Research news
An international team of researchers has developed the first consensus definition for oligometastatic pancreatic cancer, a step that could improve treatment strategies for selected patients.
The study [1], published in The Lancet Oncology, was led by Carl-Stephan Leonhardt and Oliver Strobel at Medical University of Vienna and involved 55 experts from 20 countries.
Until now, there has been no standard definition for pancreatic cancer that has spread in a limited way to other organs, making it difficult to compare studies and identify patients who may benefit from additional local treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Using a structured Delphi consensus process, the group agreed that oligometastatic pancreatic cancer should be defined as a maximum of three metastases in a single organ, most commonly the liver or lungs.
“For the first time, we can clearly define which pancreatic cancer patients may benefit from local treatment in addition to systemic therapy,” said Oliver Strobel.
The experts also established recommendations for imaging and multidisciplinary assessment, including contrast-enhanced CT and liver MRI scans.
The researchers say the consensus could help standardise future clinical studies and support more targeted treatment strategies for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
More information online
Lab Asia 33.2 April
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