Objectives: There is a paucity of data regarding the use of neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic body or tail ductal adenocarcinomas. Given the differing tumour biology and aggressive nature of pancreatic body or tail adenocarcinomas, patients presenting with these tumours may benefit from upfront resection.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed analysing patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between January 2013 and June 2022. Patients who underwent upfront resection were compared to those who underwent neoadjuvant therapy.
Results: Forty-one patients underwent upfront distal pancreatectomy, while 40 patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy before curative intent resection. Neoadjuvant therapy did not improve overall survival (37 vs. 34 months, p = 0.962) or disease-free survival (13 vs. 15 months, p = 0.414), as compared with upfront resection. There was no significant difference in the rate or R0 resection or post-operative outcomes.
Conclusion: No significant improvement in survival was demonstrated for patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic body or tail when compared to upfront resection. Considering the potential for disease progression given the more aggressive tumour biology of pancreatic body and tail adenocarcinomas, appropriate surgical candidates should be offered upfront resection to provide the best chance of survival and cure.
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