Pancreatic cancer has been steadily increasing in recent decades and so far it has not been scientifically proven to be due to this increase. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most insidious and difficult diagnostic forms of cancer.

“Pancreatic cancer is clearly increasing and it is projected to be the second cause of cancer death in the western world by 2030. As the frequency increases, it apparently spreads to younger ages. So far, no specific causes have been found for this increase. There are assumptions about the possible role of diet, lifestyle, but nothing is proven, ”says Grigoris Tsiotos, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, founder of the Hellenic Institute of Pancreatic.

In Greece, Mr Tsiotos says, “we are very much in the earliest diagnosis” and, as noted at the Pan-European liver-pancreas conference in June, in an analysis of 871 patients it was found that the diagnosis was delayed on average six months of the first.

He stresses that the latest data for his diagnosis and treatment are encouraging, as the progress of scientific research now offers more opportunities for early intervention.

Referring to the role of artificial intelligence, Mr. Tsiotos appreciates he will be founded and spread for a more precise diagnosis.

Following is Gregory Tsiotou’s interview with RES-EIA and journalist Efi Fousseki

Q: Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer. What are the criteria currently used to describe a volume of pancreas as “operating” or “unmistakable”? How much have these limits changed in recent years?

A: The two criteria are the existence of metastases and the involvement of cancer of large, critical vessels around and in the pancreas. In terms of metastases, these patients are not operated on. But in terms of vascular involvement, progress is very important and is based on the ability of some, very few, surgical groups worldwide to remove cancer along with the vessels involved. These tumors are still regarded as unless the surgeon can remove the vessels involved today. This is exactly what is converted this is considered to be inspired to operating. These are very difficult technical surgeries that are very dangerous if the surgical team is not proven, long experience with exactly such incidents. These surgeries are far exceeded the difficulty of ordinary pancreatomy, which is already in itself, one of the most difficult surgeries. This is precisely the reason why these surgeries are made by very selected groups. Our team has been carrying out these surgeries since 2012 and we have now exceeded 100, with a average survival of the average, as we have repeatedly published in American and European scientific journals.

Q: What are the latest Pancreatic Cancer data announced at the Pan-European Liver-Pan-European Congress?

A: The main axis was the increase in surgery. That is to say, the increase in the conversion of those considered as unsubstantiated tumors that are converted to surgery by removing the vessels involved (port of vein, large arteries). Those who work intensively in this area have exchanged experiences for the various techniques of removing and replacing the vessels involved in order to further increase surgery.

A large area was given to the optimal evaluation and monitoring of pancreatic cysts, so that they would be precisely those that will become pancreatic cancer, surgery early and save the patient’s life, and on the other hand no patients with benign cysts are needed.

The exact role of robotic surgery in the pancreas: The speech of Mark Besselink, President of the European Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and Professor of Surgery at Amsterdam University, was modern, balanced and wise because it contained the comparative results of all the relevant clinical studies. He has shown that robotic removal of the body and tail of the pancreas (peripheral pancreatectomy) is surgically and oncologically safe and is good to apply. On the contrary, the removal of the pancreas head (whipple surgery) has not shown corresponding advantages and should not be done because it is dangerous to the patient, both for its complications and oncological reasons, with the exception of only surgical groups that perform more than 100 whipple each year.

The increasing role of artificial intelligence in more accurate diagnosis

Q: How close are we to a daily clinical use of artificial intelligence?

A: Artificial intelligence (TN) has already begun to be used but still its position is not founded. However, its role in the most accurate diagnosis of axial and magnetic resonance imaging in pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatic cysts and neuroendocrine neoplasms, is already being investigated. In these diseases, the diagnostic criteria are many and complex and often exceed the analytical potential of the human mind. It seems that its role will be founded and spread.

Q: Greece at what stage is it about the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer?

A: We are very much in the early diagnosis. Symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, or waist that does not go through the usual means may be due to pancreatic cancer. The sudden appearance of diabetes, though the patient’s weight has not increased, may also be due to pancreatic cancer. As we typically announced in June at the Pan-European Liver-Pan-European Congress in 871 patients with pancreatic cancer, the diagnosis was diagnosed 6 months later by the occurrence of these symptoms. So general doctors, pathologists need to be aware of these sneaky symptoms. If the primary care physician thinks this case, then the diagnosis will be much earlier, at a less advanced stage, so with a better prognosis.

Q: Are there any prevention tips?

A: Cancer pancreas can only be prevented when pancreatic cysts have been diagnosed that has been fully analyzed and proven to be precancerous, so by removing them, cancer is prevented and the patient’s life is preserved. Realistically, however, what could be done is the diagnosis at an earlier stage, before the cancer proceeds. This is possible with the evaluation of some “sneaky” symptoms, as mentioned earlier.