Surveillance after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: How to do it and what are the benefits?

[BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE] Surveillance following resection with curative intent of pancreatic cancer varies widely, and supporting evidence is limited. Recurrence is although frequent, not at least during the first 2 years. Surveillance may be costly, but evidence on how this influences overall survival is not fully elucidated.

[METHODS, RESULTS] There are reports implying that signs of biological recurrence (increasing CA 19-9) precede radiologically demonstrated recurrence by months.

[CONCLUSIONS] The possibility of initiating salvage therapy earlier is discussed, potentially based on improved future biomarker panels.