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Updated: May 21, 2026

Robot Assisted Distal Pancreatectomy with Celiac Axis Resection (DP-CAR) for Pancreatic Cancer: Surgical Planning and Technique
Published on: August 14, 2021
Combined modality treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
M Cantore1, R Girelli, A Mambrini
1Oncological Department, Carrara Hospital, Carrara, Italy. maurizio.cantore@usl1.toscana.it
Background:
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma, and can be combined with radiochemotherapy and intra-arterial plus systemic chemotherapy.
Methods:
This observational study compared two groups of patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma treated with either primary RFA (group 1) or RFA following any other primary treatment (group 2).
Results:
Between February 2007 and May 2010, 107 consecutive patients were treated with RFA. There were 47 patients in group 1 and 60 in group 2. Median overall survival was 25·6 months. Median overall survival was significantly shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (14·7 versus 25·6 months; P = 0·004) Patients treated with RFA, radiochemotherapy and intra-arterial plus systemic chemotherapy (triple-approach strategy) had a median overall survival of 34·0 months.
Conclusion:
RFA after alternative primary treatment was associated with prolonged survival. This was further extended by use of a triple-approach strategy in selected patients. Further evaluation of this approach seems warranted.
