Trends in the use of pre‐operative radiation for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in the United States

This study identifies trends in the use of radiation over a 10‐year period and factors associated with the use of pre‐operative radiation, in particular. MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry was used to identify patients aged ≥18 years with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent a surgical resection between 2000 and 2010. Logistic regression was used to identify time trends and factors associated with the use of pre‐operative radiation. ResultsThe overall use of radiation decreased with time among the 8474 patients who met the inclusion criteria. However, the use of pre‐operative radiation increased from 1.8% to 3.9% (P ≤ 0.05). Factors significantly associated with receipt of pre‐operative radiation were younger age, treatment in more recent years and having an advanced T‐stage tumour. The 5‐year hazard of death was significantly less for those who received pre‐operative radiation versus surgery alone [hazard ratio (HR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.74] and for those who received post‐operative radiation versus surgery alone (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.65–0.73). DiscussionThe use of pre‐operative radiation significantly increased during the study period. However, the overall use of pre‐operative radiation therapy remains low in spite of the potential benefits.
Source: HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research