[Therapy of pancreatic adenocarcinoma].

BACKGROUND

Despite significant advances in the areas of epidemiology, risk factors, molecular genetics and diagnosis pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by a dismal prognosis and ranks 5th among malignancy-associated deaths. This article attempts to critically review the current literature and analyze therapeutic recommendations based on published evidence. Therapeutic options are based on the stage of the disease.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Surgical resection with curative intention is feasible only in a minority of patients presenting with locally confined tumor disease. RADIO- AND CHEMOTHERAPY: Adjuvant combined radiochemotherapy might potentially improve survival and can also be considered in unresectable, locally advanced disease. The role of chemotherapy in advanced disease is exclusively palliative. Up to now, no chemotherapeutic regimen has demonstrated convincing impact on survival. Newer substances, such as gemcitabine, appear to be of some value in respect to quality of life. Best supportive care oriented at clinical symptoms remains a cornerstone in the therapeutic concept of patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Development of innovative therapeutic strategies is therefore mandatory.