Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm&nbsp;of the Pancreas: Need for a Tailored Approach to a Rare Entity

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is a relatively new entity that has gained increased attention because of its unique features – presence of different subtypes with different malignant potential, biological behavior, and prognosis, higher rates of recurrences and concomitant or metachronous pancreatic duct cancer. It is rare with an incidence of 4 to 5 cases per 100 000. The relative lack of experience significantly hampers decision making for surgery (pancreatic head resection, distal pancreatectomy or enucleation) or follow-up. Herein we present two cases managed by diametrically different tactic according to the risk stratification – distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and observation, respectively. An up-to-date literature review on the key points in diagnostics, indications for surgery, the extent of surgery, follow-up, and prognosis is provided. The tailored approach based on risk stratification is the cornerstone of management. Absolute indications for surgery are the lesions with high-risk stigmata, whereas the worrisome features should be evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration. Main duct and mixed type are usually referred to surgery, whereas the management of a branch type is more conservative due to the lower rate of invasive cancer. Strict postoperative follow-up is mandatory even in negative resection margins due to a high risk for recurrences and metachronous lesions. Despite the guidelines, the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm remains a major challenge for clinicians and surgeons in the balance the risk/benefit of observation versus resection. Risk stratification plays a key role in decision-making. Future trials need to determine the optimal period of surveillance and the most reliable predictive factors for concomitant pancreatic duct cancer.

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Risk assessment in precapillary pulmonary hypertension: a comparative analysis

Respiratory Research ◽

10.1186/s12931-021-01624-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Thomas Sonnweber ◽

Eva-Maria Schneider ◽

Manfred Nairz ◽

Igor Theurl ◽

Günter Weiss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

High Risk ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Risk Prediction ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Risk Models ◽

Non Invasive

Abstract Background Risk stratification is essential to assess mortality risk and guide treatment in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). We herein compared the accuracy of different currently used PH risk stratification tools and evaluated the significance of particular risk parameters. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study evaluating seven different risk assessment approaches according to the current PH guidelines. A comprehensive assessment including multi-parametric risk stratification was performed at baseline and 4 yearly follow-up time-points. Multi-step Cox hazard analysis was used to analyse and refine risk prediction. Results Various available risk models effectively predicted mortality in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Right-heart catheter parameters were not essential for risk prediction. Contrary, non-invasive follow-up re-evaluations significantly improved the accuracy of risk estimations. A lack of accuracy of various risk models was found in the intermediate- and high-risk classes. For these patients, an additional evaluation step including assessment of age and right atrium area improved risk prediction significantly. Discussion Currently used abbreviated versions of the ESC/ERS risk assessment tool, as well as the REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL Lite 2 based risk stratification, lack accuracy to predict mortality in intermediate- and high-risk precapillary pulmonary hypertension patients. An expanded non-invasive evaluation improves mortality risk prediction in these individuals.

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Analysis of Efficacy and Prognostic Factors of CLAG Treatment in Chinese Patients with Refractory or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acta Haematologica ◽

10.1159/000493250 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 141 (1) ◽

pp. 43-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Li Wang ◽

Jun Xu ◽

Xiaolong Tian ◽

Tingting Lv ◽

Guolin Yuan

Keyword(s):

Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽

High Risk ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Salvage Therapy ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Median Overall Survival ◽

Remission Rate ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Acute Myeloid

Background/Aims: The aim of this work was to investigate the efficacy and predictive factors of CLAG treatment in refractory or relapsed (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Methods: Sixty-seven R/R AML patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study and treated by a CLAG regimen: 5 mg/m2/day cladribine (days 1–5), 2 g/m2/day cytarabine (days 1–5), and 300 μg/day filgrastim (days 0–5). The median follow-up duration was 10 months. Results: A total of 57 out of 67 patients were evaluable for remission after CLAG therapy, of whom 57.9% achieved a complete remission (CR) and the overall remission rate was 77.2%. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.0 months, with a 1-year OS of 40.3 ± 6.0% and 3-year OS of 16.7 ± 5.7%. CR at first induction after the initial diagnosis was associated with a favorable CR. Age above 60 years, high risk stratification, second or higher salvage therapy, and bone marrow (BM) blasts ≥42.1% were correlated with an unfavorable CR. Secondary disease, age ≥60 years, high risk stratification, and second or higher salvage therapy were associated with worse OS. Patients developed thrombocytopenia (41, 61%), febrile neutropenia (37, 55%), leukopenia (33, 49%), neutropenia (18, 27%), and anemia (9, 13%). Conclusion: CLAG was effective and well tolerated for R/R AML. BM blasts ≥42.1%, age ≥60 years, high risk stratification, and second or higher salvage therapy were independent factors for a poor prognosis.

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