[Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer]

Abstract

Background: Resection is the only curative treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy can improve disease-free survival and overall survival after resection. Furthermore, neoadjuvant treatment protocols are currently being investigated in a large number of studies.

Objective: Summary of the current evidence for adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment.

Material and methods: Review of the current scientific literature and guidelines.

Results and conclusion: After resection for pancreatic cancer patients should receive intensive chemotherapy with mFOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine plus capecitabine or gemcitabine/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) monotherapy. Neoadjuvant treatment concepts are promising but have to be further evaluated in prospective studies.

Keywords: Borderline resectable tumors; Chemoradiotherapy; Chemotherapy; Induction therapy; Resectable tumors.