Radiotherapy in the adjuvant management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: is it helpful?

Abstract

Curative-intent management for pancreatic adenocarcinoma requires gross total resection. Only 15–20% of patients are eligible for resection and of these only approximately 20% are long-term survivors. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant approaches have been, and are being, sought to improve upon surgical results. Radiotherapy has a role in the adjuvant management of many gastrointestinal malignancies and historically has also had a role in the adjuvant management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, the role of radiotherapy in the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been called into question. This review examines this controversy and the underlying issues and considers current efforts towards resolving them, as well as some likely future developments.

Keywords::

• adjuvant chemotherapy
• adjuvant radiotherapy
• pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

IPMN: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

Data adapted from [8,9].