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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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An Orthotopic Resectional Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: September 24, 2020
Pancreatic resection for metastatic melanoma
M Nikfarjam1, P Evans, C Christophi
1Department of Surgery, Melbourne University, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. mnikfarjam@optusnet.com.au
Summary
Complete surgical resection may offer a cure for select patients with pancreatic melanoma metastases. This approach is effective when the disease is confined to the pancreas without widespread spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The pancreas is an uncommon site for melanoma metastases.
- Metastases to the pancreas may be the sole site of disease or occur with widespread metastases.
- Limited treatment options exist, and the role of surgery is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection for pancreatic metastases from melanoma.
- To present case studies of patients with ocular melanoma metastasizing to the pancreas.
Main Methods:
- Two patients with pancreatic lesions and a history of ocular melanoma were analyzed.
- One patient underwent a pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with concurrent liver resection.
- The other patient had a total pancreatectomy for multiple pancreatic tumors.
Main Results:
- Histology confirmed metastatic melanoma from an ocular primary in both patients.
- Resection margins were clear, and no lymph node metastases were detected.
- No tumor recurrence was observed at 6-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Complete surgical resection can potentially cure selected patients with pancreatic melanoma metastases.
- Surgical intervention is a viable option when there is no evidence of widespread metastatic disease.
