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Rationale and appropriate use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

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Abstract

The emergence of effective systemic chemotherapy, along with the parallel development of new targeted cell signal inhibitors for pancreatic cancer treatment, has provided impetus for a re-examination of the appropriate use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in this malignancy. In addition to exciting developments in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease, new data have emerged regarding the efficacy of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy when combined with traditional surgical approaches such as a Whipple procedure. This review summarizes the sentinel clinical trials and discoveries that have influenced the development and deployment of scientifically based multidisciplinary care for today’s patients, with a particular focus on modern radiation and chemotherapy.

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  1. University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, Box 100277, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Robert de W. Marsh MD

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  1. Robert de W. Marsh MD
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Marsh, R.d.W., George, T. Rationale and appropriate use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 8, 111–120 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-006-0006-8

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