Central versus distal pancreatectomy for low-grade and benign pancreatic neck-body tumours.

PURPOSE: Central pancreatectomy (CP) offers parenchymal preservation compared to conventional distal pancreato-splenectomy for pancreatic neck and body tumours. However, it is associated with more morbidity. This study is aimed at evaluating the peri-operative and long-term functional outcomes, comparing central and distal pancreatectomies (DPs). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing pancreatic resections for low-grade malignant or benign tumours in pancreatic neck and body was performed (from January 2007 to December 2022). Preoperative imaging was reviewed for all cases, and only patients with uninvolved pancreatic tail, whereby a CP was feasible, were included. Peri-operative outcomes and long-term functional outcomes were compared between CP and DP. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two (5.2%) patients, amongst the total of 2304 pancreatic resections, underwent central or distal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant or benign tumours. CP was feasible in 55 cases, of which 23 (42%) actually underwent CP and the remaining 32 (58%) underwent DP. CP group had a significantly longer operative time [370 min (IQR 300-480) versus 300 min (IQR 240-360); p = 0.002]; however, the major morbidity (43.5% versus 37.5%; p = 0.655) and median hospital stay (10 versus 11 days; p = 0.312) were comparable. The long-term endocrine functional outcome was favourable for the CP group [endocrine insufficiency rate was 13.6% in central versus 42.8% in distal (p = 0.046)]. CONCLUSION: Central pancreatectomy offers better long-term endocrine function without any increased morbidity in low malignant potential or benign pancreatic tumours of neck and body region.

Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy with 'SMA-First Approach (Posterior and Right Medial)' and 'Triangle Operation'.

BACKGROUND: Notable improvements in pancreatic cancer surgery have been due to utilization of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach1 and triangle operation (clearance of triangle tissue between origin of SMA and celiac artery).2 The SMA-first approach was originally defined to assess resectability before taking the irreversible surgical steps. However, in the present era, resectability is judged by the preoperative radiology, and the benefit of the SMA-first approach is by improving the R0 resection rate and reducing blood loss. The basic principle is to identify the SMA at its origin and in the distal part, to guide the plane of uncinate dissection. This video demonstrates the combination of the posterior and right medial SMA-first approach along with triangle clearance during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). METHODS: The technique consisted of early dissection of SMA from the posterior aspect, by performing a Kocher maneuver using the 'posterior SMA-first approach'. The origin of the celiac artery, along with the SMA, was defined early in the surgery. During uncinate process dissection, the 'right/medial uncinate approach' was used to approach the SMA. 'Level 3 systematic mesopancreatic dissection' was performed along the SMA,3 culminating in the 'triangle operation'.2 RESULTS: The procedure was performed within 600 min, with a blood loss of 150 mL and no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The final histopathology report showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT2, pN2), with all resection margins free. CONCLUSION: The standardized technique of the SMA-first approach and triangle clearance during RPD is demonstrated in the video. Prospective studies should further evaluate the benefits of this procedure.

Big data and RCT's in surgical oncology: Impact on improving hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgical care on the global stage.

Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are at the heart of "evidence-based" medicine. Conducting well-designed RCTs for surgical procedures is often challenged by inadequate recruitment accrual, blinding, or standardization of the surgical procedure, as well as lack of funding and evolution of the treatment strategy during the many years over which such trials are conducted. In addition, most clinical trials are performed in academic high-volume centers with highly selected patients, which may not necessarily reflect a "real-world" practice setting. Large databases provide easy and inexpensive access to data on a large and diverse patient population at a variety of treatment centers. Furthermore, large database studies provide the opportunity to answer questions that would be impossible or very arduous to answer using RCTs, including questions regarding health policy efficacy, trends in surgical practice, access to health care, the impact of hospital volume, and adherence to practice guidelines, as well as research questions regarding rare disease, infrequent surgical outcomes, and specific subpopulations. Prospective data registries may also allow for quality benchmarking and auditing. There are several high-quality RCTs providing evidence to support current practices in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) oncology. Evidence from big data bridges the gap in several instances where RCTs are lacking. In this article, we review the evidence from RCTs and big data in HPB oncology identify the existing lacunae, and discuss the future directions of research in HPB oncology.

