[Does neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy augment the resectability of pancreatic cancers?].
OBJECTIVE
Pre-operative radiochemotherapy is the most recent therapeutic option in the pre-operative downstaging of pancreatic cancer and in decreasing the rate of positive resection margins. The purpose of the study was to evaluate tolerance and efficacy of pre-operative radiochemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancers.


METHODS
This study included seven cases of pancreatic cancer considered unresectable. The patients received preoperatively 50 grays within a 5-week period associated with 5 FU and Platin during the 1st and 5th weeks.


RESULTS
After radiochemotherapy, tomodensitometric evaluation showed a minor response in two cases. A pancreatico-duodenectomy could be performed in these two patients without any increase of pre- or post-operative morbidity or mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study suggest that preoperative radiochemotherapy may increase pancreatic cancer resectability. This hypothesis should be confirmed by a prospective randomised trial.
Bousquet
J
J
Service de chirurgie générale et digestive, Hôtel-Dieu, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Slim
K
K
Pezet
D
D
Alexandre
M
M
Verrelle
P
P
Cure
H
H
Chipponi
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012086:Reoperation; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil