New insights on CA 19-9 dynamics can enhance treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery.

• In a study with 283 patients, median overall survival was 56.3 months, and recurrence-free survival was 26.0 months.
• Patients categorized as type 1 (preoperative normalization) or type 2 (post-surgery normalization) had a significantly better prognosis (overall survival of 61.1 and 57.8 months, respectively).

Understanding CA 19-9 response can guide surgical decisions and improve patient outcomes.

• Types 1 and 2 were identified as independent prognostic factors (hazard ratio = 3.20; p < .001).