[Radiation therapy of pancreatic cancer]

We have been using external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for both resectable and unresectable pancreatic cancer patients. EBRT (50-60 Gy) was combined with IORT (25-33 Gy) whenever possible, but otherwise EBRT or IORT was given alone. In patients with unresectable tumor but no distant metastasis, the median survival time (MST) was 7.5 months (M) for the EBRT group and 9 M for the EBRT+IORT group. These MST's were significantly longer than the MST of 3 M of patients who had been treated without radiation (historical control). In non-Stage IV patients undergoing non-curative resection, the MST was 12.5 M for the EBRT group, 15.5 M for the EBRT+IORT group, and 7 M for the historical control. In patients undergoing macroscopic curative resection, the MST was 14 M for the EBRT group, 10 M for the EBRT+IORT group, and 10.5 M for the historical control. In Stage IV patients (with distant metastasis), the MST was 4.5 M for the EBRT group, 4 M for the EBRT+IORT group, 2 M for the IORT group, and 2.5 M for the historical control. Thus, radiotherapy appeared useful especially in non-Stage IV patients undergoing non-curative or no resection. A decrease or relief of pain was obtained in 90% of patients with unresectable lesions. Radiotherapy seems to play an important role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer but more aggressive combined treatment seems to be necessary to further improve the dismal prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.