Localized gastric mesothelioma with nodal metastasis-an exceptionally rare entity.

Localized mesothelioma is a rare disease with very few reports of presentation in visceral organs. We report a case of localized gastric mesothelioma with lymph node metastasis in a 32-year-old man without asbestos exposure. A failed attempt at resection was made before presentation at another center. He was given perioperative chemotherapy that was followed by a D2 radical subtotal gastrectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Histopathology showed epithelioid mesothelioma with nodal metastasis but without visceral peritoneal involvement. Cytoreductive surgery and regional chemotherapy are standard in diffuse mesothelioma. Management of localized mesothelioma is anecdotal; however aggressive surgery plays a central role with selective use of perioperative chemotherapy.

Impact of Covid-19 on gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A National Survey.

PURPOSE: To understand the actual impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and frame the future strategies, we conducted a pan India survey to study the impact on the surgical management of gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: A national multicentre survey in the form of a questionnaire from 16 tertiary care gastrointestinal oncology centres across India was conducted from January 2019 to June 2021 that was divided into a 15-month pre-Covid era and a similar period of active Covid pandemic era. RESULTS: There was significant disruption of services; 13 (81%) centres worked as dedicated Covid care centres and 43% reported suspension of essential care for more than 6 months. In active Covid phase, there was a 14.5% decrease in registrations and proportion of decrease was highest in the centres from South zone (22%). There was decrease in resections across all organ systems; maximum reduction was noted in hepatic resections (33%) followed by oesophageal and gastric resections (31 and 25% respectively). There was minimal decrease in colorectal resections (5%). A total of 584 (7.1%) patients had either active Covid-19 infection or developed infection in the post-operative period or had recovered from Covid-19 infection. Only 3 (18%) centres reported higher morbidity, while the rest of the centres reported similar or lower morbidity rates when compared to pre-Covid phase; however, 6 (37%) centres reported slightly higher mortality in the active Covid phase. CONCLUSION: Covid-19 pandemic resulted in significant reduction in new cancer registrations and elective gastrointestinal cancer surgeries. Perioperative morbidity remained similar despite 7.1% perioperative Covid 19 exposure.

Minimally invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer-are we there yet?-a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review article is to evaluate the current status of minimally invasive pancreatic resections (MIPR) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in light of the present evidence. BACKGROUND: Published data, largely in the form of retrospective studies and a few prospective/randomized controlled trials have confirmed feasibility, safety, and equivalent short-term outcomes of MIPR in experienced hands. Hence, several recent evidence-based international consensus guidelines have stated MIPR to be at par with the open approach, when these surgeries are performed at high-volume centers. However, longer operative duration, high conversion rates, inferior oncological outcomes, and increased mortality reported in low-volume centers, especially during minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy remains a matter of concern, questioning its broad applicability. Hence, distal pancreatic resections are adopted more widely with a minimally invasive approach as compared to pancreatic head resections. Also, MIPR for PDAC in particular, remains controversial due to lack of high quality data evaluating long-term outcomes of MIPR for PDAC alone. Considering the ongoing impact of neoadjuvant treatment on pancreatic cancer surgery and the corresponding increase in vascular resections and arterial divestment procedures, applicability of MIPR in this setting remains questionable. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and various international evidence-based guidelines were searched for the current status of minimally invasive resections for pancreatic cancer (PDAC). CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence establishes the feasibility and safety of MIPR, however for PDAC the widespread application remains controversial owing to a dearth of literature evaluating the long-term outcomes. Apart from the outcomes, establishing the exact indications, appropriate patient selection, enhanced cost, and learning curve issues need further studies.

