Current considerations on intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct and pancreatic duct

Pancreatobiliary intraductal papillary neoplasms(IPNs)represent precursors of pancreatic cancer or bile duct cholangiocarcinoma that can be detected and treated.Despite advances in diagnostic methods,identifying these premalignant lesions is still challenging for treatment providers.Modern imaging,biomarkers and molecular tests for genomic alterations can be used for diagnosis and follow-up.Surgical intervention in combination with new chemotherapeutic agents is considered the optimal treatment for malignant cases.The balance between the risk of malignancy and any risk of resection guides management policy;therefore,treatment should be individualized based on a meticulous preoperative assessment of high-risk stigmata.IPN of the bile duct is more aggressive;thus,early diagnosis and surgery are crucial.The conservative management of low-risk pancreatic branch-duct lesions is safe and effective.

Fine-needle aspiration technique under endoscopic ultrasound guidance:A technical approach for RNA profiling of pancreatic neoplasms

BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)has been a longstanding challenge.The prognosis of patients with PDAC depends on the stage at diagnosis.It is necessary to identify biomarkers for the detection and differentiation of pancreatic tumors and optimize PDAC sample preparation procedures for DNA and RNA analysis.Most molecular studies are done using paraffin-embedded blocks;however,the integrity of DNA and RNA is often compromised in this format.Moreover,RNA isolated from human pancreatic tissue samples is generally of low quality,in part,because of the high concentration of endogenous pancreatic RNAse activity present.AIM To assess the potential of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)to obtain specimens from pancreatic neoplasms for subsequent RNA molecular profiling,including next-generation sequencing(NGS).METHODS Thirty-four EUS-FNA samples were included in this study:PDAC(n=15),chronic pancreatitis(n=5),pancreatic cysts(n=14),mucinous cysts(mucinous cystic neoplasia/intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia)n=7,serous cystic neoplasms n=5,and pseudocysts n=2.Cyst material consisted of cyst fluid and cyst wall samples obtained by through-the-needle biopsy(TTNB).Samples were stored at -80℃ until analysis.RNA purity(A260/230,A260/280 ratios),concentration,and integrity(RIN)were assessed.Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on all samples,and small RNA libraries were prepared from solid mass samples.RESULTS RNA was successfully extracted from 29/34(85%)EUS-FNA samples:100% pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples,100% chronic pancreatitis samples,70% pancreatic fluid cyst samples,and 50%TTNB samples.The relative expression of GAPDH and HPRT were obtained for all successfully extracted RNA samples(n=29)including lowquality RNA specimens.Low concentration and nonoptimal RIN values(no less than 3)of RNA extracted from EUS-FNA samples did not prevent NGS library preparation.The suitability of cyst fluid samples for RNA profiling varied.The quality of RNA extracted from mucinous cyst fluid had a median RIN of 7.7(5.0-8.2),which was compatible with that from solid neoplasms[6.2(0-7.8)],whereas the quality of the RNA extracted from all fluids of serous cystic neoplasms and TTNB samples had a RIN of 0.CONCLUSION The results demonstrate the high potential of EUS-FNA material for RNA profiling of various pancreatic lesions,including low-quality RNA specimens.

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in gastroenteropancreatic tract

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms(MiNENs)are a hetero-geneous group of malignant neoplasms that can settle in the gastroenteropan-creatic tract.They are composed of a neuroendocrine(NE)and a non-NE compo-nent in at least 30%of each tumour.The non-NE component can include different histological combinations of glandular,squamous,mucinous and sarcomatoid phenotypes,and one or both of the components can be low-or high grade malignant.Recent changes in the nomenclature of these neoplasms might lead to great deal of confusion,and the lack of specific clinical trials is the main reason why their management is difficult.The review aims to clarify the definition of MiNEN and analyze available evidence about their diagnosis and treatment options according to their location and extension through careful analysis of the available data.It would be important to reach a general consensus on their diagnosis in order to construct a classification that remains stable over time and facilitates the design of clinical trials that,due to their low incidence,will require long recruitment periods.

