New Frontiers in Pancreatic Cancer Management: Current Treatment Options and the Emerging Role of Neoadjuvant Therapy

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks among the 15 most prevalent cancers globally, characterized by aggressive growth and late-stage diagnosis. Advances in imaging and surgical techniques have redefined the classification of pancreatic PDAC into resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. While surgery remains the most effective treatment, only 20% of patients are eligible at diagnosis, necessitating innovative strategies to improve outcomes. Therefore, traditional treatment paradigms, primarily surgical resection for eligible patients, are increasingly supplemented by neoadjuvant therapies (NAT), which include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both. By administering systemic therapy prior to surgery, NAT aims to reduce tumor size and increase the feasibility of complete surgical resection, thus enhancing overall survival rates and potentially allowing more patients to undergo curative surgeries. Recent advances in treatment protocols, such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel, now integral to NAT strategies, have shown promising results in increasing the proportion of patients eligible for surgery by effectively reducing tumor size and addressing micrometastatic disease. Additionally, they offer improved response rates and survival benefits compared to traditional regimes. Despite these advancements, the role of NAT continues to evolve, necessitating ongoing research to optimize treatment regimens, minimize adverse effects, and identify patient populations that would benefit most from these approaches. Through a detailed analysis of current literature and recent clinical trials, this review highlights the transformative potential of NAT in managing PDAC, especially in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced stages, promising a shift towards more personalized and effective management strategies for PDAC.