"Mitigation strategies for post-operative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy in high-risk pancreas: an evidence-based algorithmic approach"-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is associated with a mortality of up to 25% apart from significant morbid sequelae related to abdominal sepsis and post pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Numerous strategies to curtail the risk of POPF and associated morbidity have been largely unsuccessful. The pancreaticoenteric anastomosis post pancreaticoduodenectomy in a high-risk pancreas represents a significant surgical and clinical challenge. In this narrative review, we present the strategies for early identification and comprehensive management of the high-risk pancreas as per the available literature and present a stepwise algorithmic approach of different fistula mitigation strategies in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and various center-specific guidelines were searched for the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, pancreatectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, Whipple's operation, postoperative, complications, fistula, High-risk pancreas, risk assessment, different predictors, and scoring systems for the high-risk pancreas, current and emerging concepts in the development of POPF and mitigation strategies management and treatment in various combinations. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Over the years, literature has mainly addressed the technical aspects of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis; however, the impact of different technical modifications has been at the most elusive. Recent literature has focused on other aspects like remnant ischemia, locoregional inflammation, and postoperative acute pancreatitis among others, defining their evolving role in pathophysiology of POPF. Although many pre-operative risk prediction models are available; their intra-operative implications are not clear. Furthermore, the evidence available on the mitigation strategies is limited, heterogeneous, and center specific. Fistula prediction includes numerous potentiating factors in addition to the factors described in various Fistula Risk Scores. Early identification of these high-risk scenarios allows the algorithmic application of mitigation strategies. Management of the high-risk pancreas starts in the pre-operative period by early identifications of the risk factors and then continues into the intra-operative period with strategies to decrease intraoperative blood loss, precise anastomosis, and external stenting wherever feasible; goal-directed fluid therapy as well as total pancreatectomy (TP) in certain highly selected scenarios followed by early identification of complications in the postoperative period and appropriate and early management of the same. The coherent application of these mitigation strategies provides the opportunity for the best possible outcome in this complicated scenario. CONCLUSIONS: At present, the zero post-operative pancreatic fistulae seem unattainable, and time has come to study the strategies outside the operation theatre. Till preventive strategies become mainstream, a strategic personalized algorithmic approach may yield best outcomes.

Neoadjuvant therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Outcomes in the era of changing practices and evolving evidence.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly being used in the management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC). We compared the outcomes of patients with BRPC treated either with upfront surgery (UPS) or NAT to assess whether increased use of NAT has helped improve perioperative and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Prospectively maintained database of 201 consecutive patients with BRPC treated at Tata Memorial Center, India, from 2007-2019 was analyzed. RESULTS: NAT was offered to 148 patients and 53 were planned for UPS. Progression on NAT was seen in 47 (31.8%) patients. Resection was performed in 103 patients (51.24%). The resection rate was significantly lower after NAT as compared with upfront explorations (42.56% vs 75.47%, P = .00) however, R0 resection rate after NAT was significantly better (74.6% vs 42.5%, P = .001). NAT group showed a significant decrease in the pT stage (P = .004), node positivity (60%-31.7%, P = .005%), and perineural invasion (70%-41.6% P = .026). There was no significant difference in the median overall survival (OS) of patients offered NAT versus UPS on an intention-to-treat basis (15 vs 18 months P = .431). However, OS (22 vs 19 months, P = .205) and disease-free survival (DFS) (16 vs 11 months, P = .135) were higher for resected patients in the NAT group and OS was significantly superior in patients completing the course of treatment (34 vs 22 months, P = .010) CONCLUSION: The progression rate with NAT in patients with BPRC was 31.8%. NAT was associated with significant pathologic downstaging, improvement in R0 resection rate, and survival in resected patients.

Peri-operative, long-term, and quality of life outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly: greater justification for periampullary cancer compared to pancreatic head cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is more challenging in the elderly. METHODS: Data of patients undergoing PD above 70 years of age was analysed to study short and long-term outcomes along with the quality of life parameters (QOL). RESULTS: Out of 1271 PDs performed, 94 (7%) patients were 70 years or more. American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) scores were higher in comparison to patients below 70 years (ASA 1;20% vs. 54% and ASA 2&3;80% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). The postoperative 90-day mortality rate of 5.3% and morbidity (Clavein Grade III and IV of 27%) was higher but non-significant compared to 3.9% (p = 0.50) and 20% (p = 0.11) in patients less than 70 years. The median survival of 40 months was significantly better for periampullary carcinoma when compared to 15 months in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (p < 0.0001). Patients, less than 70 years had significantly better 3-year survival; 64% vs 43% with periampullary etiology (p < 0.01) and 29% vs 0% with PDAC (p < 0.0001). QLQ-PAN 26 questionnaire responses were suggestive of good long term QOL in these patients. CONCLUSION: Although PD is safe and feasible in the elderly population with good long-term QOL, postoperative morbidity and mortality can be slightly higher and long-term survival significantly lower.

