Osteoclastic-Type Giant Cell Tumours of the Pancreas: A Homogenous Series of Rare Tumours Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Giant cell tumors (GCT) of the pancreas are a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Although data are limited, clinical outcomes appear to depend largely on histological subtype with osteoclastic tumors carrying a better prognosis. We report on a homogenous series of patients with osteoclastic-type GCTs of the pancreas presenting to a national pancreatico-biliary gastrointestinal oncology center. Methods: Patients underwent endoscopic, radiological and histopathological assessments. Data were collected in relation to consecutive patients presenting with osteoclastic-type tumors of the pancreas and analyzed with survival as a primary end point. Results: Four patients were treated over a 4-year period. Median age was 77 years with equal gender distribution. Median tumor size was 42 mm. Histology was osteoclast-type giant cells in all 4 patients. Two patients underwent surgery with curative intent. Median overall survival was 13.1 months. Conclusion: This is the largest reported series of osteoclast-type histology in GCTs of the pancreas.