Due to its geographic isolation and limited population, Iceland inherently operates as a low-volume center for pancreatic surgery. To ensure high-quality health care, there is a long tradition of specialists training abroad. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate pancreatic surgery outcomes in Iceland.

Patients who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy in Iceland between 2003 and 2022 were included and compared between early (2003-2012) and late (2013-2022) periods.

During the study period, 244 patients underwent a pancreatic procedure in Iceland, 122 of which were pancreatoduodenectomies. There was a notable increase in resection rates from the early to the late period, accompanied by significant reductions in the rates of pancreatic fistulas, postpancreatectomy hemorrhages, reoperations, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. The rates of ideal outcome (54 %) and 90-day mortality (3 %) in the latter period were comparable to international rates. However, the total resection rates were low for the population size, and histopathological results revealed a high percentage of early-stage tumors.

The findings of this retrospective study indicate a satisfactory standard of pancreatic surgery over the past decade, suggesting that the existing educational framework is effective. With continued careful preoperative evaluation, more patients could undergo pancreatic surgery in Iceland.

Frozen sections are performed in pancreatic surgery for three reasons: histopathological confirmation of previously unclear space-occupying lesions, determination of the extent of surgical resection in an operative exploration and for possible follow-up resections after previously carried out surgical resections. Overall, in the literature there are heterogeneous data with respect to an improvement in the prognosis of a secondary R0 resection by a repeat resection in comparison to a R1 resection. Nowadays, extended pancreatic resections including vascular resections are technically feasible and safe. Nevertheless, with respect to the precise radicality in the surgical procedure, all patient characteristics should be taken into consideration in addition to the histopathological diagnosis of the frozen sections.

Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy with venous resection (PDVR) may be performed to achieve tumour clearance in patients with a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with venous involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PDVR on PDAC outcomes. Methods: In total, 435 PDAC patients with either R0 status (n = 322) or R1 status within the superior mesenteric vein groove (n = 113) were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study dataset. PDVR patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio with standard PD patients. Comparisons were then made between the two groups (surgical radicality and survival). Results: A total of 81 PDVRs were matched with 162 PDs. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (5.7% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.032) and R1 resection rates (17.9% vs. 42%, p < 0.001) were higher in the PDVR group. Risk factors for R1 resection included venous resection (p < 0.001 for sleeve and p = 0.034 for segmental resection), pT3 (p = 0.007), and pN1 stage (p = 0.045). PDVR patients had lower median overall survival (OS, 21 vs. 30 months (m), p = 0.023) and disease-free survival (DFS, 17 m vs. 24 m, p = 0.043). Among PDVR patients, R status did not impact on OS (R0: 23 m, R1: 21 m, p = 0.928) or DFS (R0: 18 m, R1: 17 m, p = 0.558). Irrespective of R status, systemic recurrence was higher in the PDVR group (p = 0.034). Conclusions: Independent of R status, the PDVR group had lower overall survival and higher systemic recurrence rates.

This study delineates the learning curve of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy for first-generation surgeons, using the Comprehensive Complication Index to assess patient outcomes.

Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy is a promising alternative to open pancreatoduodenectomy, but patient safety and quality of outcomes during the learning phase remain critical.

We retrospectively analyzed 313 consecutive robotic pancreatoduodenectomies performed by a single surgeon. The cumulative-sum method defined the learning curve, and Comprehensive Complication Index, adjusted for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy difficulty by PD-ROBOSCORE, was the dependent variable.

The median PD-ROBOSCORE was 8 (4.8-10.9), and the median Comprehensive Complication Index was 29.6 (20.9-39.5). At 90 days, severe morbidity and mortality rates were 24% and 5.4%, respectively. Three learning phases were identified: competency (63 procedures), proficiency (176), and mastery (263). Early phases involved simpler cases, whereas later phases showed greater complexity and a higher proportion of patients with ASA scores >2. Pancreatic cancer cases tripled in phases 2 and 3. Each phase showed progressive reductions in operative time and Comprehensive Complication Index. The mastery phase demonstrated further improvements in Comprehensive Complication Index, lymph node harvest, and margin status. Compared with proficiency, mastery saw improved outcomes in delayed gastric emptying, harvested lymph nodes, and R1 rates in pancreatic cancer. Operative time was longer, but morbidity and mortality remained stable.

The robotic pancreatoduodenectomy learning process involves competency, proficiency, and mastery phases. Structured training programs may accelerate this learning curve, but high procedural volumes are essential to improve outcomes. Future studies should account for surgeon experience and case complexity when evaluating robotic pancreatoduodenectomy outcomes.

The presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery (a-RHA) could influence the oncological and postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A comparative study was conducted, including patients who underwent PD with a-RHA or with normal RHA anatomy. The primary endpoints were R1 resection in all margins (pancreatic, anterior, posterior, superior mesenteric artery, and portal groove), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). The secondary endpoints were morbidity, mortality, biliary leak (BL), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), post pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), length of stay (LOS), and operative time (OT). The selection bias was measured using the d-value and limited using entropy balancing analysis. Patients with arterial variants were 84 (37.5%), 39 (17.4%) of whom had a-RHA from SMA. The patients with a-RHA were more frequently symptomatic (d = 0.652), often affected by PDAC (d = 0.369), and judged borderline resectable (d = 0.588). Neoadjuvant therapy was more frequently proposed for patients with a-RHA (d = 0.465). The patients with a-RHA often had the Wirsung dilated compared to those without a-RHA (d = 0.336). After bias correction, the R1 resection rate on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) margin was higher in the a-RHA group than in patients with normal RHA anatomy (OR 2.3; 1.1-5.2; P = 0.045). OS, DFS, morbidity, mortality, biliary leak (BL), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), post pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), length of stay (LOS), and operative time (OT) were similar in unmatched and matched population. The presence of a-RHA seems to increase the risk of R1 resection in the SMA margin.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal cancers, characterized by late diagnosis, rapid progression, and limited therapeutic options. Despite advancements, only 20% of patients are eligible for surgical resection at diagnosis, the sole curative treatment. Multidisciplinary evaluation is critical to optimize care, stratifying patients based on resectability into resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, and metastatic stages. Preoperative imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), remains central for staging, for vascular assessment, and tissue acquisition. Endoscopic and systemic approaches are pivotal for addressing complications like biliary obstruction and improving outcomes. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been considered for years the gold standard for biliary drainage, although EUS-guided drainage is increasingly utilized due to its efficacy in both resectable and unresectable disease. Systemic therapies play a key role in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative settings, with ongoing trials exploring their impact on survival and resectability chance. This review highlights the evolving multidisciplinary approaches tailored to the disease stage, focusing on biliary drainage techniques, systemic therapies, and their integration into comprehensive care pathways for PDAC. The continuous refinement of these strategies offers incremental survival benefits and underscores the importance of personalized, multidisciplinary management.

In preoperative staging for patients with a ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head (PDAC), resectability is anatomically characterized by the possible clearance of the medial vascular grove. Borderline resectable PDAC patients who retain an increased risk of infiltration to the portomesenteric system and/or arterial vasculate are candidates for neoadjuvant therapy. However, redefined pathological analysis revealed the dorsal resection margin to be similar at risk for R1 resection. Mesopancreatic excision (MPE) aims to secure the integrity of the dorsal and ventral resection margins. The existence of the mesopancreas (MP) is inevitable, since the pancreas is of a secondary retroperitoneal nature and the dorsal as well as ventral fascial coverings define the peripancreatic compartment anatomy. It remains unknown if the MP area is only infiltrated in high-risk PDAC patients or if MPE during pancreatoduodenectomy should be employed for localized PDAC patients as well.

Patients who underwent upfront pancreatoduodenectomy were included. CRM evaluation and analysis of the MP was standardized in all patients. Patients were sub-grouped by the infiltration status of the vascular groove (localized disease: LOC). In LOC patients there was evidently no cancerous infiltration into the medial vascular groove (true + primary resectable).

Two hundred eighty-four consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy were included (169 LOC patients). In LOC patients the MP infiltration rate remained high but was significantly lower when compared to advanced PDAC patients (MP + 69.2% vs. 83.5%, p = 0.005). In LOC patients, CRM resection status of the dorsal resection status remained significantly affected by the MP infiltration status (R0CRM- 80.5% vs. 62.8%, p = 0.019).

These important findings clearly show underestimated tumor extensions into the mesopancreas even in localized, primary resectable PDAC patients who are currently amenable for upfront resection. Synergistically to total mesorectal or mesocolic excision, which is applied to all stages of colorectal disease, MPE is justified in primary resectable patients as well. Therefore, MPE should be employed in all PDAC patients. Since the infiltration status of the mesopancreas was a significant factor for incomplete resection in primary resectable PDAC patients, neoadjuvant treatment options for must be discussed.

To build a Bayesian approach-based model to predict the success of surgical exploration post-neoadjuvant treatment.

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is best treated with radical surgery and chemotherapy, offering the greatest chance of survival. Surgery after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) is indicated in the absence of progression, knowing the limits in accurately predicting resectability with traditional radiology. R Status being a pathological parameter, it can be assessed only after surgery.

Patients successfully resected for histologically confirmed PDAC after NAT for BR and LA disease were included, with attention to the predictors of R status from the existing literature. The Bayesian logistic regression model was estimated for predicting the R1 status. The area under curve (AUC) of the average posterior probability of R1 was calculated and results were reported considering the 95% posterior credible intervals for the odds ratios, along with the probability of direction.

The final model demonstrated a commendable AUC value of 0.72, indicating good performance. The likelihood of positive margins was associated with older age, higher ASA score, the presence of venous and/or arterial involvement at preoperative radiology, tumor location within the pancreatic body, a lack of tumor size reduction post-NAT, and the persistence of an elevated Ca19.9 value.

A Bayesian approach using only preoperative items is firstly used with good performance to predict R Status in pancreatic cancer patients who underwent resection after neoadjuvant therapy.

A positive surgical margin (R1 resection) is a relevant risk factor for local recurrence in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PDAC). An intraoperative liquid biopsy (ILB) based on tumor cell mobilization could help to detect R1 resection intraoperatively.

To evaluate the potential role of the intraoperative circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cluster mobilization on the R0/R1 detection.

Sixty-three patients with resectable PDAC of the head of the pancreas were prospective enrolled under the CETUPANC trial. Open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was done in all patients. Intraoperative CTCs and clusters were determined during PD.

The overall rate of R1 resection was 34.9% (22/63 patients). Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with R1 resection (AUC=0.920) were the presence of undifferentiated G3 tumor (P=0.017), microscopic vascular invasion (P=0.016), and the intraoperative increase of both free CTCs and clusters in portal vein determination from the beginning to the end of the surgery (P=0.002 and P=0.005, respectively). A specific logistic regression model, including delta end to baseline CTCs and cluster mobilization to achieve a combined cut-off to detect R1 detection was calculated (AUC=0.799). The obtained R1-index based on ILB had 84% of sensitivity and 68% of specificity to detect R1 resection.

The ILB based on the intraoperative mobilization of CTCs and clusters from the beginning to the end of the PD was a predictive factor to detect R1 resection in patients with PDAC.

Ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still has a dismal prognosis even when deemed resectable. A cancer free resection margin (R0) is associated with a more favourable prognosis than the presence of tumour cells at resection margin (R1). However, the precise definition of the R0 status is still a matter of debate in PDAC. For a more accurate determination of R0 in PDAC the concept of circumferential resection margins (CRM) has been established and has been incorporated into the German national S3 guideline on exocrine pancreatic cancer. However, an international standardized nomenclature of CRM is still missing, and the clinical value of the CRM concept is not yet fully established. Here we evaluate whether the CRM status as defined in the national German S3 guideline corresponds with overall and progression free survival in PDAC using data from the regional cancer registry of the State of Baden Württemberg in Germany.

Data from the cancer registry of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, were used to assess the relationship between CRM-status and progression free survival (PFS) as well as 3-year overall survival (OS) using documented patients diagnosed with resectable ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas between 2015 and 2020. Patients were residents of the State of Baden-Württemberg and underwent surgery for PDAC. The R-status was assessed according to the national German S3 guideline with R0 wide/CRM- when CRM is > 1 mm from the tumour, R0 narrow/CRM + when CRM is ≤ 1 mm from the tumour and R1 when tumour cells are found at the resection margin.

In total we identified 1098 cases surgically treated for pancreatic cancer and fulfilling the inclusion criteria. 340 patients had an R0 wide/CRM- resection, 410 patients an R0 narrow/CRM + resection, and 348 patients an R1 resection. The R0 wide/CRM- status was associated with a significantly increased median OS rate compared to the other two groups (51,5%, 37,4% and 26,7% for R0 wide/CRM-, R0 narrow/CRM + and R1, respectively). mPFS was also longer in the R0 wide/CRM- group. These findings were robust with regards to grading and tumour location.

CRM is prognostic for patients with resectable PDAC making the pathological assessment of the R-status according to the CRM concept worthwhile.

Dynamics of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) often inform treatment decisions during and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, considerable dispute persists regarding the clinical relevance of specific CA19-9 thresholds and dynamics. Therefore, we aimed to define optimal thresholds for CA19-9 values and create a biochemically driven composite score to predict survival in CA19-9-producing patients with PDAC after NAT.

Patients with PDAC who underwent NAT and surgical resection from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively identified from three high-volume centers. CA19-9 nonproducers and patients with 90-day mortality, and macroscopically incomplete resections were excluded. A composite score was created on the basis of relative CA19-9 change and newly defined optimal thresholds of pre- and postneoadjuvant values for overall survival (OS) using patients from two centers and validated using data from the third center.

A total of 492 patients met inclusion criteria in the development cohort. Optimal CA19-9 cutoff values for predicting a difference in OS were 202 U/mL for preneoadjuvant and 78 U/mL for postneoadjuvant levels. Furthermore, increase in CA19-9 during neoadjuvant treatment was associated with worse OS (median-OS, 17.5 months v 26.0 months; P = .008). Not surpassing any or only one of these thresholds (composite score of 0-1) was associated with improved OS compared with patients with 2-3 points (median-OS, 29.9 months v 15.8 months; P < .001). Major serological response (90% decrease of CA19-9) had a positive and negative predictive value of 32% and 88%, respectively.

The composite score consisting of CA19-9 levels at diagnosis, after neoadjuvant treatment, and its dynamics demonstrates prognostic discrimination between low and high scores. However, better predictive biomarkers are needed to facilitate treatment decisions during neoadjuvant treatment.

The study determined the proportion of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who had margin-positive disease and no other adverse pathologic findings (APF) using institutional and administrative datasets.

Patients with clinical stage I or II PDAC in the National Cancer Database (NCDB 2010-2020) and those who underwent pancreatectomy at the authors' institution (2010-2021) were identified. Isolated margin positivity (IMP) was defined as a positive surgical margin with no APF (negative nodes, no lymphovascular/perineural invasion).

The study included 225 patients from the authors' institution and 23,598 patients from the NCDB. The margin-positive rates were 21.8% and 20.3%, and the IMP rates were 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. In the institutional cohort, 68.4% of the patients had recurrence, and most of the patients (65.6%) had distant recurrences. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 63.3 months for no APF, not reached for IMP, 14.8 months for negative margins & 1 APF, 20.3 months for positive margins & 2 APFs, and 12.9 months with all APF positive. The patients in the NCDB with IMP had a lower median OS than the patients with no APF (20.5 vs 390 months), but a higher median OS than those with margin positivity plus 1 APF (20.5 vs 18.0 months) or all those with APF positivity (20.5 vs 15.4 months). Based on institutional rates of IMP, any margin positivity, neck margin positivity (NMP), and no APF, the fraction of patients who might benefit from neck margin revision was 1 in 100,000, and those likely to benefit from any margin revision was 1 in 18,500. In the NCDB, those estimated to derive potential benefit from margin revision was 1 in 25,000.

Isolated margin positivity in resected PDAC is rare, and most patients experience distant recurrence. Revision of IMP appears unlikely to confer benefit to most patients.

To analyze postrecurrence progression in the context of recurrence sites and assess implications for postrecurrence treatment.

Most patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) recur within 2 years. Different survival outcomes for location-specific patterns of recurrence are reported, highlighting their prognostic value. However, a lack of understanding of postrecurrence progression and survival remains.

This retrospective analysis included surgically treated patients with PDAC at NYU Langone Health (2010-2021). Sites of recurrence were identified at the time of diagnosis and further follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox regression analyses were applied to assess survival outcomes.

