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Published on: June 8, 2018
Radiotherapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Joseph N Contessa1, Kent A Griffith, Elizabeth Wolff
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Summary
Radiotherapy (RT) effectively controls pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNTs), offering significant symptom relief and local progression-free survival. Further research into RT for PNTs is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
Background:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNTs) are rare and often radioresistant.
- Limited data exists on the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) for PNTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and efficacy of RT in managing patients with PNTs.
- To assess tumor response, local control, and toxicity of RT for PNTs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 patients with PNTs treated with RT between 1986 and 2006.
- Radiographic follow-up data from 23 patients used to assess tumor response and local progression.
- Toxicity graded using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.
Main Results:
- Overall response rate to RT was 39% (13% complete, 26% partial response).
- Patients receiving higher biologically equivalent doses of RT showed improved local progression-free survival.
- 90% of patients experienced symptomatic palliation; 3-year local freedom from progression was 49%.
Conclusions:
- RT is an effective treatment for achieving local control in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- RT demonstrates high rates of symptomatic palliation and local progression control in PNTs.
- Prospective clinical trials investigating RT for PNTs are warranted.