Emergency Radical Gastrectomy with Pancreatico-duodenectomy for a Recent Onset Perforation of Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer with Pancreatic Head Involvement-Exceptional but a Definite Option.

Gastric cancer perforations are rare events with management options ranging from lavage and perforation closure, to resection. Usual aim is to perform a damage control procedure, and very few patients are suitable for a curative resection. We report the first case of emergency gastrectomy with pancreatico-duodenectomy performed in emergency for a perforated stomach cancer with pancreatic head invasion. The patient was a 32-year-old gentleman who presented with a perforated antro-pyloric cancer with infiltration of pancreatic head. Emergency radical gastrectomy with en-bloc pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed with due considerations to the patient and disease factors. He had an uneventful postoperative recovery and remains disease free at 18 months of follow-up after having received adjuvant chemotherapy. Curative resections should be selectively offered in advanced (T4b) gastric cancers in patients without multiple adverse factors. In an emergency situation with perforation peritonitis, if the magnitude of resection is deemed unlikely to add to significant morbidity of the surgery, taking multiple factors into consideration, an R0 resection can offer a large survival benefit in such settings.

Vein resection without reconstruction (VROR) in pancreatoduodenectomy: expanding the surgical spectrum for locally advanced pancreatic tumours.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic malignancy with mesenterico-portal venous involvement can be safely managed with en bloc vein resection with comparable survival outcomes. Non-constructible venous encasement is regarded as criteria of unresectability in pancreatic cancer. In long-standing extra-hepatic venous obstruction, hepatopetal blood flow is established by collateralization in the hepatoduodenal and mesenteric region. Their importance in pancreatic malignancies is being recently acknowledged. METHODS: The records of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomies were retrospectively evaluated from 2012 to 2019. Pre and intraoperative records of patients undergoing concomitant vein resection were evaluated for the presence of venous collaterals, and its impact on oncological management was studied. RESULTS: Over a period of 7 years, 947 pancreatoduodenectomies were performed, of which 56 patients underwent concomitant vein resection. Among these, six patients had significant collaterals due to venous obstruction. They had pancreatic adenocarcinoma (2), neuroendocrine tumour (2) and solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (2) respectively. All these patients successfully underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with vein resection without vascular reconstruction. Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was resected in four patients, whereas spleno-portal junction was resected in two patients. Dominant collaterals were preserved in all, without compromising oncological safety. Bowel congestion was checked by tolerability to 20-minute mesenteric venous clamping test. There was no major morbidity or hospital mortality following this surgical approach. CONCLUSION: We recommend vein resection without reconstruction (VROR) as a novel approach in locally advanced pancreatic tumours (due to non-constructible vein involvement) with significant venous collaterals and emphasize the need to assess venous collateralization pre and intraoperatively.

To Do or Not to Do?-A Review of Cancer Surgery Triage Guidelines in COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a global health emergency involving more than 200 countries so far. The number of affected population is on rising, so is the mortality. This crisis has overwhelmed the healthcare infrastructures in many affected countries. Due to overall rising cancer incidence and specific concerns, a cohort of cancer patients forms a distinct subset of the population in whom a correct and timely treatment has a huge impact on the outcome. During this period, oncology care is definitely affected owing to many factors like lockdowns, reduced beds and deferral of elective cases to halt the spread of the pandemic. Surgery remains the best line of defence in many solid organ tumours especially in early stage and is potentially curative. China, the source of this pandemic, has taken more than 3 months to enter the post transitional phase of this pandemic. Deferring cancer surgeries for this long period may have a direct impact on the long-term outcomes of cancer patients. Many surgical oncology associations across the globe have come up with triage guidelines for surgical care of cancer patients; however, these are based on expert opinion rather than actual data. Herein, we intend to review these guidelines with respect to the risk of disease progression in cancer patients. In the absence of actual data on cancer surgery care during this pandemic, clinical decisions should be based on careful consideration of disease-related and patient-related factors. While some of the cancer surgeries can be safely delayed for some time, how long we can delay surgeries safely cannot be answered/ explained by any means. Thorough evaluation and discussion by an expert and experienced multidisciplinary team appears to be the most effective way forward.