Recurrence occurred in 57.3% (196/342) patients with a median time to recurrence of 11.3 months (95% CI: 12.6-16.5). The first site of recurrence was local in 43.9% of patients, liver in 23.5%, peritoneal in 8.7%, lung in 3.6%, whereas 20.4% had multiple sites of recurrence. Progression to secondary sites was observed in 11.7%. Only lung involvement was associated with significantly longer survival after recurrence compared with other sites (16.9 vs 8.49 months, P = 0.003). In local recurrence, 21 (33.3%) patients were alive after 1 year without progression to secondary sites. This was associated with a CA19-9 of <100 U/mL at the time of primary diagnosis ( P = 0.039), nodal negative disease ( P = 0.023), and well-moderate differentiation ( P = 0.042) compared with patients with progression.

Except for lung recurrence, postrecurrence survival after PDAC resection is associated with poor survival. A subset of patients with local-only recurrence do not quickly succumb to systemic spread. This is associated with markers for favorable tumor biology, making them candidates for potential curative re-resections when feasible.

Several reports have shown the importance of margins in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) specimens; however, whether anterior surfaces are included as margins varies among reports. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of the anterior surface on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

In total, 98 patients who underwent PD after chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at Mie University Hospital between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, were included. We investigated the prognostic impact of the distance from the anterior surface to tumor cells on DFS and OS using a log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

A significant difference in DFS and OS was observed up to a distance of 5 mm from the anterior surface of tumor cells. The multivariate analysis revealed that the distance from the anterior surface to tumor cells (≤5 mm) was an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS and OS.

In patients with PD treated with neoadjuvant therapy, the distance from the anterior surface to tumor cells is an important assessment and should be included in the pathology report.

The evolution and outcomes of extended pancreatectomies at a single institute over 15 years are presented in this study.

A retrospective analysis of the institutional database was performed from 2015 to 2022 (period B). Patients undergoing extended pancreatic resections, as defined by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery, were included. Perioperative and survival outcomes were compared with data from 2007-2015 (period A). Regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting postoperative and long-term survival outcomes.

A total of 197 (16.1%) patients underwent an extended resection in period B compared to 63 (9.2%) in period A. Higher proportions of borderline resectable (5 (18.5%) versus 51 (47.7%), P = 0.011) and locally advanced tumours (1 (3.7%) versus 24 (22.4%), P < 0.001) were resected in period B with more frequent use of neoadjuvant therapy (6 (22.2%) versus 79 (73.8%), P < 0.001). Perioperative mortality (4 (6.0%) versus 12 (6.1%), P = 0.81) and morbidity (23 (36.5%) versus 83 (42.1%), P = 0.57) rates were comparable. The overall survival for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was similar in both periods (17.5 (95% c.i. 6.77 to 28.22) versus 18.3 (95% c.i. 7.91 to 28.68) months, P = 0.958). Resectable, node-positive tumours had a longer disease-free survival (DFS) in period B (5.81 (95% c.i. 1.73 to 9.89) versus 14.03 (95% c.i. 5.7 to 22.35) months, P = 0.018).

Increasingly complex pancreatic resections were performed with consistent perioperative outcomes and improved DFS compared to the earlier period. A graduated approach to escalating surgical complexity, multimodality treatment, and judicious patient selection enables the resection of advanced pancreatic tumours.

The influencing role of resection margin (R) status on long-term outcomes, namely overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not still clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of R status after PD and to define tumor characteristics associated with a positive resection margin (R1). All PDs for PDAC performed between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. The effect of R status, patient clinico-demographic features, and tumor features on OS and DFS were assessed. One-hundred and sixty-seven patients who underwent PD for PDAC were included in the study. R0 was achieved in 105 cases (62.8%), while R1 was evidenced in 62 patients (37.1%). R1 was associated with a decreased OS (23 (13-38) months) as compared to R0 (36 (21-53) months) (p = 0.003). Similarly, DFS was shorter in R1 patients (10 (6-25) months) as compared to the R0 cohort (18 (9-70) months) (p = 0.004), with a consequent higher recurrence rate in cases of R1 (74.2% vs. 64.8% in the R0 group; p = 0.04). In the multivariate analysis, R1 and positive lymph nodes (N+) were the only independent influencing factors for OS (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1-2.5; p = 0.03 and OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1-2.8; p = 0.04) and DFS (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1-2.1; p = 0.04 and OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7; p = 0.009). Among 111 patients with N+ disease, R1 was associated with a significantly decreased DFS (10 (8-11) months) as compared to R0N+ patients (16 (11-21) months) (p = 0.05). In conclusion, the achievement of a negative resection margin is associated with survival benefits, particularly in cases of N1 disease. In addition, R0 was recognized as an independent prognostic feature for both OS and DFS. This further outlines the relevant role of radical surgery on long-term outcomes.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a challenging disease that presents at an advanced stage and results in many symptoms that negatively influence patients' quality of life and reduce their ability to receive effective treatment. Early implementation of expert multidisciplinary care with nutritional support, exercise, and palliative care for both early-stage and advanced disease promises to maintain or improve the patients' physical, social, and psychological well-being, decrease aggressive interventions at the end of life, and ultimately improve survival. Moreover, advances in treatment strategies in the neoadjuvant and metastatic setting combined with novel therapeutic agents targeting the key drivers of the disease are leading to improvements in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer. Here, we emphasize the multidisciplinary supportive and therapeutic care of patients with PDA, review current guidelines and new developments of neoadjuvant and perioperative treatments for localized disease, as well as the treatment standards and the evolving field of precision oncology and immunotherapies for advanced PDA.

