Chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Current status and perspectives

The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is due to both its metastasis-prone and locally resistant nature. To improve therapeutic outcome, a multimodality approach is necessary. Chemoradiotherapy has been regarded as one of the standard treatment options, particularly for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. A number of clinical studies have been undertaken to establish the use of chemoradiotherapy, with or without surgical resection. This review systematically summarizes the current status, controversies, and prospects of postoperative, definitive, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic cancer. (author)