The role of intraoperative radiation therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) techniques allow for the delivery of high doses of radiation therapy while excluding part or all of the nearby dose-limiting sensitive structures. Therefore, the effective radiation dose is increased and local tumor control potentially improved. This is pertinent in the case of pancreatic cancer because local failure rates are as high as 50%-80% in patients with resected and locally advanced disease. Available data in patients receiving IORT after pancreaticoduodenectomy reveal an improvement in local control, though overall survival benefit is unclear. Series of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer also suggest pain relief, and in select studies, improved survival associated with the inclusion of IORT. At present, no phase III data clearly supports the use of IORT in the management of pancreatic cancer.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Palta, M; Willett, C; Czito, B

Published Date

  • April 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 24 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 126 - 131

PubMed ID

  • 24635869

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1532-9461

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.semradonc.2013.11.004

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States