PROTON THERAPY FOR PANCREATIC AND AMPULLARY CANCERS

In a study about 22 patients with pancreatic and ampullary cancer treated with PT and concomitant capecitabine from 2009 to 2012, it was shown that proton therapy may allow for significant sparing of the small bowel and stomach and is associated with a low rate of gastrointestinal toxicity.

Although long-term follow-up will be needed to assess efficacy, the favorable toxicity profile associated with proton therapy may allow for radiotherapy dose escalation, chemotherapy intensification, and possibly increased acceptance of preoperative radiotherapy for patients with resectable or marginally resectable disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23477361