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Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 9/2013

01-09-2013 | Original article

Intensity modulated radiotherapy as neoadjuvant chemoradiation for the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Outcome analysis and comparison with a 3D-treated patient cohort

Authors: Prof. Dr. S.E. Combs, MD, D. Habermehl, MD, K. Kessel, F. Bergmann, MD, J. Werner, MD, I. Brecht, P. Schirmacher, D. Jäger, MD, M.W. Büchler, MD, J. Debus, MD PhD

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 9/2013

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Abstract

Background

To evaluate outcome after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-RT) as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Materials and methods

In total, 57 patients with LAPC were treated with IMRT and chemotherapy. A median total dose of 45 Gy to the PTV_baseplan and 54 Gy to the PTV_boost in single doses of 1.8 Gy for the PTV_baseplan and median single doses of 2.2 Gy in the PTV_boost were applied. Outcomes were evaluated and compared to a large cohort of patients treated with 3D-RT.

Results

Overall treatment was well tolerated in all patients and IMRT could be completed without interruptions. Median overall survival was 11 months (range 5–37.5 months). Actuarial overall survival at 12 and 24 months was 36 % and 8 %, respectively. A significant impact on overall survival could only be observed for a decrease in CA 19-9 during treatment, patients with less pre-treatment CA 19-9 than the median, as well as weight loss during treatment. Local progression-free survival was 79 % after 6 months, 39 % after 12 months, and 13 % after 24 months. No factors significantly influencing local progression-free survival could be identified. There was no difference in overall and progression-free survival between 3D-RT and IMRT. Secondary resectability was similar in both groups (26 % vs. 28 %). Toxicity was comparable and consisted mainly of hematological toxicity due to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

IMRT leads to a comparable outcome compared to 3D-RT in patients with LAPC. In the future, the improved dose distribution, as well as advances in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) techniques, may improve the use of IMRT in local dose escalation strategies to potentially improve outcome.
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Metadata
Title
Intensity modulated radiotherapy as neoadjuvant chemoradiation for the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Outcome analysis and comparison with a 3D-treated patient cohort
Authors
Prof. Dr. S.E. Combs, MD
D. Habermehl, MD
K. Kessel
F. Bergmann, MD
J. Werner, MD
I. Brecht
P. Schirmacher
D. Jäger, MD
M.W. Büchler, MD
J. Debus, MD PhD
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-013-0391-5

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