform surveillance protocol strategies or select patients who could benefit from additional systemic or locoregional therapies. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine timing, patterns, and predictive factors of recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA between June 2012 and May 2015 with five years of follow-up were included. The primary outcome was recurrence pattern (none, local-only, distant-only or mixed local/distant). Data were collected on comorbidities, investigations, operation details, complications, histology, adjuvant and palliative therapies, recurrence-free and overall survival. Univariable tests and regression analyses investigated factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: In the cohort of 198 patients, 129 (65%) developed recurrence: 30 (15%) developed local-only recurrence, 44 (22%) developed distant-only recurrence and 55 (28%) developed mixed pattern recurrence. The most common recurrence sites were local (49%), liver (24%) and lung (11%). 94% of patients who developed recurrence did so within three years of surgery. Predictors of recurrence on univariable analysis were cancer stage, R1 resection, lymph node metastases, perineural invasion, microvascular invasion and lymphatic invasion. Predictors of recurrence on multivariable analysis were female sex, venous resection, advancing histological stage and lymphatic invasion. CONCLUSION: Two thirds of patients have cancer recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA, and most recur within three years of surgery. The commonest sites of recurrence are the pancreatic bed, liver and lung. Multiple histological features are associated with recurrence.

Systematic review of sarcopenia in chronic pancreatitis: prevalence, impact on surgical outcomes, and survival.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive inflammatory changes to the pancreas, leading to loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Emerging literature suggests sarcopenia may adversely affect outcomes for chronic pancreatitis patients. This systematic review examines the evidence surrounding the impact of sarcopenia on patients with CP. AREAS COVERED: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (via PUBMED), Cochrane and EMBASE databases was undertaken to identify articles describing body composition assessment in patients with CP. Data collected included definitions of sarcopenia, sarcopenia assessment methodology, baseline demographics, surgical outcomes, and short- and long-term outcomes. EXPERT OPINION: In total, nine studies reported on 977 patients with a sarcopenia prevalence of 32.3% (95% CI 22.9-42.6%). CT remains the primary modality to assess for sarcopenia, due to ease of access. None of the studies reporting on post-operative outcomes for patients with chronic pancreatitis found a significant increase in complications among those with sarcopenia. Mortality within 1 year in the outpatient setting from one study of patients with CP was 16% in sarcopenic patients versus 3% (HR: 6.69 (95% CI: 1.79-24.9), p < 0.001) in those with no sarcopenia.Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with CP occurring in approximately a third of patients. Sarcopenia is associated with an adverse impact on long-term survival.

Preemptive Appendicectomy at the Time of Pancreas Transplantation: Is It Necessary?

OBJECTIVES: Pancreas transplant is a major intraabdominal operation, and in most cases the graft is placed in the rightiliac fossa. At our center, preemptive appendicectomy is performed at the time of pancreas transplant to prevent any future risk in a complex transplant patient. The aim of this study was to review all histology reports from the removed appendices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The histology reports from all incidental appendicectomies performed at pancreas transplant were reviewed. RESULTS: Between January 2001 and June 2016, 107 pancreas transplants were performed (86 simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants, 11 pancreas after kidney transplants, and 10 pancreas transplants alone), and 65 appendix histology reports were available from this patient group. All were preemptive appendicectomies as none of the patients had symptoms to suggest acute appendicitis. Of the 65 appendix histologies, 43 (66.2%) were reported as normal. Twenty specimens (30.8%) showed fibrosis consistent with previous inflammation of the appendix, and 12 specimens (18.5%) showed fecal material in the lumen (1 due to an obstructing fecalith and another 2 showing luminal distension with feces). Three specimens (4.6%) showed lymphoid hyperplasia. There were 5 (7.7 %) unexpected findings upon histology. In review of histology reports, 1 patient had a 1.1-mm carcinoid tumor in an otherwise normal appendix, 1 had an Enterobius species worm infestation, 1 had focal endometriosis, 1 had crypt abscesses suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease, 1 had a metaplastic polyp, and 1 had melanosis coli of unknown clinical significance. There were no cases of overt acute appendicitis. No patients experienced a complication as a direct result of their appendicectomy. CONCLUSIONS: A policy ofroutine appendicectomy atthe time of pancreas transplant appears to be justified and safe.

Review of abdominal solid organ transplantation in Jehovah's Witness patients.

Managing blood loss in Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients is a matter of controversy. These patients will not accept transfusions of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets or plasma, even if that is required to save their lives. There are many discussions regarding safety of operating upon JW patients in general surgical procedures, but in solid organ transplantation there is a paucity of literature on this subject. We have reviewed individual case reports and small series documenting on experience with solid organ transplantation in JW patients and the strategies adopted to facilitate that. It is clear that such patients require the surgical team to dedicate more time to ensure their safe management. This begins with a thorough, detailed consent of exactly which products and interventions they will or will not accept. Planning must begin weeks before surgery if possible. Each case must be assessed individually, but provided they meet fitness requirements, there are no absolute contraindications to abdominal organ transplantation.

Complications as indicators of quality assurance after 401 consecutive colorectal cancer resections: the importance of surgeon volume in developing colorectal cancer units in India.

BACKGROUND: The low incidence of colorectal cancer in India, coupled with absence of specialized units, contribute to lack of relevant data arising from the subcontinent. We evaluated the data of the senior author to better define the requirements that would enable development of specialized units in a country where colorectal cancer burden is increasing. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 401 consecutive colorectal resections from a prospective database of the senior author. In addition to patient demographics and types of resections, perioperative data like intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, complications, re-operation rates and hospital stay were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 52 years (10-86 years). 279 were males and 122 were females. The average duration of surgery was 220.32 minutes (range 50-480 min). The overall complication rate was 12.2% (49/401) with a 1.2% (5/401) mortality rate. The patients having complications had an increase in their median hospital stay (from 10.5 days to 23.4 days) and the re-operation rate in them was 51%. The major complications were anastomotic leaks (2.5%) and stoma related complications (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: This largest ever series from India compares favorably with global standards. In a nation where colorectal cancer is on the rise, it is imperative that high volume centers develop specialized units to train future specialist colorectal surgeons. This would ensure improved quality assurance and delivery of health care even to outreach, low volume centers.

Giant solitary fibrous tumour of pleura -an uncommon intrathoracic entity- a case report and review of the literature.

A 43-year-old woman presented to us with progressive breathlessness, dry cough and weight loss. A chest radiograph showed homogeneous opacification of the entire left hemithorax. A contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the thorax showed a large intrathoracic mass occupying almost the entire left hemithorax and appeared grossly inoperable. A transcutaneous CT guided tru-cut biopsy revealed a solitary fibrous tumour. We reviewed the CT scans based on the biopsy report, and, in retrospect, the mediastinal vessels seemed more stretched and pushed by the tumor rather than directly infiltrated by it. We performed an exploratory thoracotomy and to our surprise, were able to dissect the mass quite easily off the mediastinum. She had an uneventful postoperative recovery, and the final histopathology confirmed a solitary fibrous tumor. We report this case to emphasize that a cursory clinico-radiological interpretation can dissuade surgical intervention in these patients.