A multimodal, one-session endoscopic approach for management of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

A number of patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer may concurrently complain of pain, biliary obstruction, and duodenal stenosis. Endoscopic palliative treatments and opioid therapy are generally performed in these patients. The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a multimodal 'one-Session Three Endoscopic Procedures' (one-STEP) to simultaneously treat cholestasis, restore duodenal transit, and achieve pain relief in selected patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Selected patients diagnosed with an advanced pancreatic cancer presenting with biliary obstruction, duodenal stenosis, and severe pain treated with the one-STEP were considered. The one-STEP endoscopic approach included biliary and duodenal stenting, and EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis. The technical success rate, complications, pain relief, and opioid use at follow-up were assessed.

A total of 15 patients were treated. The one-STEP was successful in 13 (87 %) cases, while it failed in two patients due to the impossibility of dilating the neoplastic mass for creating a fistula. No endoscopy-related complications occurred. The median of pain intensity was 8 (range 7-10) at entry and significantly decreased to 2 (range 2-4) 72 h following celiac plexus neurolysis. At follow-up (median survival 4 months; range 3-8), only 3 (20 %) needed of narcotic treatment in the last period.

The multimodal one-STEP is an effective and safe endoscopic approach for palliative treatment of biliary and duodenal stenosis, and for relieving chronic pain in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.