The role of radiotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Br J Radiol. 2021 Sep 1;94(1125):20210044. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20210044. Epub 2021 Aug 10.

Abstract

At diagnosis, about 15% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with a resectable tumour, 50% have a metastatic tumour, and 35% a locally advanced tumour, non-metastatic but unresectable due to vascular invasion, or borderline resectable. Despite the technical progress made in the field of radiation therapy and the improvement of the efficacy of chemotherapy, the prognosis of these patients remains very poor. Recently, the role of radiation therapy in the management of pancreatic cancer has been much debated. This review aims to evaluate the role of radiation therapy for patients with locally advanced tumours.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Pancreas / radiation effects
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Treatment Outcome