A new three-tier nodal classification improves survival predictions for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients post-surgery. Median overall survival drops significantly: 55.3 months (n0) to 19.0 months (n2) (p < 0.001). Node-positive patients (n1, n2) face worse outcomes (HR 2.01 and HR 2.59, respectively) compared to node-negative (n0). Use this refined staging to guide treatment decisions, especially for […]

Neuroendocrine liver metastases are seeing better surgical outcomes as practices shift over the last two decades. In the later cohort (2009-2023), major hepatectomy dropped to 32.9%, compared to 60.0% (p < 0.001) in the earlier cohort (1998-2008). The 10-year overall survival improved significantly from 44.2% to 67.4% (p < 0.001). Surgeons should consider parenchyma-sparing approaches […]

Postoperative acute pancreatitis affects recovery after pancreatoduodenectomy—understanding its definitions can optimize patient management. Incidence of postoperative acute pancreatitis: 11.9% (ISGPS), 41.2% (Atlanta-adapted), and 17.6% (Connor’s definition). The Atlanta-adapted framework showed the best ability to predict severe complications (AUC 0.68). A new graded Atlanta-Helsinki classification correlates with complication rates: 12.3% (none), up to 56.3% (both criteria). […]

A new consensus framework for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could transform surgical decision-making and patient outcomes. The BEACON-HCC system integrates clinical features like tumor burden and vascular invasion for more precise treatment options. In a pilot with 29 cases, expert decisions matched BEACON-HCC recommendations 96.6% of the time, compared to 72.4% for current standards. This framework […]

Liver stiffness measurement using Fibroscan® is an effective tool for risk stratification in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Baseline liver stiffness shows strong correlation with transplant-free survival: 5-year survival rates were 93.9% (<10 kPa), 78.1% (10-15 kPa), and 46.0% (>15 kPa). Progressors (increasing stiffness) had worse outcomes: an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.12 for death or […]

NCI-designated cancer centers lead to better surgical options and survival rates for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients at NCI centers had 2.37 times higher odds of surgical resection compared to non-designated centers. One-year mortality was halved (hazard ratio 0.50) for those receiving care at NCI centers. Access to NCI centers is crucial for […]

Biliary tract cancers are now seeing transformative therapies that enhance patient outcomes. Chemo-immunotherapy is the new first-line standard of care. Targeted therapies, especially for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions, show high response rates with drugs like pemigatinib and futibatinib. IDH1-mutant cholangiocarcinoma can be treated effectively with ivosidenib. Surgeons should prioritize biomarker testing to personalize treatment […]

Primary liver cancer cases are increasing rapidly, demanding enhanced screening and surgical readiness. Incidence and deaths have surged 59.4% and 55.8% from 2000 to 2023, respectively. Hepatitis B and C remain key causes, but rates have rebounded since 2020 despite prior declines. Surgeons must prioritize patient selection and intervention strategies, especially for patients with metabolic […]

A meta-analysis finds that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy have comparable outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection rates were nearly identical: 68.9% for chemoradiotherapy versus 71.5% for chemotherapy. R0 resection rates were also similar: 70.7% for chemoradiotherapy and 64.2% for chemotherapy. Both treatment modalities produced similar one-year survival rates (71.3% versus 72.4%) and overall survival […]