Sarah Enslin, PA-C
Rochester, New York
Sarah Enslin, PA-C1, Luis De Las Casas, MD2, Vivek Kaul, MD, FACG1
1University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY; 2University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
Introduction: Most pancreatic tumors are adenocarcinomas. Less than 6% of all pancreatic cancers are anaplastic (undifferentiated, ACP). ACPs with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) occur in less than 1% of all tumors and are classified separately from other subtypes of ACP by the WHO. Here we present 2 rare & unusual histologic subtypes of pancreatic cancer, both diagnosed by EUS-FNA/FNB, with varying prognosis & management.
Case Description/Methods: Case 1: An 81-year-old male presented with indigestion and 10-pound unintentional weight loss. Abdominal CT scan showed a 6.6cm pancreatic body-tail mass with splenic artery encasement and splenic vein occlusion. EUS confirmed the lesion with internal necrotic/cystic areas and celiac trunk involvement. FNA was performed with a 22-gauge needle; cytology confirmed undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) (Figure 1). PET/CT revealed a hypermetabolic pancreatic lesion (SUV 21) and a 1.5cm right hepatic dome lesion (SUV 10.2). He was deemed not a surgical candidate and was treated with palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine). Restaging CT scan showed marked tumor progression with a 17cm pancreatic tumor and a 4cm liver tumor. He entered hospice less than three months after diagnosis.
Case 2: A 74-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Laboratory evaluation revealed total bilirubin of 1.00 mg/dL, AST 40U/L, ALT 87U/L, and alkaline phosphatase 138 U/L. CT scan showed a pancreatic head mass measuring 4.3cm abutting the portal vein. Tumor markers were normal. EUS revealed a 4.5cm pancreatic head lesion with portal vein invasion and double duct sign. FNB was performed with 22-gauge needle; histology revealed anaplastic giant cell carcinoma (ACP) (Figure 2). After multidisciplinary discussion, pancreaticoduodenectomy was recommended. Intraoperatively, he was found to have unresectable locally advanced tumor. Palliative chemotherapy was started.
Discussion: OGCs & ACPs are rare histological subtypes of pancreatic cancer with aggressive clinical behavior. In both our patients, there was evidence of vascular and/or intraductal invasion by tumor at diagnosis. Data suggests OGCs may have a better prognosis than ACPs and ductal adenocarcinomas. Pancreas cancer multidisciplinary teams should be aware of these rare tumor subtypes and the treatment and prognostic implications thereof.
Citation: Sarah Enslin, PA-C; Luis De Las Casas, MD; Vivek Kaul, MD, FACG. P1875 - PROGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF RARE PANCREATIC TUMORS: A CASE SERIES TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE PATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS IN PANCREATIC MALIGNANCY. Program No. P1875. ACG 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. San Antonio, Texas: American College of Gastroenterology.