Comparison between solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with cystic changes using computed tomography

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas(SPN)share similar imaging findings with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with cystic changes(PDAC with cystic changes),which may result in unnecessary surgery.AIM To investigate the value of computed tomography(CT)in differentiation of SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging findings of 32 patients diagnosed with SPN and 14 patients diagnosed with PDAC exhibiting cystic changes,confirmed through pathological diagnosis.Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed,including assessment of age,sex,tumor size,shape,margin,density,enhancement pattern,CT values of tumors,CT contrast enhancement ratios,“floating cloud sign,”calcification,main pancreatic duct dilatation,pancreatic atrophy,and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify relevant features to differentiate between SPN and PDAC with cystic changes,and receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each variable and their combination.RESULTS When compared to PDAC with cystic changes,SPN had a lower age(32 years vs 64 years,P<0.05)and a slightly larger size(5.41 cm vs 3.90 cm,P<0.05).SPN had a higher frequency of“floating cloud sign”and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis than PDAC with cystic changes(both P<0.05).No significant difference was found with respect to sex,tumor location,shape,margin,density,main pancreatic duct dilatation,calcification,pancreatic atrophy,enhancement pattern,CT values of tumors,or CT contrast enhancement ratios between the two groups(all P>0.05).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination was 0.833(95%confidence interval:0.708-0.957)with 78.6%sensitivity,81.3%specificity,and 80.4%accuracy in differentiation of SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.CONCLUSION A larger tumor size,“floating cloud sign,”and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis are useful CT imaging features that are more common in SPN and may help discriminate SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.

Irreversible electroporation for metastatic pancreatic carcinoma with liver metastasis:What does the evidence say

Irreversible electroporation is a promising non-thermal ablation method that has been shown to increase overall survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer in some studies.However,higher quality studies with proper controls and randomization are required to establish its superiority when added with neoadjuvant chemotherapy over the current management of choice,which is chemotherapy alone.Further studies are required before establishment of any survival benefit in metastatic pancreatic carcinoma,and such evidence is lacking at present.

Identification of breath volatile organic compounds to distinguish pancreatic adenocarcinoma,pancreatic cystic neoplasm,and patients without pancreatic lesions

BACKGROUND Volatile organic compounds(VOCs)are a promising potential biomarker that may be able to identify the presence of cancers.AIM To identify exhaled breath VOCs that distinguish pancreatic ductal adenocar-cinoma(PDAC)from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)and healthy volunteers.METHODS We collected exhaled breath from histologically proven PDAC patients,radiological diagnosis IPMN,and healthy volunteers using the ReCIVA®device between 10/2021-11/2022.VOCs were identified by thermal desorption-gas chromatography/field-asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry and compared between groups.RESULTS A total of 156 participants(44%male,mean age 62.6±10.6)were enrolled(54 PDAC,42 IPMN,and 60 controls).Among the nine VOCs identified,two VOCs that showed differences between groups were dimethyl sulfide[0.73 vs 0.74 vs 0.94 arbitrary units(AU),respectively;P=0.008]and acetone dimers(3.95 vs 4.49 vs 5.19 AU,respectively;P<0.001).After adjusting for the imbalance parameters,PDAC showed higher dimethyl sulfide levels than the control and IPMN groups,with adjusted odds ratio(aOR)of 6.98(95%CI:1.15-42.17)and 4.56(1.03-20.20),respectively(P<0.05 both).Acetone dimer levels were also higher in PDAC compared to controls and IPMN(aOR:5.12(1.80-14.57)and aOR:3.35(1.47-7.63),respectively(P<0.05 both).Acetone dimer,but not dimethyl sulfide,performed better than CA19-9 in PDAC diagnosis(AUROC 0.910 vs 0.796).The AUROC of acetone dimer increased to 0.936 when combined with CA19-9,which was better than CA19-9 alone(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dimethyl sulfide and acetone dimer are VOCs that potentially distinguish PDAC from IPMN and healthy participants.Additional prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Prognostic impact of inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is usually associated with a poor prognosis.Surgery is the main curative treatment but pancreatic operations are aggressive and new tools that help clinicians to predict surgical and prognostic outcomes are necessary.Lu et al recently published a retrospective,single centre cohort study evaluating the impact of seven nutritional and inflammatory markers in pancreatic cancer surgical patients:The albumin-to-globulin ratio,prognostic nutritional index(PNI),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),nutritional risk index,and the geriatric nutritional risk index.A significant correlation was found between the PNI,SII,NLR,and PLR and a hospital discharge of less than 15 days.In a univariable analysis,PNI,SII,NLR and PLR were significantly related to recurrence-free survival and,in a multivariable analysis PNI was associated with overall survival.Various meta-analyses corroborate the results in terms of prognosis but individual studies are discordant on their usefulness.Besides,the cut-off values for these markers vary significantly between studies and there are no clinical trials comparing them to identify the most relevant ones.These are limitations when implementing nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers into clinical practice and further studies are needed in order to answer these questions.

