Proton Radiation for Resectable Carcinoma of the Pancreas

A Pilot Study Using Neoadjuvant Proton Beam Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy for Marginally Resectable Carcinoma of the Pancreas

The purpose of this study is to find out what effects, good and/or bad, proton radiation combined with chemotherapy and surgery has on you and your pancreatic cancer. This study will look at the side effects from the treatment and the quality of your life in relation to pain. It will also look at how the tumor responds to the combination of treatment with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Chemotherapy capecitabine on radiation days

Proton radiation over 6 weeks

Surgery 6 weeks after radiation completion

Adjuvant Chemotherapy starting 2-8 weeks after surgery with Gemzar

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
• Patients must have marginally resectable disease.
• Patients with biliary obstruction must have adequate drainage prior to starting chemoradiation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of distant metastasis including peritoneal seeding and/or ascites.
• Previous irradiation to the abdomen that would compromise the ability to deliver the prescribed treatment.
• Prior surgical resection.
• Gastroduodenal obstruction