A multimodality approach, which usually includes chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiotherapy, is optimal for patients with localized pancreatic cancer. The timing and sequence of these interventions depend on anatomic resectability and the biological suitability of the tumor and the patient. Tumors with vascular involvement (ie, borderline resectable/locally advanced) require surgical reassessments after therapy and participation of surgeons familiar with advanced techniques. When indicated, venous reconstruction should be offered as standard of care because it has acceptable morbidity. Morbidity and mortality of pancreas surgery may be mitigated when surgery is performed at high-volume centers.

Superior mesenteric/portal vein reconstruction (SMPVR) thrombosis remains a challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy concomitant with venous resection. In this context, we aimed to present our SMPVR experiences and identify potential clinicopathological factors that increased SMPVR thrombosis.

A total of 33 patients who underwent SMPVR during pancreaticoduodenectomy were analyzed. Of these, 26 patients who experienced pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma met our inclusion criteria. Patients' data were compared as classified by SMPVR type and the development of SMPVR thrombosis. All interposition grafts were Dacron in this cohort.

Types of SMPVR included: tangential resection with primary repair (n = 12); segmental resection with splenic vein preservation and either primary anastomosis (n = 8) or 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting (n = 1); segmental resection with splenic vein division either 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting (n = 2) or 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped Dacron grafting (n = 3). A total of four patients having 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped (n = 3) and 14 mm tubular Dacron (n = 1) developed SMPVR thrombosis (p = .001). Dacron grafting (p = .001) and splenic vein division (p = .010) were associated with SMPVR thrombosis. The median time to detection of SMPVR thrombosis was 4.3 months (2.5-21.0 months). The median follow-up time was 12.2 months (3.0-45 months).

During pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head ductal carcinoma, extended venous resection requiring SMPVR with 'Y'-shaped and use of Dacron interposition grafts appeared to be associated with the development of SMPVR thrombosis. This result warrants further investigations.

While combined immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy have demonstrated efficacy in renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, the efficacy of first-line treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with germline BRCA2 mutation remains unproven. We described a BRCA2-mutated patient with PDAC who presented with posterior cardiac metastasis 8 months after surgery. After receiving four cycles of anlotinib combined with tislelizumab, abdominal CT scans indicated a complete response. The patient sustained this response for over 14 months on the combination regimen, with no reported adverse events. In conclusion, the combination of tislelizumab and anlotinib may offer a viable therapeutic option for recurrent metastatic BRCA2-mutated PDAC.

The implementation of the pathologic CRM (circumferential resection margin) staging system for pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinomas (hPDAC) resulted in a dramatic increase of R1 resections at the dorsal resection margin, presumably because of the high rate of mesopancreatic fat (MP) infiltration. Therefore, mesopancreatic excision (MPE) during pancreatoduodenectomy has recently been promoted and has demonstrated better local disease control, fueling the discussion of neoadjuvant downsizing regimes in MP + patients. However, it is unknown to what extent the MP is infiltrated in patients with distal pancreatic (tail/body) carcinomas (dPDAC). It is also unknown if the MP infiltration status affects surgical margin control in distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of our study was to histopathologically analyze MP infiltration and elucidate the influence of resection margin clearance on recurrence and survival in patients with dPDAC. Furthermore, the results were compared to a collective receiving MPE for hPDAC.

Clinicopathological and survival parameters of 295 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for PDAC (n = 63 dPDAC and n = 232 hPDAC) were evaluated. The CRM evaluation was performed in a standardized fashion and the specimens were examined according to the Leeds pathology protocol (LEEPP). The MP area was histopathologically evaluated for cancerous infiltration.

In 75.4% of dPDAC patients the MP fat was infiltrated by vital tumor cells. The rates of MP infiltration and R0CRM- resections were similar between dPDAC and hPDAC patients (p = 0.497 and 0.453 respectively). MP- infiltration status did not correlate with CRM implemented resection status in dPDAC patients (p = 0.348). In overall survival analysis, resection status and MP status remained prognostic factors for survival. In follow up analysis. surgical margin clearance in dPDAC patients was associated with a significant improvement in local recurrence rates (5.2% in R0CRM- resected vs. 33.3 in R1/R0CRM + resected, p = 0.002).

While resection margin status was not affected by the MP status in dPDAC patients, the high MP infiltration rate, as well as improved survival in MP- dPDAC patients after R0CRM- resection, justify mesopancreatic excision during splenopancreatectomy. Larger scale studies are urgently needed to validate our results and to study the effect on neoadjuvant treatment in dPDAC patients.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PADC) still has nowadays a very impaired long-term survival. Most studies are focused on overall survival; however, local recurrence occurs about up to 50% of cases and seems to be highly related with margin resection status. We aim to analyze the impact of vascular resection margins on local recurrence (LR) and to assess its impact on overall and disease-free survival.

Eighty out of 191 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy in a university hospital between 2006 and 2021 with PDAC diagnosis were analyzed and vascular margin status specifically addressed. Univariate and multivariate were performed. Time to LR was compared by using the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors assessed using Cox regression hazards model.

LR appeared in 10 (50%) of the overall R1 resections in the venous margin and 9 (60%) in the arterial one. Time to LR was significantly shorter when any margin was overall affected (23.2 vs 44.7 months, p = 0.01) and specifically in the arterial margin involvement (13.7 vs 32.1 months, p = 0.009). Overall R1 resections (HR 2.61, p = 0.013) and a positive arterial margin (HR 2.84, p = 0.012) were associated with local recurrence on univariate analysis, whereas arterial positive margin remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR 2.70, p = 0.031).

Arterial margin invasion is correlated in our cohort with local recurrence. Given the limited ability to modify this margin intraoperatively, preoperative therapies should be considered to improve local margin clearance.

The prognostic value of splenic vessel involvement in distal pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess its prognostic relevance in a large multicenter cohort.