Correction to: Twelve Hundred Consecutive Pancreato-Duodenectomies from Single Centre: Impact of Centre of Excellence on Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Across India.

The authors' affiliations are updated as reflected here.

External validation and comparison of the original, alternative and updated-alternative fistula risk scores for the prediction of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Many postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) predictions models were developed and validated in western populations. Direct use of these models in the large Indian/Asian population, however, requires proper validation. OBJECTIVE: To validate the original, alternative and updated alternative fistula risk score (FRS) models. METHODS: A validation study was performed in consecutive patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) from January 2011 to March 2018. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) and calibration plots were used to assess the performance of original-FRS (o-FRS), alternative FRS (a-FRS) and updated alternative FRS (ua-FRS) models. RESULTS: This cohort consisted of 825 patients of which 66% were males with a median age of 55 years and mean body mass index of 22.6. The majority of tumors (61.8%) were of periampullary origin. Clinically relevant POPF was observed in 16.8% patients. Area under curve (AUC) of ROC for the o-FRS was 0.65, 0.69 for a-FRS and 0.70 for ua-FRS, respectively (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In this large Indian cohort of predominantly periampullary tumors, the ua-FRS performed better than the a-FRS and o-FRS, although differences were small. Since the AUC value of the ua-FRS is at the accepted threshold there might be room for improvement for a FRS.

Centralisation of Pancreatoduodenectomy in India: Where Do We Stand?

BACKGROUND: The volume-outcome relationship dictates that high-volume centres lead to improved patient outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We conducted a retrospective review to fathom the situation in India for PD and whether referral to high-volume centres would make a positive impact. METHOD: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE was performed, and all articles published from Indian centres from 01.03.2008 to 30.11.2019 were scrutinised. Any series with less than 20 patients, case reports, abstracts, unpublished data and personal communications were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 36 unique series including 6226 patients from 24 institutes across India were identified. Amongst the 24 institutes, 2 institutes reported less than 10 cases/year, 11 reported 10-25 cases/year and 11 reported ≥26 cases/year. Overall perioperative morbidity was 42.4%, 43.4% and 41% for centres doing <10, 10-25 and ≥26 cases/year, respectively. Operative mortality also improved with increasing number of cases/year (5.1% vs. 6.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively). CONCLUSION: With increasing volume of cases per year, trend towards improved PD outcomes is observed. To optimise the use of healthcare facilities, it would be pragmatic to consider building an organised referral system for complex surgeries to deliver unsurpassed patient care with maximum utilisation of the available healthcare infrastructure.

Twelve Hundred Consecutive Pancreato-Duodenectomies from Single Centre: Impact of Centre of Excellence on Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Across India.

BACKGROUND: Pancreato-duodenectomy (PD) is a technically challenging operation with significant morbidity and mortality. Over the period of time, Tata Memorial Centre has evolved into a high-volume centre for management of pancreatic cancer. Aim of this study is to report the short- and long-term outcomes of 1200 consecutive PDs performed at single tertiary cancer centre in India. METHODS: 1200 PDs were performed from 1992 to 2017. Prospectively maintained database was used to retrospectively assess the short- and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Study cohort was divided into periods A and B (500 and 700 patients, respectively). Both groups were comparable for demographic variables. Overall morbidity and mortality in entire cohort were 31.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Period B documented significant reduction in post-operative mortality (5.4% vs 2.8%), post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (5.8% vs 3%) and bile leaks (3.4% vs 1.3%). However, incidence of delayed gastric emptying and clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula was higher in period B. With median follow-up of 25 months, 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival for patients with pancreatic cancer were 43.7% and 38.7%, respectively, and that for periampullary tumours were 65.9% and 59.4%, respectively. Period B also corresponded with dissemination of technical expertise across diverse regions of India with specialised training of 35 surgeons. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering high-quality care in a dedicated high-volume centre even in a country with low incidence of pancreatic cancer with marked disparities in medical care and socio-economic conditions. Improved outcomes underscore the need to promote regionalisation via a dedicated training programme.

