Re-evaluating the impact of tumor size on survival following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Mechteld C. De Jong, Fuyu Li, John L. Cameron, Christopher L. Wolfgang, Barish H. Edil, Joseph M. Herman, Michael A. Choti, Frederick Eckhauser, Kenzo Hirose, Richard D. Schulick, Timothy M. Pawlik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Objectives Following resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, tumor size has been considered a key prognostic feature; however, this remains controversial. We sought to examine the association of size with outcomes following resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods Between 1970 and 2010, 1,697 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the Johns Hopkins Hospital underwent curative intent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Of 1,697 patients, tumor size was ≤ 2cm in 418 (24.6%) patients, 2-5 cm in 1,070 (63.1%) patients, and ≥5 cm in 209 (12.3%) patients. On univariate analyses, 5-year survival was inversely proportional to tumor size (≤2 cm: 28.8% vs. 2-5cm: 19.4% vs. ≥5cm: 14.2%; P<0.001). Size correlated with the risk of other adverse factors, with larger tumors being more likely to be associated with nodal disease and poor differentiation (both P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, the 2cm cut-off was not associated with survival, while nodal disease (HR=1.59; P=0.006) and poor differentiation (HR=1.59; P=0.04) remained predictive of outcome, regardless of size. Conclusion The cut-off value of 2cm is not independently associated with outcome, however, tumor size was strongly associated with the risk of other adverse prognostic factors. The effect of size on prognosis was largely attributable to these other biologic factors rather than tumor size itself.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)656-662
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Surgical Oncology
Volume103
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2011

Keywords

  • pancreas adenocarcinoma
  • prognosis
  • tumor size

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oncology

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