Current State and Future Directions of Radiation Therapy for Pancreas Adenocarcinoma

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2023 Jul;32(3):399-414. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.02.001. Epub 2023 Apr 4.

Abstract

Studies suggest select patients from across the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) disease spectrum may benefit from adding radiation therapy (RT) to multi-modality care. In resectable PDAC, there is an evolving role for neoadjuvant RT with adjuvant RT reserved for patients with increased recurrence risk. In borderline resectable PDAC, neoadjuvant chemoradiation likely improves R0 resection rates and in unresectable PDAC, definitive RT may prolong survival for some patients. Recent developments in RT delivery are promising but additional studies are needed to determine the benefit of these technologies and to optimize the role of RT in multi-modality care.

Keywords: Pancreas cancer; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Radiation therapy; SBRT; Tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / radiotherapy
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology