New Treatment Options and Management Considerations in Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

In the United States, cancer of the pancreas accounts for nearly 40,000 deaths annually and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The vast majority of patients present with metastatic or unresectable disease. Only 20% of patients are candidates for surgery, and therefore curable. The 5-year survival rate for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma is only 6%, with surgical resection being essential for long-term survival. Recent research has identified a precise subset of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer for whom resection yielding durable survival is possible. This population is being actively studied to identify optimal treatment strategies for long-term survival. In this article we will discuss the definitions of resectability, describe the current diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer, and review strategies for maximizing treatment outcomes in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.