Title : Outcomes of patients treated with radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Abstract:
Background: Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Most patients present with metastases where it is too late for potentially curative surgery. In selected patients where the tumour remains localised, radiotherapy may help reduce progression, improve symptoms, and allow patients time off chemotherapy.
Aims: To assess the proportion of patients completing planned radiotherapy treatment, assess frequency of severe toxicity (grade 3 or 4) post radiotherapy recorded on days 7, 30, and 90. Finally, to determine time to disease progression and overall survival of patients post radiotherapy.
Methods: Sequential patients receiving radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer were identified. All patients from the year 2018 to 2020 were included. Data was then extracted from the Christie Web Portal (CWP) and uploaded into an excel spreadsheet. Results were descriptive, including a Kaplan-Meier curve to estimate progression free survival and overall survival.
Results: A total of 19 patients were identified. Within this group, 68.2% were female with a median age of 69 years (range 36 – 76). 89.5% of patients completed their full course of planned radiotherapy. Grade 3-4 toxicities were uncommon with only three grade 3 toxicities identified. Median progression free survival was estimated 4.3 months 95% confidence interval (CI) [3.9,4.7] and median overall survival was estimated 11.9 months 95% CI [5.8,18.1].
Conclusion: This study showed that most were able to complete the entire course of radiotherapy. Areas of improvement were identified, such as better documentation of toxicity and performance scores. This efficacy data serves as a benchmark for future studies.
