Factors predicting recurrence after resection of pancreatic ductal carcinoma

Pancreatic ductal carcinoma frequently recurs postoperatively, and we analyzed clinicopathological features of patients treated by surgical resection to find predictors of postoperative recurrence.

A retrospective cohort study was performed that included 69 patients between 1985 and 2003. Clinicopathologic factors were evaluated for tumor recurrences by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Mean survival time and actuarial 5-year disease-specific survival were significantly lower in cases of hepatic metastasis (13 months, 0%) and in cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis (15 months, 6.8%) than in cases of local retroperitoneal recurrence (30 months, 21%). Univariate and logistic regression analyses showed undifferentiated adenocarcinoma to be independently associated with hepatic metastasis (odds ratio, 7.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-37.0) and invasion of the portal vein to be independently associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-12.8). Multivariate analysis showed undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, invasion of the anterior capsule, and invasion of the portal vein to be independent prognostic factors.

Undifferentiated adenocarcinoma and invasion of the portal vein are predictors of poor outcome and are related to hepatic metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, respectively. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, including intra-arterial chemotherapy, should be selected according to prediction of the patterns of recurrence.