Patients who underwent pancreatosplenectomy for distal pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified from 5 pancreatic surgical centers. A pathology review of the surgical specimens was performed to assess splenic vessel involvement, defined as invasion of the vessel's adventitia or deeper, and confirm the presence of splenic vein tumor thrombosis. Prognostic factors associated with overall and relapse-free survival were evaluated.

149 patients underwent upfront surgery. Splenic vascular involvement was observed in 69 of them (46.3%). A parietal infiltration of the splenic artery or splenic vein was observed in 26 (17.5%) and 49 patients (32.8%), respectively. A pathologic tumor thrombosis of the splenic vein was identified in 22 patients (14.8%) and associated with larger tumors (>20 mm) (P = .023), more perineural (P = .017), and lymphovascular (P = .002) invasion, and more positive lymph node (P = .001). After a median follow-up of 50.8 months (95% confidence interval: 44.3-57.3), the cumulative 5-year overall and relapse-free survival were 46.2% and 33%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, in addition to lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval [1.1-3.1]; P = .023) and perineural invasion (hazard ratio = 3.5; 95% confidence interval [1.3-9.7]; P = .016), presence of splenic vein tumor thrombosis was the only splenic vascular involvement that affected independently the overall survival (HR = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [ 1.3-4.3]; P = .006).

In resectable distal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a pathologic tumor thrombosis of the splenic vein is an independent prognostic factor of overall survival. To define the perioperative oncological strategy, a preoperative evaluation of splenic vessel involvement and thrombosis is needed.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease marked by high rates of both local and distant failure. In the minority of patients with potentially resectable disease, multimodal treatment paradigms have allowed for prolonged survival in an increasingly larger pool of well-selected patients. Therefore, it is critical for surgical oncologists to be abreast of current guideline recommendations for both surgical management and multimodal therapy for pancreas cancer. We discuss these guidelines, as well as the underlying data supporting these positions, to offer surgical oncologists a framework for managing patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

The prognostic role of resection margin status following total (TP) and distal (DP) pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is insufficiently evaluated. In Denmark, pancreatic surgery, including the postoperative pathological examination of the resection specimens, is confined to four centres, all reporting to the Danish Pancreatic Cancer Database (DPCD). In this Danish population-based nationwide study on TP and DP for PDAC from 2015-2019, based on data from DPCD, we evaluated whether there is a prognostically relevant minimum margin clearance definition and whether certain margins hold independent prognostic information.

Clinical and pathological data were retrieved from DPCD and supplemented by review of pathology reports and re-microscopy, if needed. One of the study pathologists performed all re-microscopy. The prognostic significance of margin status was evaluated by dichotomisation of the TP cohort (n = 101) and the DP cohort (n = 90) into involved and uninvolved groups, using different clearance definitions (0.5 - ≥3.0 mm).

Following TP, direct involvement of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) margin had independent prognostic value. When using a clearance definition of ≥ 0.5 or ≥ 1.5 mm for SMA, median survival for R0 versus R1 was 19 (95% CI 14-26) versus 10 (95% CI 5-20) months (p = 0.010), and 21 (95% CI 15-30) versus 10 (95% CI 8-19) months (p = 0.011), respectively. Overall margin status was not of significant prognostic importance following neither DP nor TP.

In this Danish population-based nationwide study, SMA margin involvement was a significant isolated prognostic factor following TP, whereas combined assessment of all circumferential margins did not hold statistically significant prognostic information. Following DP, resection margin status did not affect survival.

To investigate the oncological outcomes of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who had an R 0 or R 1 resection based on the revised R status (1 mm) after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

The revised R status is an independent prognostic factor in upfront-resected PDAC; however, the significance of 1 mm margin clearance after NAT remains controversial.

Patients undergoing pancreatectomy after NAT for PDAC were identified from 2 prospectively maintained databases. Clinicopathological and survival data were analyzed. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and pattern of recurrence in association with R 0 >1 mm and R 1 ≤1 mm resections.

Three hundred fifty-seven patients with PDAC were included after NAT and subsequent pancreatic resection. Two hundred eight patients (58.3%) received FOLFIRINOX, 41 patients (11.5%) received gemcitabine-based regimens, and 299 individuals (83.8%) received additional radiotherapy. R 0 resections were achieved in 272 patients (76.2%) and 85 patients (23.8%) had R 1 resections. Median OS after R 0 was 41.0 months, compared with 20.6 months after R 1 resection ( P = 0.002), and even longer after additional adjuvant chemotherapy ( R 0 44.8 vs R1 20.1 months; P = 0.0032). Median RFS in the R 0 subgroup was 17.5 months versus 9.4 months in the R 1 subgroup ( P < 0.0001). R status was confirmed as an independent predictor for OS ( R 1 hazard ratio: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07-2.26) and RFS ( R 1 hazard ratio: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.14-2.0). In addition, R 1 resections were significantly associated with local but not distant recurrence ( P < 0.0005).

The revised R status is an independent predictor of postresection survival and local recurrence in PDAC after NAT. Achieving R 0 resection with a margin of at least 1 mm should be a primary goal in the surgical treatment of PDAC after NAT.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has gained popularity as an alternative to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), but comparative outcomes remain debated. The objective is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing LPD and OPD on operative time, oncologic outcomes, bleeding, morbidity, and mortality. The inclusion criteria were comparative studies on LPD vs. OPD. Outcomes were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 27 studies were included, and LPD had a substantially longer operative duration compared to the OPD procedure, with a mean increase of 56 minutes, but blood loss was reduced by an average of 123 mL in patients who underwent LPD. Morbidity, mortality, margin status, and lymph node yields were similar between LPD and OPD. This study found comparable oncologic outcomes between LPD and OPD. LPD appears safe but requires longer operative time. High-quality randomized trials are still needed.

