Neoadjuvant therapy in upfront resectable pancreatic cancer: current evidence and future considerations

Abstract

Neoadjuvant therapy represents an increasingly recognized strategy in the management of radiographically resectable pancreatic cancer. The rationale behind neoadjuvant therapy includes the potential to increase the likelihood in achieving margin-negative resections, completing multimodality therapy, improving cost-effectiveness, and identifying poor candidates for surgery. In this review, we highlight current data from prospective clinical trials describing the feasibility and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in resectable pancreatic cancer. We end with a discussion on future considerations and unanswered questions important in establishing neoadjuvant therapy as part of the standard treatment paradigm for upfront resectable pancreatic cancer.