Improving postoperative outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer:Inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers

This editorial assesses the prognostic value of preoperative inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers in patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic cancer.Lu et al evaluated the ability of seven biomarkers to predict postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes.These biomarkers were albumin-to-globulin ratio,prognostic nutritional index(PNI),systemic immune-inflammation index,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio,nutritional risk index,and geriatric nutritional risk index.The PNI was found to be a strong predictor of both overall and recurrence-free survival,underscoring its clinical relevance in managing patients with pancreatic cancer.

High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia: A commentary of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings

Commentary on the role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography fin-dings in diagnosing high grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms.

GATIS score:An innovative prognostic score for rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

In this article,we discussed the article by Zeng et al,published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The publication represents a significant advancement in the prognostic evaluation of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms.The GATIS score is a single nomogram model that incorporates five key progno-stic factors:Tumor grade;T stage;tumor size;age;and the prognostic nutritional index.This innovation optimizes the prognostic process,delivering more accurate predictions of overall survival and progression-free survival compared to tradi-tional TNM staging and World Health Organization classification systems.The findings of the study were based on a retrospective analysis spanning 12 years and involving 1408 patients from 17 reference centers in China.In this editorial,we specifically examined the strengths and limitations of the study,the clinical implications of the GATIS score,and the questions arising from its conclusions.

Advanced pancreatic cancer treated with camrelizumab combined with apatinib:A case report

BACKGROUND The 5-year survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer(PC)is 4%-12%.Surgery is the only treatment that offers curative potential,but only 15%-20%of patients are eligible for surgery.PC is prone to recurrence and metastasis,and the antitumor effect of chemotherapy is notably limited.CASE SUMMARY Histopathological analysis of a 53-year-old female PC patient who underwent Whipple surgery revealed poorly differentiated tumor cells infiltrating nerves,lymphatics,and blood vessels.The patient received two different first-line chemotherapy regimens consecutively;however,both regimens struggled to control disease progression.During this period,the patient underwent liver metastasis ablation surgery,Candida albicans liver abscess,and stereotactic body radiotherapy.With the addition of camrelizumab to the modified FOLFIRINOX regimen,tumor control was achieved.The patient subsequently refused to continue chemotherapy,and the antitumor regimen was changed to a combination of camrelizumab and apatinib.After patients received a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy,the length of hospital stay was significantly reduced.Furthermore,all side effects were within acceptable limits,leading to an improved quality of life and prolonged progression-free survival.Unfortunately,the pain associated with cancer,coupled with the side effects of opioid analgesics,has led the patient to reject all available anticancer treatment options.Approximately one month after camrelizumab and apatinib were discontinued without medical authorization,the PC recurred and rapidly progressed to widespread metastasis,ultimately leading to the patient's death approximately one month later.The overall survival was 2 years.CONCLUSION Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have the potential to increase both the quality of life and survival time of PC patients,particularly those whose tumor progression is not effectively controlled by chemotherapy alone.Nevertheless,further clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings.

Identification of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who might benefit from third-line chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Survival rates of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer(APC)have been improved with palliative chemotherapy series.The current preferred first-line regimen consists of combination therapy of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)/leucovorin(LV),irinotecan,and oxaliplatin(FOLFIRINOX)or gemcitabine plus albumin-bound paclitaxel(GNP).After failure of first-line chemotherapy,there are a few options for subsequent therapy including switch to the unused first-line regimen or nanoliposomal irinotecan and 5-FU/LV.However,there are limited studies on the efficacy of third-line chemotherapy after failure of second-line chemotherapy.AIM To identify patients with APC who might benefit from third-line chemotherapy.METHODS Medical records from a single tertiary hospital were retrospectively reviewed between 2012 and 2021.The study included patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic or locally APC who underwent first-line FOLFIRINOX or GNP and subsequently received third-line chemotherapy.Overall survival(OS)after diagnosis and OS after third-line chemotherapy(OS3)were defined as the interval from the diagnosis to all-cause death and the time between the initiation of the third-line chemotherapy to all-cause death,respectively.RESULTS A total of 141 patients were enrolled.The median patient age at diagnosis was 61.8 years(36.0-86.0),and 54.9%were male.The first-line regimen was FOLFIRINOX(67.4%)or GNP(32.6%).The second-line regimen was FOLFIRINOX(27.0%),GNP(52.5%),or other(20.6%).The median OS was 19.0 months,and the median OS3 and progression-free survival after third-line treatment were 15.3 and 7.3 weeks,respectively.With regard to the best tumor response during third-line chemotherapy,1.4%had partial response,24.8%had stable disease,and 59.6%had progressive disease.The following clinical factors before third-line chemotherapy affected OS3:Good performance status(PS),serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)level<1000 U/mL,duration of second-line chemotherapy≥19 weeks,and no peritoneal seeding.CONCLUSION This study identified that patients with good PS,CA19-9<1000 U/mL,second-line chemotherapy≥19 weeks,and no peritoneal seeding before starting third-line treatment may benefit more from third-line chemotherapy.

Improving predictive accuracy of early recurrence in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma:Role of postoperative serum tumor markers

In a recent study by He et al,the nomogram integrates postoperative serum tumor markers such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen,thereby improving the accuracy of identifying high-risk patients compared to relying solely on preoperative markers,which has significant implications for customizing adjuvant therapy and potentially improving outcomes for this aggressive form of cancer.However,the study’s single-center design and short follow-up period may limit the generalizability of its findings and potentially introduce reporting bias.Future studies could consider additional confounding factors,such as adjuvant chemotherapy and variations in surgical techniques,to improve the model’s accuracy.Furthermore,it would be valuable to validate the nomogram in broader,prospective cohorts and explore the inclusion of additional markers like circulating tumor DNA to refine further its predictive power and applicability across diverse patient populations.

Role of octamer transcription factor 4 in proliferation,migration,drug sensitivity,and stemness maintenance of pancreatic cancer cells

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer(PC)is one of the most aggressive malignancies characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis.The involvement of cancer stem cells(CSCs)and Octamer transcription factor 4(OCT4)in PC pathobiology is being increasingly recognized.AIM To investigate the role of OCT4 in pancreatic CSCs and its effect on PC cell prolif-eration,migration,drug sensitivity,and stemness maintenance.METHODS We analyzed OCT4 and CD133 expression in PC tissues and cell lines.BxPC-3 cells were used to assess the effects of OCT4 modulation on cellular behavior.Proliferation,migration,and stemness of BxPC-3 cells were evaluated,and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was examined to gain mechanistic insights.RESULTS OCT4 and CD133 were significantly overexpressed in PC tissues.OCT4 mo-dulation altered BxPC-3 cell proliferation,invasion,and stemness,with OCT4 overexpression(OV-OCT4)enhancing these properties and OCT4 interference decreasing them.OV-OCT4 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,which correlated with an increase in PC stem cells(PCSC).CONCLUSION OCT4 plays a crucial role in PCSCs by influencing the aggressiveness and drug resistance of PC cells,thus presenting itself as a potential therapeutic target.

Multimodal treatment combining neoadjuvant therapy,laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy and adjuvant therapy for pancreatic neck-body cancer:Case series

