Commentaries on Articles

Agarwal B, Correa AM, Ho L. Survival in pancreatic carcinoma based on tumor size. Pancreas. 2008 Jan; 36(1):e15-20

According to a study by Agarwal, Correa and Ho L, prognosis of pancreatic cancer is better if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage when the tumor is small in size. Smaller the tumor better is the prognoisis is the key statement. The article reports a study conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center in which 65 patients with pancreatic cancer had been treated between December 2000 and December 2001. The study result confirms that smaller tumors have better treatment outcomes and that patient with tumor size equal or lesser than 20 mm have significantly better treatment outcome as compared to patients with tumor size between 20 to 30 mm, and above 30 mm. Comparison of median survival with respect to tumor size in the study group, revealed significant benefits in patients with tumors as small as 20 mm. The median survival was much lesser in patients with tumors larger than 20 mm and a major reduction in median survival was observed between 20-30 mm. The investigators have stressed on early detection of pancreatic cancer and the need for more research to recognise specific symptoms, tumor markers and diagnostic techniques to aid early detection especially in the high risk group.

Commentary by:

Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande
MBBS, MS, MD
Associate Professor and Consultant Surgeon
Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato- Biliary- Pancreatic Surgery
Tata Memorial Hospital
Dr. Ernest Borges Marg, Parel
Mumbai - 400 012
India.

The investigators have rightly stressed on early detection of pancreatic cancer and the need for more research to recognise specific symptoms, tumor markers and diagnostic techniques to aid early detection especially in the high risk group. Furthermore, creating awareness about pancreatic cancer is crucial to detect more number of early cases.