Comprehensive multimodal management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Current status and progress

World J Gastrointest Surg. 2023 Feb 27;15(2):142-162. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i2.142.

Abstract

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is a complex clinical entity with specific biological features. Criteria for resectability need to be assessed in combination with tumor anatomy and oncology. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for BRPC patients is associated with additional survival benefits. Research is currently focused on exploring the optimal NAT regimen and more reliable ways of assessing response to NAT. More attention to management standards during NAT, including biliary drainage and nutritional support, is needed. Surgery remains the cornerstone of BRPC treatment and multidisciplinary teams can help to evaluate whether patients are suitable for surgery and provide individualized management during the perioperative period, including NAT responsiveness and the selection of surgical timing.

Keywords: Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer; Multidisciplinary teams.; Multimodality treatment; Neoadjuvant therapy; Resectability; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Review