The role of chemoradiotherapy in sub-optimally resectable locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

15589 Background: The role of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced, sub-optimally resectable pancreatic tumours (LAPC) has not been evaluated. Methods: An analysis was conducted of 51 patients with LAPC treated between January 2002 and June 2007. Treatment consisted of CRT alone in 5 patients (radiotherapy dose 45–50.4Gy with gemcitabine (GEM) as a radiosensitiser) or chemotherapy (GEM alone, GEM/capecitabine (CAP) or GEM/cisplatin (CIS) followed by CRT (30–50.4Gy, GEM, CAP or GEM/CIS) in the remaining 46 patients. Patients were restaged following CRT and prior to being considered for surgery. Results: Median follow up was 14 months. Among 51 patients analysed, 9 did not complete the intended treatment for the following reasons: a decrease in performance status (PS) associated with toxicities from the initial chemotherapy (n=2), progression during/immediately after initial chemotherapy (n=3), a decrease in PS associated with toxicities from the CRT (n=3) and stent blockage (n=1). Among 42 patients ...