The emerging role of cell-free DNA as a molecular marker for duodenal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal adenocarcinoma is rare and its prognostic factors remain controversial. In our study, the role of cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) as prognostic factor in duodenal adenocarcinoma was evaluated. METHODS: From June 2003 to July 2021, plasma samples were collected from 41 patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma. Plasma cfDNA was assessed in combination with clinicopathological and biochemical characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival with a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: The 1- and 5-year survival rates of the patients with high plasma cfDNA level (>9288 copies/mL) group were 58.7% and 17.6%, respectively, which were much lower than patients with low cfDNA level (≤9288 copies/mL), with 95.2% and 64.6%. In univariate analysis, high cfDNA level, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor stage were associated with decreased survival. When subjected to multivariate analysis, only high cfDNA level showed significance in influencing the overall survival of duodenal cancer. CONCLUSION: cfDNA analysis is simple and noninvasive. High cfDNA level is a strong independent prognostic factor for decreased overall survival and it should be integrated into clinical care.

Reappraisal of surgical and survival outcomes of 500 consecutive cases of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The role of the robotic approach for pancreaticoduodenectomy has not been well established with robust data. This study aimed to reappraise feasibility and justification of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) over time. METHODS: A total of 500 patients undergoing RPD were enrolled and divided into early (first 250 patients) and late (last 250 patients) groups for a comparative study. RESULTS: The conversion rate was 8.8% overall and was significantly lower in the late group (5.6% vs. 12.0%; p = .012). The overall median intraoperative blood loss was 130 mL. Radicality of resection was similar between early and late groups. The overall surgical mortality after RPD was 1.3%. The overall surgical morbidity and major complication was 44.1% and 13.2%, respectively, and similar between early and late groups. Chyle leakage was the most common complication after RPD (25.0%), followed by postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The POPF rate was 8.6% overall, with 5.9% in the early group and 11.0% in the late group, p = .051. The overall delayed gastric emptying rate was 3.5%. The late group had better survival outcomes than those of the early group after RPD for ampullary adenocarcinoma (p = .027) but not for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Reappraisal of this study has confirmed that RPD is not only technically feasible without increasing surgical risks but also oncologically justified without compromising survival outcomes for both pancreatic head and other periampullary cancers over time. Moreover, RPD is associated with the benefits of low surgical mortality, blood loss, and delayed gastric emptying.

Survival and surgical outcomes of robotic versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for ampullary cancer: A propensity score-matching comparison.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy in ampullary cancer has never been studied. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and justification of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy in ampullary cancer in terms of surgical risks, and oncologic and survival outcomes. METHODS: A propensity score-matching comparison of robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy based on seven factors commonly used to predict the survival outcomes in ampullary cancer patients. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were enrolled, of which 101 and 46 underwent robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomies, respectively. After propensity score-matching with a 2:1 ratio, 88 and 44 patients in the robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy groups were included. The operation time was of no significant difference after matching. The median intraoperative blood loss was much less in those who underwent robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy, both before (median, 120 vs. 320 c.c. P < 0.001) and after (100 vs. 335 mL P < 0.001) score-matching. There were no significant differences in terms of surgical risks, including surgical mortality, surgical morbidity, Clavien-Dindo severity classification, postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage, chyle leak, bile leak, and wound infection, both before or after score-matching. The survival outcomes were also similar between the two groups, regardless of matching. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy for ampullary cancer is not only technically feasible and safe without increasing surgical risks, but also oncologically justifiable without compromising surgical radicality and survival outcomes.

Digital workflow for mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander fabrication-a case report.

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion, or midfacial skeletal expansion, is a paradigm-shifting concept that in recent years has expanded the envelope of orthopedic movement in the transverse direction for adult patients. Although adding mini-screws to a rapid palatal expander is not complicated, accurate and successful expansion strongly depends on the device's position and its relation to the resisting structures of the maxillofacial complex. CASE PRESENTATION: This article presents a digital workflow to locate the optimal position of the Midfacial Skeletal Expander (MSE) device in a CBCT-combined intraoral scan file and describes how to transfer the MSE position intra-orally with properly sized bands during the device fabrication. The complete digital workflow of MSE fabrication and its application for a Class III orthognathic surgical case is presented in detail. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes a completely digital process that can accurately position the MSE device according to the orientation and morphology of maxillary basal bone, which is crucial in adult cases demand maxillary expansion.

