Splenic Vein Tumor Thrombosis is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Distal Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

The study aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of splenic vessel involvement in distal pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The researchers identified 149 patients who underwent surgery, with 46.3% showing splenic vascular involvement. Among them, 14.8% had a pathologic tumor thrombosis of the splenic vein. The presence of splenic vein tumor thrombosis was associated with larger tumors, more invasion, and positive lymph nodes. The study found that splenic vein tumor thrombosis independently affected overall survival. Therefore, preoperative evaluation of splenic vessel involvement and thrombosis is necessary to define perioperative oncological strategies for resectable distal pancreatic adenocarcinoma.