Current and Emerging Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a significant global health challenge with increasing incidence.
• Risk factors like aging, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol contribute to the rising burden of pancreatic cancer.
• Most patients are diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease, necessitating multidisciplinary care for improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current therapeutic strategies for localized and metastatic pancreatic cancer.
• To highlight emerging and investigational therapies that may transform pancreatic cancer treatment.
• To provide an overview of advancements impacting patient survival and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pancreatic cancer treatment modalities.
• Analysis of surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic approaches.
• Examination of novel targeted therapies, including genetic testing-based treatments, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies.

Main Results:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques have improved safety and efficacy for localized disease.
• Systematic chemotherapy and neoadjuvant therapy combined with radiation enhance survival rates.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapies show promising results for metastatic pancreatic cancer, improving survival.

Conclusions:

• Despite a historically poor prognosis, recent pharmacotherapy advancements have significantly improved pancreatic cancer treatment and survival.
• Ongoing research and clinical trials are introducing state-of-the-art therapies that hold the potential to revolutionize pancreatic cancer care.
• A multidisciplinary approach combined with evolving treatment strategies offers hope for better outcomes in pancreatic cancer management.