Surveillance after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with curative intent – a multicenter survey in Germany and review of the literature

Background  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers with high risk of relapse even after curative-intended resection. There are no evidence-based recommendations for surveillance in actual guidelines. Given this situation and as a basis for prospective studies, we wanted to determine the current practice of surveillance after pancreatic cancer resection in German institutions. Methods  A web-based questionnaire was sent in 2015 to 300 German institutions (hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices) experienced in the care of patients with PDAC. The questionnaire comprised 23 items including the respective institution, the level of care, the annual case load of pancreatic cancer surgery, the surveillance algorithms used, and the most frequently used means for surveillance as well as their evaluation by the users with respect to the effectiveness of these means. Additionally, we perform a review of the literature. Results  The final analysis comprised 161 questionnaires (response rate 53.7 %). Mainly high-volume centers (82.5 % with > 300 hospital beds) participated. In 46.6 % of centers, more than 80 % of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Between 60 – 80 % of these patients completed the recommended 6 months of adjuvant treatment, and 47 % of the patients received the whole treatment (surgery, adjuvant therapy) and surveillance in the same center. Upon completion of adjuvant treatment, 96 % of centers survey their patients, and 82 % of these centers already employ diagnostic means during the course of adjuvant chemotherapy. The most commonly used diagnostic means were taking patient history, conducting physical examination, performing laboratory tests including CA19 – 9, and imaging. Of those employed, CA19 – 9 and imaging followed by patient history were considered the most efficient to detect disease relapse by the centers. Half of the institutions perform surveillance for 5 years after surgery. Conclusion  This is the first systematic analysis of self-reported surveillance strategies used in Germany after resection of PDAC with curative intent. Surveillance after resection of PDAC with curative intent is common in Germany. Alterations of CA19 – 9 levels as well as imaging and taking patient history are considered the most efficient means to detect relapse of disease by the physicians participating in our survey.