TNM stage and grade in predicting the prognosis of operated, non-functioning neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas--a single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic significance of TNM and grading categories in curatively resected non-functioning neuroendocrine pancreatic carcinoma (nfnepC).

METHOD

Eighteen nfnepC were retrospectively analyzed for differences in survival.

RESULTS

(1) There was a correlation between pT (P = 0.026), respectively pM categories (P = 0.016) and survival. (2) G categories and length of survival were closely correlated (P = 0.0036). (3) Disease stages I-IV had a significant effect on survival (P = 0.051). (4) The WHO classification in well and poorly differentiated carcinomas proved to be the most conclusive predictive factor (P = 0.0009). (5) Subgroups with significantly different prognoses determined by histological grade were present within disease stage II.

CONCLUSIONS

The retrospective analysis showed a good correlation between survival and pT, pM, tumor stage, G categories, and WHO classification in well and poorly differentiated carcinomas. Including histological differentiation in the staging system or carrying it out separately in well and poorly differentiated carcinomas, could enhance the predictive potential of TNM-based disease stages.