Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer and the Necessity of Long-Term Surveillance in Patients With Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

Objectives Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). Which PCLs should be surveilled and necessity of long-term observation are still controversial. Methods From January 2000 to March 2016, we enrolled 1137 patients with PCLs observed for 1 year. We defined PCLs with cyst size of greater than 30 mm, main pancreatic duct (MPD) of greater than 5 mm or mural nodule as high-risk group, and others as low-risk group (LRG). Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were applied to assess incidence and risk factors of PC. Results In 107 high-risk group and 1030 LRG patients, mean observation period was 4.3 years and 5.0 years, respectively, and 5-year PC incidence was 12.0% and 2.8%, respectively. In LRG, MPD of greater than 3 mm, diabetes mellitus, and presumed branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (BD-IPMN), defined as PCLs fulfilling any of multilocular formation, multiplicity, or MPD communication, were independent risk factors for PC. In 450 LRG observed for 5 years, 10-year PC incidence was higher in PCLs with our identified risk factors. There was no PC occurrence in PCLs not presumed BD-IPMN after 5-year observation. Conclusions Continuous surveillance is needed after 5-year observation, especially in LRG with our identified risk factors. For discontinuing surveillance, PCLs not presumed BD-IPMN at fifth year could be candidates.