Adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Pancreatic resection morbidity and mortality have significantly decreased over the past two decades.
• Despite surgical advancements, long-term survival rates for pancreatic cancer remain largely unchanged.
• Adjuvant therapies, informed by treatments for locally unresectable pancreatic cancer, have shown a positive impact on survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapies on pancreatic cancer survival.
• To explore strategies for increasing the number of pancreatic resections performed.
• To assess the potential of neoadjuvant trials in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of experience in treating locally unresectable, nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer to devise adjuvant therapies.
• Initiation of phase II neoadjuvant trials in multiple centers to increase pancreatic resection rates.
• Exploration of new, innovative treatment modalities for pancreatic cancer.

Main Results:

• Adjuvant therapies have demonstrated an impact on patient survival.
• The overall number of pancreatic resections performed remains low.
• Phase II neoadjuvant trials are ongoing to potentially increase resection rates.

Conclusions:

• While surgical risks have decreased, long-term survival for pancreatic cancer has not improved.
• Current adjuvant therapies and neoadjuvant trials may offer some survival benefits but are insufficient to significantly alter cure rates.
• Innovative and novel treatment strategies are imperative to improve cure rates for pancreatic cancer.