A preoperative risk model developed by clinicians identified criteria to predict futile up-front pancreatectomy in patients with anatomically resectable pancreatic cancer. Among 1,426 patients, the rate of futile pancreatectomy was 18.9%. Clinicians identified four specific tumor size and cancer antigen (CA 19.9) criteria that maintained futility likelihood below 20%. Patients meeting these criteria demonstrated significantly longer disease-free and overall survival, aiding in the selection of candidates for surgery versus neoadjuvant therapy.
• Why it matters: Reducing unnecessary surgeries improves outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients.
Journal Article by Crippa S, Malleo G (…) Cucchetti A et 13 al. in JAMA Surg