Utility of interventional endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has an important role in the management algorithm of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically for its diagnostic utilities. The past two decades have seen a rapid expansion of the therapeutic capabilities of EUS. Interventional EUS is now one of the more exciting developments within the field of endoscopy. The local effects of PDAC tend to be in anatomical areas which are difficult to target and endoscopy has cemented itself as a key role in managing the clinical sequelae of PDAC. Interventional EUS is increasingly utilized in situations whereby conventional endoscopy is either impossible to perform or unsuccessful. It also adds a different dimension to the host of oncological and surgical treatments for patients with PDAC. In this review, we aim to summarize the various ways in which interventional EUS could benefit patients with PDAC and aim to provide a balanced commentary on the current evidence of interventional EUS in the literature.

Automated summary

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role in the management of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), not only for diagnosis but also for therapy. It has become a key tool in managing the clinical effects of PDAC, especially in anatomical areas that are difficult to target. It is increasingly used in situations where conventional endoscopy is not possible or unsuccessful, providing a new dimension for the treatment of PDAC patients.