In this era of increasing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, methods for evaluating responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are still diverse among institutions. Additionally, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of methods for assessing response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the need for adjuvant chemotherapy in treating patients with non-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

The study identified 150 patients who underwent neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy followed by curative-intent pancreatectomy. The patients were stratified by biochemical response based on the normalization of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and by radiologic response based on size change at imaging.

The patients were classified into the following three groups based on their response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis: biochemical responders (BR+), radiology-only responders (BR-/RR+), and non-responders (BR-/RR-). The 3-year overall survival rate was higher for BR+ (71.0%) than for BR-/RR+ (53.6%) or BR-/RR- (33.1%) (P < 0.001). Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy also was identified as a significant risk factor for recurrence in a comparison between BR-/RR+ and BR+ (hazard ratio [HR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-3.88; P = 0.011) and BR-/RR- (HR, 3.82; 95% CI 2.41-6.08; P < 0.001). Additionally, regardless of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients who completed adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly higher 3-year overall survival rate than those who did not.

This response evaluation criterion for neoadjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and can significantly predict prognosis. Additionally, completion of adjuvant chemotherapy could be helpful to patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy regardless of their response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

In this Danish nationwide population-based study, we evaluated the prognostically relevant minimum tumour-free margin width following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) and evaluated whether certain margins hold independent prognostic information.

We included 128 patients who underwent PD for AAC from 2015 to 2019. Clinical and pathological data including well-known prognostic factors were retrieved from the Danish Pancreatic Cancer Database. Missing data were obtained by review of pathology reports and re-microscopy of resection specimens. All PD specimens were examined using a standardised pathological protocol including multicolour inking, axial slicing and exact reporting of margin widths. The cohort was dichotomised into involved and uninvolved groups, using different margin clearance definitions (0.5-≥3.0 mm).

Following PD for AAC, margin clearance of ≥1 mm was independently associated with improved chance of survival compared with <1 mm (HR: 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.64 (p = 0.002)). Posterior and anterior margin widths were narrower compared with superior mesenteric artery and vein margins. Posterior margin and anterior surface had isolated prognostic significance in multivariable analysis.

Following PD for AAC, margin clearance of at least 1 mm is independently associated with improved survival. Our data further indicate that anterior surface and posterior margin hold particular prognostic value.

A greater than 1 mm tumour-free resection margin (R0 >1 mm) is a prognostic factor in upfront-resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. After neoadjuvant treatment (NAT); however, the prognostic impact of resection margin (R) status remains controversial.

Randomised and non-randomised studies assessing the association of R status and survival in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after NAT were sought by systematic searches of MEDLINE, Web of Science and CENTRAL. Hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% CI were collected to generate log HR using the inverse-variance method. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed and the results presented as weighted HR. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were conducted to account for different surgical procedures and varying length of follow-up, respectively.

Twenty-two studies with a total of 4929 patients were included. Based on univariable data, R0 greater than 1 mm was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.57-1.97; P<0.00001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39-1.97; P<0.00001). Using adjusted data, R0 greater than 1 mm was significantly associated with prolonged OS (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.39-1.97; P<0.00001) and DFS (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.30-2.39; P=0.0003). Results for R1 direct were comparable in the entire cohort; however, no prognostic impact was detected in sensitivity analysis including only partial pancreatoduodenectomies.

After NAT, a tumour-free margin greater than 1 mm is independently associated with improved OS as well as DFS in patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic cancer.

Patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma increasingly receive neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery. However, the effect of neoadjuvant therapy on the immune microenvironment remains largely unknown. We analyzed the immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer tumor tissue samples from patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy compared to patients after upfront surgery to gain knowledge about the immunological environment after therapy.

Multispectral imaging was performed on tissue from resected specimens from patients with PDAC who underwent upfront surgery (n = 10), neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX (n = 10) or gemcitabine + radiotherapy (gem-RT) (n = 9) followed by surgery. The samples were selected by a dedicated pancreas pathologist from both the central part and the invasive front of the tumor (by the resected vein or venous surface) and subsequently analyzed using the Vectra Polaris.

Patients receiving neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX display a more pro-inflammatory immune profile, with less regulatory T cells and more CD8 T cells in the tumor tissue compared to patients receiving neoadjuvant gem-RTgem-RT or undergoing upfront surgery. Furthermore, CD163+ macrophages were decreased, and a higher CD163- macrophages versus CD163+ macrophages ratio was found in patients with neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX. In all treatment groups, percentage of FoxP3+ B cells was significantly higher in tumor tissue compared to adjacent tissue. Furthermore, an increase in regulatory T cells in the tumor tissue was found in patients undergoing upfront surgery or receiving neoadjuvant gem-RT. In the gem-RT group, less CD8 T cells and a higher CD163+ macrophages to CD8 ratio were noted in the tumor tissue, suggesting a more immune suppressive profile in the tumor tissue.

Patients receiving neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX display a more pro-inflammatory immune profile compared to patients receiving neoadjuvant gem-RT or undergoing upfront surgery. Furthermore, in all treatment groups, a more immune suppressive microenvironment was found in the tumor tissue compared to the adjacent non-tumorous tissue.

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently well established as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure, using either a laparoscopic (LDP) or robotic (RDP) approach.

Out of 83 DP performed between January 2018 and March 2022, 57 cases (68.7%) were performed using MIS: 35 LDP and 22 RDP (da Vinci Xi). We have assessed the experience with the two techniques and analyzed the value of the robotic approach. Cases of conversion have been examined in detail.