Comparison of robotic and open central pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an ideal parenchyma-sparing procedure. The experience of r robotic central pancreatectomy (RCP) is very limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing CP were included. Comparisons were made between RCP and open central pancreatectomy (OCP) groups. RESULTS: The most common lesion in patients undergoing CP was serous cystadenoma (35.5%). The median operation time was 4.2 h for RCP versus 5.5 h for OCP. The median blood loss was significantly lower in RCP, 20 c.c. versus 170 c.c., p = 0.001. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 19.4% of all patients, with 22.1% in RCP and 15.4% in OCP. There was no significant difference regarding other surgical complications between the RCP and OCP groups. Only one patient in the OCP group developed de novo diabetes mellitus (DM), and no steatorrhoea/diarrhoea occurred after either RCP or OCP. CONCLUSIONS: RCP is feasible and safe without compromising surgical outcomes and pancreatic functions.

Surgical Risks and Survival Outcomes in Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy for the Aged Over 80: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Aim: Whether to execute pancreaticoduodenectomy or not for older people could pose a dilemma. This study clarifies the safety and justification of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) for older individuals over 80. Methods: A total of 500 patients undergoing RPD were divided into group O (≥ 80 y/o) and group Y (< 80 y/o) for comparison. Results: There were 62 (12.4%) patients in group O. Surgical mortality was 1.6% for overall patients and higher in group O, 6.5% vs 0.9%; p = 0.001. The surgical complication was comparable between groups O and Y. Delayed gastric emptying and bile leakage were higher in group O, 9.7% vs 2.5%; p = 0.004, and 6.5% vs 0.9%; p = 0.001, respectively. Length of stay was also longer in group O, with a median of 26 vs 19 days; p = 0.001. Survival outcome after RPD was poorer in group O for overall periampullary adenocarcinomas, with a 5-year survival of 48.1% vs 51.2%; p = 0.025 and also for the subgroup of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, with a 3-year survival of 27.4% vs 42.5%; p = 0.030. Conclusion: RPD is safe and justified for the selected octogenarians and even nonagenarians, whoever is fit for a major operation. Nevertheless, pancreatic head cancer and higher mortality risk for the aged over 80 with advanced ASA score ≥ 3 should be informed as part of counselling in offering RPD.

Cell-free DNA as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in resectable distal common bile duct cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as an oncological biomarker has drawn much attention in recent years, but very limited effort has been made to investigate the prognostic values of cfDNA in distal common bile duct (CBD) cancer. METHODS: Plasma cfDNA was measured in 67 patients with resectable distal CBD cancer. Survival outcomes and the correlation of cfDNA with other conventional prognostic factors were determined. RESULTS: cfDNA levels were significantly higher in female patients, and those with poor tumor differentiation, abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and stage III cancer. The significant prognostic factors included a high cfDNA level (>8955 copies/mL), abnormal serum CEA level, stage III cancer, and positive resection margins. Compared with patients with high cfDNA level, those with lower cfDNA level (≤8955 copies/mL) had significantly better overall survival outcomes (74.4% vs 100% and 19.2% vs 52.6%, for 1- and 5-year survival rates, respectively, p = 0.001). The cfDNA level, perineural invasion, CEA level, and radicality were identified as independent prognostic factors for distal CBD cancer after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Circulating cfDNA levels play a significant role in predicting the prognosis and survival outcome for resectable distal CBD cancer. Furthermore, acting as a promising liquid biopsy, cfDNA could serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in combination with current conventional markers to improve diagnostic and prognostic efficacy.

Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The study of robotic pancreaticouodenectomy (RPD) focusing on delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is seldom reported. This study explored the incidence of DGE in RPD with extracorporeal hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy involving downward positioning of the stomach. Patients with periampullary lesions undergoing RPD or open pancreaticouodenectomy (OPD) were included for comparison. A variety of clinical factors were evaluated for the risk of developing DGE. There were 409 (68.2%) RPD and 191 (31.8%) OPD in this study. DGE occurred in 7.7% of patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy, with 4.4% in RPD and 14.7% in OPD, p < 0.001. Nausea/vomiting (12.6% vs. 6.3%) and jaundice (9.9% vs. 5.2%) were significant preoperative risk factors for DGE, while malignancy (8.7% vs. 2.2%) and lymph node involvement (9.8% vs. 5.6%) were significant pathological risk factors. Intraoperative blood loss > 200 c.c. was the other factor related to DGE (11.2% vs. 4.4% in those with blood loss ≤ 200 c.c.). None of the postoperative complications was significantly associated with DGE. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the group with DGE (median, 37 vs. 20 days in the group without DGE). After multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression, compared with OPD, RPD was the only independent factor associated with a lower incidence of DGE. RPD with extracorporeal hand-sewn antecolic, antiperistaltic, and inframesocolic gastrojejunostomy via a small umbilical wound involving careful downward positioning of the stomach was associated with a low incidence of DGE and presented as the most powerful independent predictor of this condition.

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: Laparoscopic versus robotic approach-A cohort study.

Background and Aims: There is no consensus on the superiority of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). Methods: Data of patients undergoing RDP and LDP were prospectively collected and compared. Results: There were 65 RDP and 112 LDP. RDP took a shorter operation time than LDP. Overall, DP with splenectomy took a longer operation time than that with spleen preservation. This difference was only significant in LDP group. In both RDP and LDP groups, splenectomy was associated with increased blood loss, as compared with spleen preservation. No significant differences were observed in surgical morbidity between RDP and LDP. The hospital cost in RDP was almost double that of LDP, with a median of 13,404 versus 7765 USD. Conclusion: LDP is comparable to RDP in regard to surgical outcomes. LDP with spleen preservation is highly recommended whenever possible and feasible for benign or low malignant lesions in terms of lower costs and less blood loss.

Pancreatic head sparing surgery for solid pseudopapillary tumor in patients with agenesis of the dorsal pancreas.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and justification of pancreatic head sparing (PHS) enucleation for patients with agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) associated with a solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT). METHODS: Data of the SPT patients with and without ADP, including clinical presentations, surgical options, and surgical and survival outcomes, were recruited for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients with SPTs were included, three of whom displayed ADP and underwent PHS enucleation. Surgical complications were comparable between the groups. Overall, the 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 100% and 90%, respectively. The 20- and 25-year overall survival rates were 100% and 66.7%, respectively. Only one patient (3.2%) developed tumor recurrence 7.3 years after pancreatectomy for an SPT with lymph node involvement, and the patient survived 24.5 years after the initial operation. No tumor recurrence occurred in any patient with ADP after PHS enucleation. CONCLUSION: PHS enucleation seems to be feasible and justifiable for SPT patients with ADP in terms of surgical and survival outcomes, and this approach could be recommended to avoid pancreatic insufficiency.

En-Mass Retraction of Maxillary Anterior Teeth with Severe Proclination and Root Resorption-A Case Report.

Molar distalization has been a validated method to correct dental sagittal relationships and create space to relieve mild to moderate crowding. In the current case report, an adult female patient had a mild skeletal Class III relationship and dental Class III molar relationship. Four premolars and one lower incisor were extracted during the previous two rounds of orthodontic treatments, and the maxillary anterior teeth were left with severe proclination and root resorption. Limited by the available teeth, extraction was not an option for her. Thus, molar distalization with TADs was the best option used in the treatment to address her chief complaint. In addition, a proper bite opening was performed to eliminate occlusion trauma. Utilizing the mid-palatal TADs, the maxillary central incisors were retracted 7.9 mm and retroclined 33 degrees, and the molar distalization was achieved as much as 8 mm. The cross-section slices of CBCT images confirmed the proper retraction of maxillary incisors and well-positioned roots in the alveolar bone. Moreover, the root resorption was not worsened from the treatment. Clinically, the maxillary anterior teeth were preserved esthetically and functionally. This case report illustrates that with proper diagnosis and treatment mechanics, significant tooth movement can be achieved even on extremely proclined maxillary incisors with severe root resorption.

