Long-term survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer. A case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer still remains an incurable disease. The survival rate of patients in all stages of the disease is poor. Overall median survival is 3-5 months with a 12-month survival rate of 10% and a 5-year survival rate less than 5%.


METHODS
We report a rare case of a long-term survivor (more than 10 years) of metastatic carcinoma of the pancreas tail controlled with subsequent surgical and chemotherapeutic strategies with an acceptable performance status and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the fifth case reported in the literature showing that long-term survival may be achieved even in advanced pancreatic cancer.
Spinelli
Gian Paolo
GP
Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Zullo
Angelo
A
Romiti
Adriana
A
Di Seri
Marisa
M
Tomao
Federica
F
Miele
Evelina
E
Spalletta
Bruno
B
Eramo
Annarita
A
Hassan
Cesare
C
Tomao
Silverio
S
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000401:mortality* / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors