Management and outcomes of patients for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a multi-institutional

Bingqing Du1, Xing Wang2, Wangfa Zhang3

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

ANZ Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Positive lymph nodes, vascular invasion, and high-grade pathology (G3) are key predictors of recurrence in non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) after surgery. Lymph node resection is advised for G3 NF-PNETs identified via FNA biopsy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) are rare and heterogeneous, necessitating analysis of surgical outcomes.
  • Understanding short- and long-term results of NF-PNET resection is crucial for refining treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection for NF-PNETs.
  • To identify prognostic factors influencing recurrence and inform treatment approaches for this rare entity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 119 patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed NF-PNETs.
  • Data collected included perioperative management, pathologic analysis, and follow-up outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis (univariate and multivariate) was performed to identify recurrence predictors.

Main Results:

  • Multivariate analysis identified positive lymph nodes, vascular/perineural invasion, and pathology grade G3 as significant prognostic factors for tumor recurrence.
  • Univariate analysis showed symptoms, tumor size >4 cm, ENETS stages III-IV, positive lymph nodes, vascular/perineural invasion, and grade G2 were associated with higher recurrence risks.
  • Post-operative adjuvant therapy with octreotide in 14 G2/G3 patients without distant metastasis resulted in recurrence in 3 (21.4%) patients.

Conclusions:

  • Positive lymph nodes, vascular/peripheral invasion, and pathology grade G3 are significantly related to NF-PNET recurrence.
  • Lymph node resection is recommended for patients with NF-PNETs when Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy indicates pathology grade G3.