Dose-Escalated Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: A Simultaneous Integrated Boost Approach

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a detailed description of practical approaches to dose escalation in pancreatic cancer.

Methods and materials: The current paper represents an international collaborative effort of radiation oncologists from the MR-linac consortium with expertise in pancreatic dose escalation.

Results: A 15-fraction hypofractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (67.5 Gy in 15 fractions) and 5-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy case (50 Gy in 5 fractions) are presented with information regarding patient selection, target volumes, organs at risk, dose constraints, and specific considerations regarding quality assurance. Additionally, we address barriers to dose escalation and briefly discuss future directions in dose escalation for pancreatic cancer, including particle therapy and magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy.

Conclusions: This article on dose escalation for pancreatic cancer may help to guide academic and community based physicians and to serve as a reference for future therapeutic trials.