[The combined treatment of locally disseminated pancreatic cancer using cryosurgery].

Experimental cryodestruction of the pancreas performed in 40 dogs served as a basis for selecting the temperature regimen, exposure time and extent of treatment to be subsequently used in man. Cryodestruction and combined cryoradiotherapy were employed in 30 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The procedure proved effective as it assured alleviation of pain, improvement in performance status and an increase in survival. CA-19-9 level and T-lymphocyte count were followed. These markers may be used to predict progression of pancreatic cancer.