[Intraoperative radiotherapy of malignant pancreatic tumors--initial results]

Thirteen patients suffering from adenocarcinomas of the pancreas were submitted to an intraoperative fast electron "boost" therapy with or without percutaneous photon irradiation. A duodeno-cephalo-pancreatectomy with subsequent irradiation of the tumor bed could be performed in three patients. Ten patients were inoperable because of advanced tumors and formation of metastases. The average survival is 6.5 months, at present six patients are alive without major troubles. An analgetic effect was obtained in ten patients. The first results are encouraging with respect to local control, the little acute and chronic morbidity, and palliation achieved in advanced stages.