Surgery for cystic tumors of pancreas: Report of high-volume, multicenter Indian experience over a decade.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cystic neoplasms remain uncommon. Although data are accumulating on the incidence of pancreatic cystic neoplasms in the published literature, Indian data on these tumors are sparse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We collated data from prospectively maintained databases of patients operated for cystic tumors of the pancreas from 2007 to 2016 at 7 academic centers across India to gain insights into clinical presentation and outcome of the operative treatment of these tumors. Data were compared with large series across the world to understand the regional differences in this pathology. RESULTS: Of the 423 patients, there were 98 (23.2%) serous cystic neoplasms, 128 (30.2%) mucinous neoplasms, 34(8%) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and 121 (28.6%) solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasms managed in these 7 academic centers. Malignancy (adenocarcinoma, malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma) was reported in 39 (9.2%) patients. Median age at presentation was 41 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 3.4:1. At presentation, 81% of patients were symptomatic. A total of 66.7% of lesions were located in body and tail region of the pancreas. Median tumor size was 6 cm. Operative resection with curative intent was performed in 405 of these 423 patients. Major morbidity occurred in 12%, and 30-day perioperative mortality was 0.9%. Laparoscopic resections were performed in 18% and spleen-preserving resections were performed in 3% of patients. CONCLUSION: Female preponderance, young age, and a benign nature of most pancreatic cystic neoplasms were observed. Large size of tumors on presentation, fewer intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm resections, and a much greater incidence of solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasms were distinctive of this study. Although the proportion of laparoscopic resections and splenic preservation was less compared with Western centers, the perioperative morbidity and mortality was on par with established standards.

Management of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a primary liver tumor. It is a pathologically distinct variety of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The term 'fibrolamellar' is derived from the presence of thick fibrous collagen bands surrounding the tumor cells. It is a relatively rare tumor of unknown biology. It has a distinctive predilection for adolescents and young adults with no underlying liver disease or cirrhosis. FLHCC patients have higher incidence of lymph node involvement than conventional HCC patients probably owing to larger median tumor size at presentation. Most cases present at an advanced stage at the time of initial diagnosis, however, curative intent treatment options can still be offered to up to 70% of patients. Surgery (resection/liver transplantation) is the current mainstay of treatment and remains the only potentially curative option. As recurrences are common, alternative therapies are under investigation. FLHCCs have traditionally been considered less chemo-responsive than their conventional HCC counterparts, but in advanced cases multimodality treatments can be effective. Compared to stage-matched non-cirrhotic patients with HCC, patients with FLHCC do not have a favourable prognosis and do not respond differently to treatment. The survival advantage observed in FLHCC over conventional HCC is most likely due to younger age at presentation and absence of cirrhosis.

Outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in "locally advanced/borderline resectable" gallbladder cancer: the need to define indications.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) exclusively in gallbladder cancer (GBC) are few and there are no randomized trials on the subject. Locally advanced GBC and indications for NACT in GBC are not yet clearly defined. METHODS: We analysed 160 consecutive GBC patients who received NACT based on clinico-radiologic criteria suggesting high-risk disease (TMH Criteria) from January 2010 to February 2016. RESULTS: On initial assessment, 140 (87.5%) patients had T3/T4 disease and 105 (65%) patients were node positive. Response rate and clinical benefit rate was 52.5% and 70% respectively. Sixty six (41.2%) patients could undergo curative intent resection. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the median OS and EFS of the entire cohort were 13 and 8 months respectively. Patient undergoing curative surgery had a statistically superior OS (49 vs. 7 months; p = 0.0001) and EFS (25 months vs. 5 months; p = 0.0001) compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: Locally advanced GBC remains a disease with poor prognosis. Chemotherapy with neoadjuvant intent in locally advanced/borderline resectable GBC showed good response rates. This resulted in curative surgical resection or disease stabilisation in significant proportion of patients. Patients who undergo definitive surgery after favourable response to NACT experience good survival.