Correlation between drug sensitivity profiles of circulating tumour cell-derived organoids and clinical treatment response in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly aggressive and has poor prognosis. There are few biomarkers to inform treatment decisions, and collecting tumour samples for testing is challenging. METHODS: Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from patients with PDAC liquid biopsies were expanded ex vivo to form CTC-derived organoid cultures, using a laboratory-developed biomimetic cell culture system. CTC-derived organoids were tested for sensitivity to a PDAC panel of nine drugs, with tests conducted in triplicate, and a weighted cytotoxicity score (CTS) was calculated from the results. Clinical response to treatment in patients was evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1 criteria at the time of blood sampling and 3 months later. The correlation between CTS and clinical response was then assessed. RESULTS: A total of 41 liquid biopsies (87.8% from patients with Stage 4 disease) were collected from 31 patients. The CTC-derived organoid expansion was achieved in 3 weeks, with 87.8% culture efficiency. CTC-derived organoid cultures were positive for EpCAM staining and negative for CD45 staining in the surface marker analysis. All patients had received a median of two lines of treatment prior to enrolment and prospective utility analysis indicated significant correlation of CTS with clinical treatment response. Two representative case studies are also presented to illustrate the relevant clinical contexts. CONCLUSIONS: CTCs were expanded from patients with PDAC liquid biopsies with a high success rate. Drug sensitivity profiles from CTC-derived organoid cultures correlated meaningfully with treatment response. Further studies are warranted to validate the predictive potential for this approach.

Impact of tumor grade on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs) are highly heterogeneous with wide spectrum of biological behaviors and growth patterns. Here, we aimed to assess the impact of tumor grading on P-NETs prognosis and survival outcomes. METHODS: Patients with P-NET were recruited to determine correlations between grades and clinicopathological factors, survival outcomes and prognostic factors. RESULT: A total of 152 patients with P-NETs were enrolled. G1 P-NET were associated with significantly lower rates of perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. The pancreatic head was the most common location of P-NETs. The 1-year, 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of the patients were 94.4%, 89.1% and 78.8%, respectively. Majority of pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (P-NEC) were unresectable (90.9%), and P-NECs patients had poor survival rates (1-year, 20% and no 5-year). Male sex, tumor size ≥2.5 cm, perineural invasion, lymph node invasion, metastasis, and advanced stage were significantly associated with poorer survival outcomes. Tumor grade and sex were independent survival predictors. Moreover, tumor grade was the most powerful prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor grade, sex, perineural invasion, tumor size, lymph node involvement, metastasis, and stage are survival predictors for patients with P-NETs. Tumor grade is the most powerful independent prognostic factor.

Propensity score-matched comparison of the oncological feasibility and survival outcomes for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with robotic and open pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study is to clarify the feasibility of and justification for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A 1-to-1 propensity score-matched comparison of RPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) was performed based on six covariates commonly used to predict the survival outcome for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were enrolled, with 65 in each study group after propensity score matching. The median operating time was longer for RPD (8.3 h vs. 7.0 h, P = 0.002). However, RPD was associated with less blood loss, lower overall surgical complication rate, and lower incidence of delayed gastric emptying. The resection radicality was oncologically similar between these two groups, but the median lymph node yield was higher for RPD (18 vs. 16, P = 0.038). Before propensity score matching, the 5-year survival was better in RPD (27.0% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.006). After matching, there was still a trend towards improved overall survival in the RPD group; however, the difference in 5-year survival between RPD and OPD was not significant (24.5% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.088). CONCLUSION: RPD is not only technically feasible with no increase in surgical risk but also oncologically justifiable without compromising survival outcome. However, unlike randomized control trials, the limitations in this propensity score-matched analysis only accounted for 6 observed covariates commonly used to predict the survival outcome in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and confounders not included in this study could also affect our results.

