Background: The prognosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer is poor (median survival 3-5 months). In view of the localized character of this disease several groups have explored the value of combined modality treatment. The conditions are that a good local treatment and an effective systemic treatment are available.
Patients and methods: The results of irradiation and of chemotherapy in advanced disease are reviewed.
Results: An overview of combined modality treatment has been given.
Conclusions: Results of combined modality treatment are superior to irradiation alone or to symptomatic treatment.