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Near Complete Pathologic Response to PD-1 Inhibitor and Radiotherapy in a Patient with Locally Advanced Pancreatic
Patrick M McCarthy1, Matthew J Rendo2, Matthew D Uy3
1Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains deadly despite advances in systemic therapies and surgical techniques. While there is increasing utilization of immune therapies across diverse cancer types, PDAC remains generally resistant to these treatments. We report a case of locally advanced PDAC treated with preoperative radiation and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy guided by preoperative PD-L1 tumor analysis. After 4 months of preoperative therapy, the patient was submitted to resection, demonstrating a near-complete pathologic response on final tumor analysis. We will discuss the relevant literature and current state of immunotherapeutics for PDAC.
Insights
Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is often resistant to immunotherapy. A patient with locally advanced PDAC showed a near-complete response after preoperative radiation and anti-PD-1 therapy, guided by PD-L1 analysis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to its general resistance to current immunotherapies.
- Advances in systemic therapies and surgical techniques have limited impact on PDAC survival rates.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with locally advanced PDAC is presented.
- Treatment included preoperative radiation and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, with PD-L1 tumor analysis guiding the immunotherapy approach.
Findings:
- The patient received 4 months of preoperative therapy.
- Post-treatment resection revealed a near-complete pathologic response, indicating significant tumor reduction.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential role for combined preoperative radiation and PD-1 blockade in treating PDAC.
- Further research into PD-L1 guided immunotherapy for PDAC is warranted.
- The findings may inform future treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer.
