Prognostic factors of long-term survival after resective procedures for pancreatic cancer

Background/Aims: Five-year survival rates following surgical resection of pancreatic cancer reported by the leading medical centers do not exceed 25%. It necessitates further extensive research in this area. The aim of the study was to determine prognostic factors of long-term survival after surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer. Methodology: From 1980 to 1999, 212 patients underwent surgical resection for pancreatic carcinoma. Statistical analysis of prognostic factors of longterm survival after pancreatic cancer surgery estimated by Kaplan-Meier method was carried out using multiple regression model. Results: A group of 212 patients underwent surgery, where 98 had Whipple's resection, 50 Traverso, 35 total pancreatic resections, 25 left subtotal resections, and the remaining 4 segmental pancreatic body resections. Perioperative mortality was below 8%, 5-year survival approximately 15%, increasing to 65% in patients with early cancer. It was observed, that the following prognostic factors influenced the long-term survival rate: tumor size, localization, histopathologic type, and metastases to lymph nodes. The type and extent of surgery was of significance in the case of small neoplasms. Conclusions: Based on the analysis carried out, the authors conclude that the main prognostic factors for long-term survival after pancreatic cancer surgery are related to the tumor itself and show associations with the natural development biology.