Percutaneous ablation of pancreatic cancer

World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Nov 28;22(44):9661-9673. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i44.9661.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly aggressive tumor with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Prognosis and treatment depend on whether the tumor is resectable or not, which mostly depends on how quickly the diagnosis is made. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be both used in cases of non-resectable pancreatic cancer. In cases of pancreatic neoplasm that is locally advanced, non-resectable, but non-metastatic, it is possible to apply percutaneous treatments that are able to induce tumor cytoreduction. The aim of this article will be to describe the multiple currently available treatment techniques (radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation), their results, and their possible complications, with the aid of a literature review.

Keywords: Ablation treatment; Cryoablation; Irreversible electroporation; Microwave ablation; Pancreatic adenocarcinoma; Pancreatic cancer; Percutaneous treatment; Radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques* / adverse effects
  • Ablation Techniques* / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cryosurgery
  • Electroporation
  • Humans
  • Microwaves / therapeutic use
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / mortality
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome