Background and Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal tumors, with a 5-year overall survival rate of less than 10%. To date, curative surgical resection remains the only favorable option for improving patients' survival. However, there is no consensus on which prognostic biochemical, radiological markers or neoadjuvant therapy regimens would benefit patients the most. Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed focusing on overall survival, R0 resection, 30-day mortality, adverse events (AEs), and elevated biomarkers. The electronic databases were searched from 2015 to 2020. Results: We reviewed 22 independent studies. In total, 20 studies were retrospective single- or multi-center reviews, while 2 studies were prospective Phase II trials. Conclusions: Patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC, who received neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and surgery, have significantly better survival rates. The CA 19-9 biomarker levels in the neoadjuvant setting should be evaluated and considered as a specific biomarker for tumor resectability and overall survival.
Keywords: neoadjuvant treatment; pancreatic adenocarcinoma; surgical resectability.