Pancreas transplant with enteric drainage at a single institute in Asia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study is to assess immunological and graft survival outcomes after pancreas transplant at a single institute in Asia. METHODS: Patients undergoing pancreas transplant with enteric drainage were included. Clinical data and outcomes were evaluated and compared between each subgroup. RESULTS: There were 165 cases of pancreas transplant, including 38 (23 %) simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK), 24 (15 %) pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK), 75 (46 %) pancreas transplant alone (PTA), and 28 (17 %) pancreas before kidney transplant (PBK). The overall surgical complication rate was 46.1 %, with highest (62.5 %) in PAK and lowest (32.0 %) in PTA, P = 0.008. The late complications included 32.7 % infection and 3.6 % malignancy. Overall rejection of pancreas graft was 24.8 % including 18.2 % acute and 9.7 % chronic rejection. Rejection was highest in PTA group (36.0 %) and lowest in PBK (3.6 %). There were 56 cases (33.9 %) with graft loss in total, with highest graft loss rate in PTA (38.7 %). The 1-year, 5-year and 10-year pancreas graft survivals for total patients were 98.0 %, 87.7 % and 70.9 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Enteric drainage in pancreas transplant could be applied safely not only in SPK but also in other subgroups. Enteric drainage itself would not compromise the immunological and graft survival outcomes.

Inferior survival outcomes of pancreas transplant alone in uremic patients.

Theoretically, pancreas transplant alone in uremic (PTAU) patients could also be one of the options for those waiting for both pancreas and kidney grafts, but it has never been reported. There were 160 cases of pancreas transplant in this study, including 16% PTAU. The 5-year patient survival was 66.2% after PTAU, 94.5% after SPK, 95.8% after PAK, and 95.4% after PTA. Rejection of pancreas graft was significantly lower in PTAU group (3.8%), followed by 16.7% in pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK), 29.8% in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) and 37.0% in pancreas transplant alone (PTA). Fasting blood sugar and serum HbA1c levels after PTAU were not significantly different from those by other subgroups. The 5-year death-censored pancreas graft survival was 100% after PTAU and PAK, and 97.0% after SPK and 77.9% after PTA. However, the 5-year death-uncensored pancreas graft survival was 67.0% after PTAU, 100% after PAK, 91.3% after SPK, and 74.0% after PTA. The superior graft survival in the PTAU group was achieved only if deaths with a functioning graft were censored. In conclusion, given the inferior patient survival outcome, PTAU is still not recommended unless SPK and PAK is not available. Although PTAU could be a treatment option for patients with diabetes complicated by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in terms of surgical risks, endocrine function, and immunological and graft survival outcomes, modification of the organ allocation policies to prioritize SPK transplant in eligible patients should be the prime goal.

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer and periampullary lesions.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy, so-called "Whipple operation," is a time-consuming and technically demanding complex operation. Traditionally, this procedure has been performed most usually by open approach, which results in a large and painful wound. With the introduction of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has emerged as a worldwide trend to improve wound cosmesis and to minimize wound pain. Although MIS for pancreaticoduodenectomy has also been attempted at some centers, the role of MIS, either robotic or laparoscopic approach, has not been well-established for complex pancreaticoduodenectomy. Given that laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has been limited by its technical complexity and the high level of advanced laparoscopic skills required for pancreatic reconstruction, a robotic surgical system is introduced to overcome several limitations related to the laparoscopic approach. Providing high-quality three-dimensional (3-D) vision, high optical magnification, articulation of robotic instruments, greater precision with suture targeting, and elimination of surgeon tremor, robotic surgical systems innovatively perform more delicate and complex procedures involving extensive dissection and suturing techniques such as pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although associated with longer operative time, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has been claimed to have the benefits of less delayed gastric emptying, less blood loss, shorter length of postoperative stay, and lower wound infection rate, as compared with the traditional open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Moreover, RPD seems to be not only technically feasible but also justified without compromising the survival outcomes for pancreatic head and ampullary adenocarcinomas. Therefore, RPD could be recommended not only to surgeons but also to patients in terms of surgical feasibility, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

