Serum Elastase 1 Level as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Recurrence in Patients with Well-Differentiated Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Purpose This study was designed to assess the potential role of the preoperative serum level of elastase 1 as a risk factor for recurrence in patients with resectable well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNETs). Methods Preoperative serum elastase 1 levels were measured in 53 patients with PanNETs who underwent complete tumor resection in two tertiary referral centers between January 2004 and June 2017. The preoperative elastase 1 levels were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, including tumor recurrence and recurrence-free survival. Results The median elastase 1 level was 96 ng/dL (range: 21–990 ng/dL). Preoperative serum elastase 1 levels were significantly higher in those with tumors ≥ 20 mm in diameter (vs.