The role of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable pancreatic cancer remains uncertain

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) usually have a dismal prognosis, and even after curative resection most patients will have disease relapse and ultimately die. Nonetheless, adjuvant chemotherapy has considerably improved the outcomes of patients who are able to undergo surgery. The PREOPANC trial provides some evidence supporting the use of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with borderline resectable PDACs but not, as claimed, for those with resectable tumours.

Automated summary

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients typically have poor prognosis, and even after curative resection, most patients experience disease relapse and ultimately die. However, adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for patients eligible for surgery. The PREOPANC trial provides evidence supporting neoadjuvant therapy for patients with borderline resectable PDACs, but not for those with resectable tumors.