Unresectable pancreatic cancer: is a multi-modality approach a promising therapeutical alternative?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of immunochemotherapy and stop-flow upper abdominal chemotherapy in the prolongation of survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty unresectable pancreatic cancer patients were treated with immuno-chemotherapy in combination with stop-flow upper abdominal chemotherapy, in an attempt to improve survival time.

RESULTS

The results obtained in this study indicate that this kind of treatment is feasible, safe and effective for patients suffering from Stage III and IV pancreatic duct carcinoma. Twenty per cent of the patients within this group were able to undergo radical resection and remain alive and free of disease, with a mean survival rate of 16 months.

CONCLUSION

The multi-modality approach used in this study achieved promising results for pancreatic cancer patients and is recommended as a promising therapeutic alternative.