Radiofrequency ablation combined with palliative surgery may prolong survival of patients with advanced cancer of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study is to identify the benefit acquired by the use of radiofrequency ablation in parallel to palliative therapy in patients with advanced cancer of the pancreas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 25 consecutive patients who underwent palliative therapy with or without radiofrequency ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer were included in this retrospective review. Thirteen patients received palliative therapy alone, whereas 12 patients received palliative therapy plus radiofrequency ablation.

RESULTS: Overall mean survival rate in patients receiving paliative therapy alone was 13 months and the maximum survival was 30 months. Where radiofrequency ablation was applied, mean survival was estimated at 33 months (p = 0.0048). Stage III and IV patients treated with palliative therapy alone have a mean survival of 15 and 10 months, respectively. All stage III patients receiving radiofrequency ablation are alive at present and maximum survival has reached 38 months (p = 0.0032), whereas stage IV patients who were treated with radiofrequency ablation have an estimated mean survival period of 14 months (p = 0.1095).

CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation in parallel to palliative therapy seems to provide survival benefit especially for stage III patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Further studies should be conducted to determine the usefulness of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.