Topic Highlight
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2014; 20(31): 10740-10751
Published online Aug 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10740
Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Definitions and management
Nicole E Lopez, Cristina Prendergast, Andrew M Lowy
Nicole E Lopez, Cristina Prendergast, Andrew M Lowy, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0987, United States
Author contributions: All the authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Andrew M Lowy, MD, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive #0987, La Jolla, CA 92093-0987, United States. alowy@ucsd.edu
Telephone: +1-858-8222124 Fax: +1-858-5344813
Received: November 5, 2013
Revised: February 6, 2014
Accepted: March 19, 2014
Published online: August 21, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer has become recognized as a clinical entity worthy of study based on a number of clinical observations that recognize a continuum between resectable and locally advanced unresectable disease. There are few prospective trials and therefore no data to support specific treatment regimens in borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Difficulties in achieving a consensus, objective definition, small numbers of patients and variability in therapeutic algorithms have delayed progress in establishing strong evidence-based practices for diagnosis and treatment. The Alliance trial represents a first step in establishing reproducible standards by which future trials in borderline resectable PDAC can abide.