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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Does Longer Therapy Before Surgery Help?

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Effect of duration of neoadjuvant therapy on pancreatic cancer outcomes a systematic review and meta-analysis.DOI 10.1016j.hpb.2025.12.018

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat. Many patients receive treatment before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant therapy. It may include chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and make surgery easier.

A new study looked at how long this treatment should be given.

It compared shorter treatment (up to 8 weeks) with longer treatment (more than 8 weeks).

The results are important.

Patients who had shorter treatment were more likely to undergo surgery. About 2 out of 3 patients in the short treatment group could have surgery. In the longer treatment group, only about 1 out of 3 reached surgery.

This pattern was seen across different stages of pancreatic cancer.

The goal of treatment is often to make surgery possible. So this finding matters.

Longer treatment did not improve survival. It also did not increase the chances of completely removing the tumor. Both short and long treatments had similar long-term outcomes.

What does this mean for patients?

Longer treatment before surgery does not always give better results. In some cases, it may delay or reduce the chance of surgery.

Doctors may prefer a shorter treatment plan, especially if surgery is possible early.

Key points to remember:

⦿ Shorter therapy may improve chances of surgery

⦿ Longer therapy does not improve survival

⦿ Treatment plans should be personalised

⦿ Regular assessment during therapy is important

If you are undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, talk to your doctor about timing. The right balance can improve your chances of successful surgery.

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Ahmeadbad
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