The mean operative times for LDP and RDP were 201.2 (SD 47.8) and 247.54 (SD 35.8) minutes, respectively (P = NS). No differences were observed in length of hospital stay or conversion rate: 6 (5-34) vs. 5.6 (5-22) days, and 4 (11.4%) vs. 3 (13.6%) cases, respectively (P = NS). The readmission rate was 3/35 patients (11.4%) treated with LDP and 6/22 (27.3%) cases of RDP (P = NS). There were no differences in morbidity (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) between the two groups. Mortality was one case in the robotic group (a patient with early conversion due to vascular involvement). The rate of R0 resection was greater and statistically significant in the RDP group (77.1% vs. 90.9%) (P = .04).

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. Surgical planning and stepwise implementation based on prior experience help surgeons successfully perform technically demanding procedures. RDP could be the approach of choice in distal pancreatectomy, and it is not inferior to LDP.

Ampullary carcinoma is a clinically variable entity. This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors for the outcome of resected ampullary carcinoma patients with particular intent to analyse the influence of surgical radicality.

Patients undergoing resection between 2002 and 2017 were analysed. Clinicopathological parameters, perioperative outcome and survival were examined. Risk factor analysis for postresection survival was performed. Resection margin status was evaluated according to the revised classification for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

A total of 234 patients were identified, 97.9 per cent (n = 229) underwent formal resection, while 2.1 per cent (n = 5) underwent ampullary resection. Histological subtypes were 46.6 per cent (n = 109) pancreatobiliary, 34.2 per cent (n = 80) intestinal, 11.5 per cent (n = 27) mixed, and 7.7 per cent (n = 18) undetermined. In the pancreatobiliary group, tumours were more advanced with more vascular resections, pT4 stage, G3 differentiation and pN+ status. Five-year overall survival was significantly different for pancreatobiliary compared to intestinal (51.7 per cent versus 72.8 per cent, P = 0.0087). In univariable analysis, age, pT4 stage, pN+, pancreatobiliary subtype and positive resection margin were significantly associated with worse overall survival. Long-term outcome was significantly better after true R0 resection (circumferential resection margin-, tumour clearance >1 mm) compared with circumferential resection margin+ (<1 mm) and R1 resections (5-year overall survival: 69.6 per cent, median overall survival 191 months versus 42.4 per cent and 53 months; P = 0.0017).

Postresection survival of ampullary carcinoma patients is determined by histological subtype and surgical radicality. Intestinal differentiation is associated with less advanced tumour stages and better differentiation, which is reflected in a significantly better overall survival compared to pancreatobiliary differentiation. Despite this, true R0-resection is a prognostic key determinant in both entities, achieving 5-year survival in two-thirds of patients.

Previously considered inoperable patients (borderline resectable, locally advanced, synchronous oligometastatic or metachronous pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)) are starting to become resectable thanks to advances in chemo/radiotherapy and the reduction in operative mortality.

This narrative review presents a chosen literature selection, giving a picture of the current state of treatment of these patients.

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is generally recognized as the treatment of choice before surgery. However, despite the increased efficacy, the best pathological response is still limited to 10.9-27.9% of patients. There are still limited data on the selection of possible NAT responders and how to diagnose non-responders early. Multidetector computed tomography has high sensitivity and low specificity in evaluating resectability after NAT, limiting the resection rate of resectable patients. Ca 19-9 and Positron emission tomography are giving promising results. The prediction of early recurrence after a radical resection of synchronous or metachronous metastatic PDAC, thus identifying patients with poor prognosis and saving them from a resection of little benefit, is still ongoing, although some promising data are available.

In conclusion, high-level evidence demonstrating the benefit of the surgical treatment of such patients is still lacking and should not be performed outside of high-volume centers with interdisciplinary teams of surgeons and oncologists.

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) + surgical resection for pancreatic cancer (PC) has gained consensus in recent years. Pathological response (PR) is generally assessed according to the College of American Pathologists grading system, ranging from 0 (complete response) to 3 (no response). The aim of our study is to evaluate the PR in a series of resections for PC after NAT and its prognostic implication. 112 patients undergone NAT and resection for PC between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. PR was 0/1, 2 and 3 in 18 (15%), 79 (61%) and 29 (24%) cases, respectively. Chemotherapy regimens different from FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (OR 11.61 (2.53-53.36), p = 0.002) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 11.28 (1.89-67.23), p = 0.008) were associated to PR-3. Median follow-up was 25.8 (3.6-130.5) months. For PR-0/1, PR-2 and PR-3, median DFS was 45.8, 11.5, 4.6 months (p < 0.0001), respectively, while median OS was not reached, 27.1 and 17.5 months (p = 0.0006), respectively. At univariate analysis, PR-0/1 was significantly associated to better DFS and OS (HR 0.33 (0.17-0.67), p = 0.002; HR 0.20 (0.07-0.54), p = 0.002, respectively). At multivariate analysis, pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR 0.50 (0.30-0.84), p = 0.009), LNR (HR 27.14 (1.21-608.9), p = 0.038) and lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.99 (1.06-3.76), p = 0.033) were independently associated to DFS; pre-treatment CA 19.9 value (HR 1.00 (1.00-1.00), p = 0.025), post-treatment resectability status (HR 0.51 (0.28-0.95), p = 0.035), pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR 0.56 (0.32-0.99), p = 0.050), severe morbidity (2.99 (1.22-7.55), p = 0.017), LNR (HR 56.8 (2.08-1548.3), p = 0.017), lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.18 (1.08-4.37), p = 0.029) were independently associated to OS. PR did not reach statistical significance at multivariate analysis. A favorable PR is observed only in a limited number of cases. The prognostic role of PR, despite being promising, remains unclear and further multicentric studies are needed.