A comparative study of pancreas transplantation between type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation remains the best long-term treatment option to achieve physiological euglycemia and insulin independence in patients with labile diabetes mellitus (DM). It is widely accepted as an optimal procedure for type 1 DM (T1DM), but its application in type 2 DM (T2DM) is not unanimously acknowledged. METHODS: In total, 146 diabetes patients undergoing pancreas transplantation were included in this study. Clinical data and outcomes were compared between the T1DM and T2DM groups. RESULTS: Majority (93%) of the pancreas transplantations in T2DM were for uremic recipients. Complications occurred in 106 (73%) patients, including 70 (48%) with early complications before discharge and 79 (54%) with late complications during follow-up period. Overall, rejection of pancreas graft occurred in 37 (25%) patients. Total rejection rate in T2DM recipients was significantly lower than that in T1DM. The short- and long-term outcomes for endocrine function in terms of fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels and graft survival rates are comparable between the T2DM and T1DM groups. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is not inferior to T1DM after pancreas transplantation in terms of surgical risks, immunological and endocrine outcomes, and graft survival rates. Therefore, pancreas transplantation could be an effective option to treat selected uremic T2DM patients without significant insulin resistance.

Circulating Cell-Free DNA as a Prognostic Biomarker in Resectable Ampullary Cancer.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in ampullary cancer patients was measured to clarify the correlation between cfDNA and clinicopathological factors and the impact of cfDNA on survival outcomes. Patients with ampullary cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. Correlations between cfDNA and clinicopathological and prognostic factors were determined. The cfDNA levels in patients ranged from 1282 to 21,674 copies/mL, with a median of 6687 copies/mL. The cfDNA level was significantly higher in patients with lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and stage II and III cancer. Poor prognostic factors for ampullary cancer included high cfDNA > 6687 copies/mL, lymph node involvement, abnormal serum CEA > 5 ng/mL, and advanced stage II and III cancer. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 92.0% and 66.5%, respectively, for patients with low cfDNA < 6687 copies/mL and 84.0% and 49.9%, respectively, for patients with high cfDNA > 6687 copies/mL (p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only the cfDNA level and stage were independent prognostic factors of ampullary cancer. Thus, the cfDNA level could act as a surrogate marker of both disease extent and biological aggressiveness of ampullary cancer. Moreover, cfDNA plays a significant role in the prognosis of resectable ampullary cancer.

Surgical and survival outcomes after robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy with positive margins.

BACKGROUND: Though nowadays a palliative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) can be performed safely with relatively low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates in experienced centers, there have been no studies on the routine use of a palliative PD or on the advantages of performing surgical resection as a debulking procedure. Furthermore, the impact of resection margins on survival outcomes has been a matter of controversy. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the role of robotic PD (RPD) in pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinomas with positive resection margins. METHODS: Patients undergoing RPDs and open PDs (OPDs) were included in this study. Based on the resection margins, the patients were divided into the R0, R1, and R2 PD groups. Surgical risks and survival outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 348 PDs, including 29 (8.3%) palliative and 319 (91.7%) curative. Primary tumor origin, tumor sizes, perineural invasions, and abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were factors leading to palliative resection. The multivariate analysis showed that only pancreatic head adenocarcinomas and abnormal serum CEA levels (>5 ng/mL) were independent predictors. The surgical risks between curative and palliative PD were similar. There were no significant differences in the surgical risks and other surgical parameters between palliative RPDs and OPDs. For curative resection, RPDs resulted in less blood loss, greater harvested lymph nodes yield, less postoperative complications, less delayed gastric emptying, and shorter hospital stays than OPDs. The survival outcome was significantly better following R0 resection in overall periampullary adenocarcinomas, whereas a significant survival difference was shown only between the R0 and R2 resections for pancreatic head adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSION: Compared with R0 PDs, palliative R1 PDs could benefit patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinomas when considering survival outcomes without increasing surgical risks. RPD can be considered for curative purposes and as an alternative for palliative management.