Unresectable pancreatic cancer: is a multi-modality approach a promising therapeutical alternative?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of immunochemotherapy and stop-flow upper abdominal chemotherapy in the prolongation of survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.


METHODS
Thirty unresectable pancreatic cancer patients were treated with immuno-chemotherapy in combination with stop-flow upper abdominal chemotherapy, in an attempt to improve survival time.


RESULTS
The results obtained in this study indicate that this kind of treatment is feasible, safe and effective for patients suffering from Stage III and IV pancreatic duct carcinoma. Twenty per cent of the patients within this group were able to undergo radical resection and remain alive and free of disease, with a mean survival rate of 16 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The multi-modality approach used in this study achieved promising results for pancreatic cancer patients and is recommended as a promising therapeutic alternative.
Lygidakis
N J
NJ
Department of Surgery, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece.
Dedemati
G
G
Spenzaris
N
N
Theodoropoulou
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents