Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Elderly with Pancreatic Head Cancer

The goal of this observational retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) in elderly patients with resectable or borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study includes patients aged ≥70 years who have undergone NAT followed by surgery or upfront surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does NAT improve overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in elderly patients compared to upfront surgery? What is the impact of NAT on R0 resection rates, conversion rates in BR tumors, and the need for vascular resection? How does the toxicity profile of different NAT regimens affect treatment outcomes and patient tolerability? Researchers will compare NAT followed by surgery vs. upfront surgery to determine differences in oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications. Participants will: Be retrospectively identified from hospital records. Be classified based on treatment received (NAT vs. upfront surgery). Undergo data collection on tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, surgical details, and survival outcomes. This study aims to refine patient selection criteria for NAT in elderly patients, guiding personalized treatment strategies to optimize survival and quality of life.

NCT Number	NCT06868693
Lead Sponsor	Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Piacenza
Conditions	Pancreatic Cancer Resectable, Pancreatic Cancer Stage II, Neoadjuvant Therapy, Elderly, Borderline Pancreatic Inoperable Cancer
Enrollment	240 participants
Start Date	2026-01-01
Primary Completion	2026-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-03-11