To the Editor: Speer and colleagues’ recent article concerning pancreatic cancer outcomes makes sobering reading.1 Notwithstanding the results of surgery being in line with other case series, they found a somewhat high rate (nearly 40%) of positive resection margins in patients undergoing surgery with curative intent. The authors also cite evidence from other studies indicating benefit from a small number of surgeons each performing a large volume of resections.
Speer et al’s study is a salutary reminder that, despite our expanded knowledge base and advances in surgery and other therapeutic modalities, pancreatic cancer remains a cruel disease with an appalling prognosis. The least we can do for these patients is to avoid complications related to their therapy.
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