Evaluation of combined hyperfractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy in locally advanced irresectable carcinoma of the pancreas

ABSTRACT

Thirty-two patients with locally advanced irresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were treated with hyperfractionated radiotherapy and simultaneous application of 5-fluorouracil. Chemotherapy was administered as short infusion before each fraction of radiotherapy for four days in the first week to be repeated on the fourth week according to toxicity. Radiotherapy consisted of two fractions per day for five days per week during four consecutive weeks up to a total dose of 48 Gy, each fraction 1.2 Gy with interfraction period not less than six hours. The median survival time for all patients was 12.7 months compared with three and seven months after palliative radiotherapy alone [historical control]. Toxicity and therapy induced morbidity were recorded according to WHO criteria and were acceptable. This combined modality treatment consisting of hyperfractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy seems to be feasible for patients with locally advanced and irresectable pancreatic cancer