Understanding pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and replacement therapy in pancreatic cancer

S Powell-Brett; N de Liguori Carino; K Roberts

doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2020.03.006

Understanding pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and replacement therapy in pancreatic cancer

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2021 Mar;47(3 Pt A):539-544. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2020.03.006. Epub 2020 Mar 8.

Authors

S Powell-Brett¹, N de Liguori Carino², K Roberts³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Electronic address: Sarah.powell-brett2@uhb.nhs.net.
² Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University Hospitals Foundation Trust, UK.
³ Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

PMID: 32178962
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2020.03.006

Abstract

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is highly prevalent in patients with pancreatic cancer, and has substantial implications for quality of life and survival. Post resection, PEI is associated with increased post-operative complications, longer hospital stays and higher costs. Treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) improves quality of life and confers significant survival advantages. Despite this many patients with pancreatic cancer do not currently receive PERT. The nutritional consequences of PEI are extensive and even more relevant in the elderly owing to age related gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic changes that predispose to malnutrition.

Keywords: Elderly; Nutrition; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Enzyme Replacement Therapy*
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / etiology*
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / therapy*
Humans
Incidence
Nutritional Status
Nutritional Support
Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
Quality of Life