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer involving the pancreas neck and body often invades the retroperitoneal vessels,making its radical resection challenging.Multimodal treatment strategies,including neoadjuvant therapy,surgery,and postoperative adjuvant therapy,are contributing to a paradigm shift in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.This strategy is also promising in the treatment of pancreatic neckbody cancer.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multimodal strategy for the treatment of borderline/locally advanced pancreatic neck-body cancer.METHODS From January 2019 to December 2021,we reviewed the demographic characteristics,neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment data,intraoperative and postoperative variables,and follow-up outcomes of patients who underwent multimodal treatment for pancreatic neck-body cancer in a prospectively collected database of our hospital.This investigation was reported in line with the Preferred Reporting of Case Series in Surgery criteria.RESULTS A total of 11 patients with pancreatic neck-body cancer were included in this study,of whom 6 patients were borderline resectable and 5 were locally advanced.Through multidisciplinary team discussion,all patients received neoadjuvant therapy,of whom 8(73%)patients achieved a partial response and 3 patients maintained stable disease.After multidisciplinary team reassessment,all patients underwent laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy and portal vein reconstruction and achieved R0 resection.Postoperatively,two patients(18%)developed ascites,and two patients(18%)developed pancreatic fistulae.The median length of stay of the patients was 11 days(range:10-15 days).All patients received postoperative adjuvant therapy.During the follow-up,three patients experienced tumor recurrence,with a median disease-free survival time of 13.3 months and a median overall survival time of 20.5 months.CONCLUSION A multimodal treatment strategy combining neoadjuvant therapy,laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy,and adjuvant therapy is safe and feasible in patients with pancreatic neck-body cancer.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein,procalcitonin,and total bilirubin levels for pancreatic fistula after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the most common malignancy of the digestive system and surgical resection is the primary treatment.Advances in surgical technology have reduced the risk of complications after radical gastrectomy;however,post-surgical pancreatic fistula remain a serious issue.These fistulas can lead to abdominal infections,anastomotic leakage,increased costs,and pain;thus,early diagnosis and prevention are crucial for a better prognosis.Currently,C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),and total bilirubin(TBil)levels are used to predict post-operative infections and anastomotic leakage.However,their predictive value for pancreatic fistula after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer remains unclear.The present study was conducted to determine their predictive value.AIM To determine the predictive value of CRP,PCT,and TBil levels for pancreatic fistula after gastric cancer surgery.METHODS In total,158 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at our hospital between January 2019 and January 2023 were included.The patients were assigned to a pancreatic fistula group or a non-pancreatic fistula group.Multivariate logistic analysis was conducted to assess the factors influencing development of a fistula.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to determine the predictive value of serum CRP,PCT,and TBil levels on day 1 postsurgery.RESULTS On day 1 post-surgery,the CRP,PCT,and TBil levels were significantly higher in the pancreatic fistula group than in the non-pancreatic fistula group(P<0.05).A higher fistula grade was associated with higher levels of the indices.Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the presence of diabetes,hyperlipidemia,pancreatic injury,splenectomy,and the biomarker levels(P<0.05).Logistic multivariate analysis identified diabetes,hyperlipidemia,pancreatic injury,CRP level,and PCT level as independent risk factors.ROC curves yielded predictive values for CRP,PCT,and TBil levels,with the PCT level having the highest area under the curve(AUC)of 0.80[95%confidence interval(CI):0.72-0.90].Combined indicators improved the predictive value,with an AUC of 0.86(95%CI:0.78-0.93).CONCLUSION Elevated CRP,PCT,and TBil levels predict risk of pancreatic fistula post-gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms

AIM To evaluate the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in the assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) compared to computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS All patients with indeterminate PCNs underwent CT, MRI, and EUS. The detailed information, including size, number, the presence of a papilla/nodule, the presence of a septum, and the morphology of the pancreatic duct of PCNs were compared among the three imaging modalities. The size of each PCN was determined using the largest diameter measured. A cyst consisting of several small cysts was referred to as a motherdaughter cyst. Disagreement among the three imaging modalities regarding the total number of mother cysts resulted in the assumption that the correct number was the one in which the majority of imaging modalities indicated.RESULTS A total of 52 females and 16 males were evaluated. The median size of the cysts was 42.5 mm by EUS, 42.0 mm by CT and 38.0 mm by MRI; there was no significant difference in size as assessed among the three imaging techniques. The diagnostic sensitivity and ability of EUS to classify PCNs were 98.5%(67/68) and 92.6%(63/68), respectively. These percentages were higher than those of CT(73.1%, P < 0.001; 17.1%, P < 0.001) and MRI(81.3%, P = 0.001; 20.3%, P < 0.001). EUS was also able to better assess the number of daughter cysts in mother cysts than CT(P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference between EUS and MRI in assessing mother-daughter cysts(P = 0.254). The papilla/nodule detection rate by EUS was 35.3%(24/68), much higher than those by CT(5.8%, 3/52) and MRI(6.3%, 4/64). The detection rate of the septum by EUS was 60.3%(41/68), which was higher than those by CT(34.6%, 18/52) and by MRI(46.9%, 30/64); the difference between EUS and CT was significant(P = 0.02). The rate of visualizing the pancreatic duct using EUS was 100%, whereas using CT and MRI it was less than 10%.CONCLUSION EUS helps visualize the detailed structures of PCNs and has many advantages over CT and MRI. EUS is valuable in the diagnosis and assessment of PCNs.

