The Role of Serum Uric Acids in Protecting Postoperative Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

Although elevated serum uric acid (SUA) is a known risk factor for cancer-related death, its prognostic role after pancreatic cancer surgery remains unclear. This retrospective study of 198 patients who underwent pancreatic cancer surgery, 168 of whom received curative treatment. Of these patients, 119 (70.8%) exhibited increased SUA levels postoperatively, while 49 (29.2%) experienced decreased or stable levels. Patients with decreased or stable SUA exhibited better three-year overall survival (16.3% vs. 12.9%) and recurrence-free survival (17.4% vs. 9.2%). Multivariate analysis identified AJCC stage III as a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality (OR 7.065, p = 0.002). Cox regression analysis identified AJCC stage III (HR 2.157, p = 0.002), elevated SUA (HR 0.996, p = 0.005), and neurovascular invasion (HR 2.421, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of poorer overall survival. Similar trends were observed for recurrence-free survival. No significant differences were found in the palliative group. Early detection of these factors may facilitate timely intervention and improve outcomes.