Quality of Life and Toxicity of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Pancreatic Tumors: A Case Series

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the results of extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (ESRT) experience in pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: Four noncoplanar fixed beams were used in all patients. Results: Analysis of 16 patients was carried out. Overall response rate was 56.2%. Fifteen patients experienced local and/or distant progression of disease (median follow-up: 24 months). Two-year local progression-free, distant progression-free, and overall survivals were 85.7%, 58.7%, and 50.0%, respectively. Toxicity was less than grade 2 in all, although 1 patient had severe duodenal bleeding. Quality of life scores were unchanged. Conclusions: ESRT was associated with low complication rate, and not worsening the patients’ quality of life.

Keyword :

• ESRT
• Stereotactic radiotherapy
• Pancreatic tumors
• Quality of life

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We thank Perla Avegno and Milly Bwenge for reviewing the manuscript.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

The authors report no declarations of interest.