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms:Current diagnosis and management

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)represent approximately 1%of all pancreatic neoplasms and 25%of cystic neoplasms.They are divided into three types:main duct-IPMN(MD-IPPMN),branch duct-IPMN(BD-IPMN),and mixed type-IPMN.In this review,diagnostics,including clinical presentation and radiological investigations,were described.Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful for most IPMNs.Management depends on the type and radiological features of IPMNs.Surgery is recommended for MD-IPMN.For BD-IPMN,management involves surgery or surveillance depending on the tumor size,cyst growth rate,solid components,main duct dilatation,high-grade dysplasia in cytology,the presence of symptoms(jaundice,new-onset diabetes,pancreatitis),and CA 19.9 serum level.The patient’s age and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration.Currently,there are different guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of IPMNs.In this review,the following guidelines were presented:Sendai International Association of Pancreatology guidelines(2006),American Gastroenterological Association guidelines,revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines(2012),revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines(2017),and European evidence-based guidelines according to the European Study Group on Cystic Tumours of the Pancreas(2018).The Verona Evidence-Based Meeting 2020 was also presented and discussed.

Update on surgical treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(PNENs) are rare and account for only 2%-4% of all pancreatic neoplasms. All PNENs are potential(neurendocrine tumors PNETs) or overt(neuroendocrine carcinomas PNECs) malignant,but a subset of PNETs is low-risk. Even in case of low-risk PNETs surgical resection is frequently required to treat hormone-related symptoms and to obtain an appropriate pathological diagnosis. Low-risk PNETs in the body and the tail are ideal for minimallyinvasive approaches which should be tailored to the individual patient. Generally,surgeons must aim for parenchyma sparing in these cases. In high-risk and malignant PNENs,indications for tumor resection are much wider than for pancreatic adenocarcinoma,in many cases due to the relatively benign tumor biology. Thus,patients with locally advanced and metastatic PNETs may benefit from extensive resection. In experienced hands,even multi-organ resections are accomplished with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality rates and are associated with excellent long term survival. However,poorly differentiated neoplasms with high proliferation rates are associated with a dismal prognosis and may frequently only be treated with chemotherapy. The evidence on surgical treatment of PNENs stems from reviews of mostly singlecenter series and some analyses of nation-wide tumor registries. No randomized trial has been performed to compare surgical and non-surgical therapies in potentially resectable PNEN. Though such a trial would principally be desirable,ethical considerations and the heterogeneity of PNENs preclude realization of such a study. In the current review,we summarize recent advances in the surgical treatment of PNENs.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided injective ablative treatment of pancreatic cystic neoplasms

With the development of cross-sectional imaging modalities and the increasing attention being paid to physical examinations, the prevalence of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) has increased. PCNs comprise a broad differential spectrum with some PCNs having low or no malignant potential and others having high malignant potential. The morbidity and mortality rates related to major pancreatic surgical resection are high. Long-term surveillance may not only increase the financial burden and psychological stress for patients but also result in a missed malignancy. Minimally invasive endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided ethanol ablation was first reported in 2005. Several other agents, such as paclitaxel, lauromacrogol, and gemcitabine, were reported to be effective and safe for the treatment of PCNs. These ablative agents are injected through a needle inserted into the cyst via transgastric or transduodenal puncture. This treatment method has been substantially developed in the last 15 years and is regarded as a promising treatment to replace surgical resection for PCNs. While several reviews of EUS-guided ablation have been published, no systematic review has evaluated this method from patient preparation to follow-up in detail. In the present review, we systematically describe EUS-guided injective ablation with regard to the indications, contraindications, preoperative treatment, endoscopic procedure, postoperative care and follow-up, evaluation method, treatment efficiency, safety profile, tips and tricks, and current controversies and perspectives.