Radiation therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a treatment option that must be considered in the management of a devastating malignancy

William A. HallEmail author and
Karyn A. Goodman

Radiation Oncology201914:114

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-019-1277-1

Received: 19 December 2018
Accepted: 14 April 2019
Published: 26 June 2019

Abstract

Clinical outcomes for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) remain dismal. Local recurrences, proportions of margin positive surgical resections, and overall survival outcomes remain inferior in PAC than any other solid tumor. This stems from a current standard of care management approach that needs to be inspired and transformed with modern treatment techniques and novel therapeutic options. Radiation therapy has historically been a central component in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, the role of radiation therapy has been called into question based on the publication of clinical trials with conflicting results. We present an overview of the rationale for radiation therapy in resectable, borderline resectable, and unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We further present a summary of emerging clinical data and future directions to improve outcomes in this devastating malignancy.