Updated 1 November 2005

The tendency for pancreatic cancer to recur both locally and with distant metastases following surgery has prompted investigators to look at delivering radiotherapy and chemotherapy prior to surgery. Various studies have shown that such treatment can be delivered safely; however, no significant survival advantage has been seen.15 In fact, 20-40% of such patients did not go on to have planned surgery due to progressive disease or complications of treatment. Therefore, neoadjuvant treatment for pancreas cancer is not recommended.